RE

Saint Philippe

Saint Philippe

Saint Philippe is a charming coastal village located on the southeastern coast of Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the India…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Beach activities travelers
  • Hiking and trekking travelers
  • Visiting in November to April
Recommended stay
7 days
Best time
November to April
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Solid guide
More about this guide

Saint Philippe is a strong pick for beach activities & hiking and trekking — plan about 7 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: November to April.

Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 69/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈2 km span)

6 Places to explore
7 Recommended days
November to April Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: November to April

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: May · June · September · October

Weather

Autumn

March to May - 22°C to 28°C

Spring

September to November - 20°C to 25°C

Summer

December to February - 24°C to 30°C

Winter

June to August - 18°C to 22°C

How to get there

How to Reach Saint Philippe in Reunion

Saint Philippe is a beautiful coastal town located on the southeastern coast of Reunion Island. If you are planning a visit to this charming destination, here are some ways to reach Saint Philippe:

By Air:

The easiest way to reach Saint Philippe is by flying into Roland Garros Airport, which is the main international airport in Reunion. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Saint Philippe, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. The scenic drive will take you through lush landscapes and picturesque coastal views.

By Car:

If you are already in Reunion, you can reach Saint Philippe by car. The town is well-connected by roads, and driving gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. From Saint-Denis, the capital city of Reunion, you can take the N2 road and follow the signs to Saint Philippe. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By Public Transportation:

Reunion has a reliable public transportation system, and you can reach Saint Philippe by bus. From Saint-Denis, you can take the bus to Saint Pierre, which is a larger town located near Saint Philippe. From Saint Pierre, you can then take another bus or a taxi to reach Saint Philippe. The bus journey may take longer than driving, but it offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers.

By Boat:

If you are arriving from nearby islands or prefer a more unique mode of transportation, you can reach Saint Philippe by boat. Reunion has a port in Saint Pierre, and there are regular ferry services connecting the island with Mauritius and Madagascar. Once you reach Saint Pierre, you can continue your journey to Saint Philippe by car or public transportation.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Saint Philippe in Reunion is worth the effort. The town offers stunning natural beauty, with its pristine beaches, lush forests, and the iconic Piton de la Fournaise volcano nearby. So pack your bags, plan your journey, and get ready to explore this charming coastal gem!

Getting to know Saint Philippe

Saint Philippe is a charming coastal village located on the southeastern coast of Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. This picturesque place is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, impressive cliffs, and breathtaking beaches. The village itself is characterized by its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Creole architecture, which adds to its unique charm.

One of the main attractions in Saint Philippe is the Piton de la Fournaise, a massive active volcano that draws visitors from all over the world. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the numerous trails that lead to the volcano's crater, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The volcano regularly erupts, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle of lava flows and steam clouds.

Another highlight of Saint Philippe is its beautiful beaches, such as Grande Anse and Petite Anse. These pristine stretches of sand are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant marine life, making it a popular spot for diving enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy various water sports, including surfing and kayaking.

In addition to its natural wonders, Saint Philippe is also known for its cultural heritage. The village hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and gastronomy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by sampling delicious Creole cuisine, which combines African, Indian, and French influences.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Try local Creole cuisine
  • Explore the Piton de la Fournaise volcano
  • Visit the beautiful Plage de Grande Anse beach

Places worth exploring

6 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 7-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Saint Philippe?

Most travelers spend about 7 days in Saint Philippe, RE.

When is the best time to visit Saint Philippe?

High season is typically November to April.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Saint Philippe?

Travelers often find better value in May, June, September, October.

What kind of trip is Saint Philippe good for?

Saint Philippe suits Beach activities, Hiking and trekking, Water sports, Cultural exploration.

Is Saint Philippe walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Saint Philippe?

Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent

Build your trip

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Compare with another place Multi-city routes

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Saint Philippe → Saint Joseph → Saint-Pierre in Reunion · ≈29 km
  • Saint Philippe → Sainte Rose → Le Tampon · ≈45 km
  • Saint Philippe → Petite Ile → Saint-Pierre in Reunion · ≈29 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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