How to Reach Sainte Marie in Reunion
Sainte Marie is a beautiful town located on the northeastern coast of Réunion Island. If you are planning to visit this charming destination, here are some ways to reach Sainte Marie:
Sainte Marie
Sainte-Marie is a charming coastal town located on the northeastern coast of Reunion, a French department in the Indian Ocean. It is known…
Best for you if…
- A week-long stay
- Beach activities travelers
- Hiking travelers
- Visiting in April to September
More about this guide
Sainte Marie is a strong pick for beach activities & hiking — plan about 5-7 days. Peak season: April to September.
Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 86/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈18.2 km span)
20
Places to explore
5-7
Recommended days
April to September
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: April to September
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
Spring
September to November
Summer
December to February
Winter
June to August
How to get there
By Air:
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Sainte Marie is by flying into Roland Garros Airport, which is the main international airport on the island. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Sainte Marie, which is approximately a 15-minute drive away.
By Road:
If you are already on Réunion Island, you can reach Sainte Marie by road. The town is well-connected by a network of highways and roads. From the capital city of Saint-Denis, you can take the N6 highway and follow the signs to Sainte Marie. The journey takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
By Public Transport:
Reunion Island has a reliable public transport system that allows you to reach Sainte Marie. From Saint-Denis, you can take a bus to Sainte Marie. The buses operate at regular intervals, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. It is advisable to check the bus schedule in advance.
By Sea:
For a unique and scenic experience, you can also reach Sainte Marie by sea. The town has a small port where cruise ships and ferries occasionally dock. If you are planning to arrive by sea, it is recommended to check the schedules and availability in advance.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Sainte Marie in Reunion will reward you with breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and a warm Creole hospitality. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance and enjoy the beauty of this enchanting town.
Getting to know Sainte Marie
Sainte-Marie is a charming coastal town located on the northeastern coast of Reunion, a French department in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and diverse culture. The town was originally settled in the 17th century by French and Malagasy settlers and has since grown into a bustling community that attracts tourists from all over the world.
One of the main attractions of Sainte-Marie is its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The town is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Church of Sainte-Marie and the Maison Rouge, a 19th-century Creole mansion that has been converted into a museum.
Sainte-Marie is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which is a unique fusion of French, Indian, and Malagasy flavors. Visitors can indulge in mouth-watering dishes such as rougail sausage, samosas, and cari seafood, accompanied by the island's famous vanilla-flavored rum.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an exciting cultural experience, Sainte-Marie is the perfect destination for you. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and diverse attractions, this charming coastal town is not to be missed.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Don't forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Try the local cuisine, especially the seafood dishes.
- Explore the underwater world by going scuba diving.
- Visit the Piton de la Fournaise volcano for a unique experience.
- Take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
Places worth exploring
20 places mapped for this destination
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02
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Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~3.8 km · 4 places
Evening stroll 2
~1.5 km · 4 places
Evening stroll 3
~1.1 km · 3 places
Half-day loop 1
~5.2 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 2
~0.9 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 3
~1.3 km · 2 places
Full-day loop 1
~6.4 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 2
~10.6 km · 6 places
Full-day loop 3
~4.9 km · 2 places
Suggested 5-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~3.7 km path
Day 2
~1.7 km path
Day 3
~2.4 km path
Day 4
~27 km path
Day 5
~19.9 km path
Hôtel Dina Morgabine - SAINT DENIS
Highest guest rating nearby
1 Rue Issop Ravate, Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis 97400
Hôtel Select - île de la Réunion
Well-reviewed by many guests
1 Rue des Lataniers, Saint-Jacques, Saint-Denis 97400
Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Sainte Marie?
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Sainte Marie, RE.
When is the best time to visit Sainte Marie?
High season is typically April to September.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Sainte Marie?
Travelers often find better value in May, June, September, October.
What kind of trip is Sainte Marie good for?
Sainte Marie suits Beach activities, Hiking, Snorkeling, Cultural tours.
Is Sainte Marie walkable?
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Any local tips for Sainte Marie?
Don't forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Multi-city ideas
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
- Sainte Marie → Salazie → Bras Panon · ≈18 km
- Sainte Marie → Saint Denis → Salazie · ≈22 km
- Sainte Marie → Salazie → Saint Denis · ≈23 km
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