Cilaos

Travel Guide

Cilaos showing mountains and a lake or waterhole
Cilaos which includes general coastal views, landscape views and mountains
Cilaos showing a fountain and mountains
Cilaos featuring mountains
Cilaos showing landscape views and forests as well as an individual femail

In the heart of the island of Réunion is a town where you will find artisan workshops, thermal springs and spectacular hiking trails.

Set in a valley encompassed by forest-clad hills and volcanoes is the picturesque town of Cilaos. Here you can visit artist workshops, relax in thermal baths and experience the wine-making history of Réunion. Explore canyons, discover waterfalls and hike along scenic trails. The town’s beginnings date back to the 19th century, when it was a spa resort. Today Cilaos is a popular ecotourism destination located in the dramatic landscapes of Cirque de Cilaos.

Stroll around the compact town center, which has streets lined with boutiques and handicraft stores. Visit Maison de la Broderie to learn about Cilaos’ embroidery heritage and watch women expertly embroider clothing and tablecloths. Admire the fairytale-like illustrations of Réunion at Philippe Turpin’s Studio. Enjoy the town’s scenic surroundings at Mare à Joncs lake, where you can rent paddle boats.

The 10,072-feet (3,070-meter) tall shield volcano Piton des Neiges looms over the town. It forms part of Réunion National Park, a paradise for adventure sports. Join treks to mountain peaks, go climbing, visit majestic waterfalls and try canyoning. Short walks abound in Cilaos’ immediate surroundings, too. These include the walk to La Roche Merveilleuse lookout. After a busy day of activities, rejuvenate the body in the thermal waters of Thermes de Cilaos.

Delve into the town’s culinary scene at lakeside restaurants and rustic bars. Sample dishes based on locally grown lentils and inspired by French-Creole traditions. Learn about the island’s wine culture and enjoy a wine-tasting session at Maison des Vins du Chai de Cilaos.

Spread around the town’s outskirts are a handful of charming hamlets. Just a 20-minute drive away is postcard-perfect Îlet à Cordes, framed by rolling vineyards and lentil fields. Hike or drive to Bras Sec to feel a million miles from tourism.

Getting to Cilaos is an adventure in itself, via a meandering mountain road with over 400 chicanes and hairpin turns. Travel by bus from Saint-Louis, situated about 22 miles (36kilometers) south, or rent a car and stop off at viewpoints. Come and see why legend says that the name Cilaos means The Place One Never Leaves.

Résidence Hôtelière Otroiza

Résidence Hôtelière Otroiza

3 Rue du Pere Boiteau, Cilaos
The price is ¥15,196 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥15,196
¥15,515 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Cilaos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Réunion National Park and Cirque de Salazie ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
Beatiful stay in Cilaos.
"Me and my wife really enjoyed our stay. The small hotel is nicely renovated ,clean and close to the centre of town, with beatiful views from the small veranda."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Résidence Hôtelière Otroiza
Le Tsilaosa Hotel & Spa

Le Tsilaosa Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
21, Rue du Pere Boiteau, Cilaos
The price is ¥24,898 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
¥24,898
¥25,421 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cilaos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Réunion National Park and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (52 reviews)
"It’s a good location and the breakfast was excellent. It could do with a bit of tlc and if you want to use the rooftop jacuzzi, make sure you book in advance. Also worth checking what day you are going to be in Cilous as eating options are extremely limited on a Monday."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

Le Tsilaosa Hotel & Spa
Le Cilaos

Le Cilaos

4 out of 5
40eme Chemin Des Trois Mares, Cilaos
The price is ¥27,492 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
¥27,492
¥28,069 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Cilaos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Popular attractions Réunion National Park and Cirque de Salazie are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (124 reviews)
"good hotel but defo not a 4 star you should ask for a room with no ll inclusive restaurant incredibly slow - we ate in two hours due to long service hotels quite old i dont think it will get 4 star again probs a 3 star - this should be 60 euros a night not more"

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2021

Le Cilaos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dina Morgabine

Dina Morgabine

3 out of 5
80 Bis rue des Engagés, Bruniquel, La Saline Les Bains, Saint-Paul
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Saint-Paul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (347 reviews)
Good experience
"It was a great experience! The staff was very welcoming and nice. The room was perfect for a couple. Only inconvenient : not enough parking space."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2021

Dina Morgabine
Residence Tropic Appart'hotel

Residence Tropic Appart'hotel

3 out of 5
102, avenue de Bourbon, L'Ermitage, Saint-Paul
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Saint-Paul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
"Leider keine Pool-Handtücher."

Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024

Residence Tropic Appart'hotel
L'Archipel

L'Archipel

3 out of 5
9 rue de la Cheminée, Grand Ford, Saint-Gilles les Bains, Saint-Paul
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly residence in Saint-Paul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Les Trois Roches and Cap ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (191 reviews)
"It's a relative big 3 star hotels. The room is very small an no lift in the building, but it is value for money. The hotel also comes with a pool and has lots of parking spaces. Not much restaurants around. Burger King and a big supermarket is not far from the hotel."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2019

L'Archipel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Cilaos