Reunion Geography

The island of Reunion is 63 kilometers (39 miles) long; 45 kilometers (28 miles) wide; and covers 2512 square kilometers (970 square miles). Reunion is a volcanic island with similar geography and climate to the island of Hawaii. The Piton de la Fournaise, a volcano on the eastern end of Reunion, rises more than 2631 meters (8632 ft) above sea level. It has erupted more than 100 times since 1640 and is under constant monitoring. It most recently erupted on April 4th 2007.

The Piton de la Fournaise on Reunion is created by another volcano hotspot, which also created the Piton des Neiges. The Piton des Neiges volcano, the highest point on the island at 3070 meters (10,069 ft) above sea level, is north west of the Piton de la Fournaise. Collapsed calderas and canyons are south west of the mountain. The slopes of both volcanoes are heavily forested. Cultivated land and cities like the capital city of Saint-Denis are concentrated on the surrounding coastal lowlands. These volcanoes have given Reunion rich soil and agriculture, especially sugar production, is very widespread.

Reunion also has three calderas (collapsed volcanoes): the Cirque de Salazie, the Cirque de Cilaos and the Cirque de Mafate. The island has a very unique geography and is great for not only the beach but also hiking.

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