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Reunion lies in the Indian Ocean, approx 220km south-west of Mauritius and 800 km east of Madagascar. The island is volcanic in origin and mountainous, and covers an area of 2,512 sq km (970 sq miles).
This is a volcanic island with two major mountain zones, the Cirques of Cilanos, Salazie and Mafate, and the active volcano Piton-de-la-fornaise, which errupts fairly regularly.
The highest peak, Piton des Neiges, rises 3,069 m (10,069 ft) above sea level.
In the 1640s, Reunion was occupied by the French, displacing the Portuguese, who in 1513 had been the first European arrivals on the island. The island became prosperous during the 18th century when it lay on the shipping routes which carried trade between Europe and Asia. Although this is an island of exceptional and bright turquoise waters, its quantity of sharks mean that swimming and other water sports activities may not be the number-one reason why visitors might want to go to Reunion. Far greater are its stupendous trekking routes across mountain terrain. Cirques – large volcanic valleys surrounded by mountains, creating a natural amphitheater of about 10km (6 miles) in diameter – sink into the ground, replete with magnificent waterfalls and other natural features.
It is fortunate that Reunion has so many areas of beauty, since this is a densely populated island that, although once flourishing from the cultivation of sugar cane, is now mostly sustained from its tourist industry – plus financial aid from the hands of France.
There is a good range of hotels, inns and pensions. Prices are high (and plumbing somewhat basic), but the food is often excellent. Tariffs usually include bed and breakfast, tax and service charges. There are many rooms available in guest houses across the island as well as self-catering studio flats and accommodation in farmhouses. For further information, contact Comité du Tourisme de la Reunion.
A variety of excellent restaurants, some run by hotels, offer good French cuisine and Creole specialties.
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