Étang-Salé beach
Plage de l'Étang Salé is the longest volcanic beach in Réunion, stretched along the southwestern edge of the island. The contrasting combination of black sand, the incredible turquoise colouring of the ocean and the emerald needles of Australian pines have made it the most picturesque coast, and the high waves attract many surfers. The convenient location between the outskirts of Les Avirons and the center of L'Étang-Salé (hence the name of the beach) also adds to the attractiveness of this holiday destination.
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Beach description
The total length of this coast with basalt sand is about 2 km. The black sand warms up in the sun very well, so it's impossible to walk along the coast without shoes because of the high probability of getting burns.
The entire coast of L'Étang-Salé is conditionally divided into two parts:
- the southern edge – a small area protected by a coral reef and perfect for families with children and lovers of snorkeling;
- the northern side – no reefs, with open access to the ocean and high waves perfect for surfing
When the ocean waters are calm (which is rare), you can go snorkeling and admire the big jacks and lobsters. But still, L'Étang-Salé Beach is a true surfer's paradise because here:
- newcomers can practice this sport near the coast;
- more experienced sportsmen have the opportunity to conquer high waves far from shore
It's important to take into account that strong currents can occur here, as well as everywhere else on the coast of Réunion. When vacationing in the southern part of the beach don't forget about the presence of sea urchins at the bottom. Bathing outside of controlled areas of water is prohibited here because of the high risk of encounter with sharks, which can swim even in the lagoon in the south of the beach. Despite its high popularity, the coast of L'Étang-Salé is rarely crowded with tourists like many other beaches on the island.
When is the best time to go?
Since there are mountains on the island, the climate on it is cooler and drier than on the neighboring islands. Since Reunion is located in the southern hemisphere, the calendar winter coincides with the climatic summer, so the best time to visit the island is from September to November and from April to May.
Video: Beach Étang-Salé
Infrastructure
Despite the considerable length of the beach, the infrastructure is quite well developed:
- there're several small cafes and restaurants in the vicinity and a couple of beach bars can be found right on the beach;
- near the coast, there's an organized parking lot for cars;
- the shore has toilets and showers, a lifeguard station is functioning
In general, the coast of L'Étang-Salé is wilder than the beaches on the west shore of the island. Next to the southern edge of L'Étang-Salé beach there is a small harbour with a marina for fishing boats and powerboats, which has been functioning since 1870. Here you can rent a traditional boat for boat trips or a powerboat for fishing.
You can stay at a mini-hotel Chambre d'hôtes Le «bassin pirogues» (just in 200 m from the beach).
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On the island, you can visit several interesting sights located next to the beach:
- The coastal coniferous forest of L'Étang-Salé is a thick strip of Australian pines of almost 1000 ha, directly adjoining the beach. It's an excellent place for hiking, bicycle and horse trips, for which there are appropriate trails. In the vicinity of the forest there's also a golf course, the Nile Crocodile Park and the largest water park on the island..
- The Abyss in L'Étang-Salé is a picturesque narrow natural ravine between black rocks, which the waves of the Indian Ocean loudly crash to. But it's inadvisable to approach the edge of the abyss when the ocean is raging. Fatal accidents have happened here more than once.
The city of L'Étang-Salé itself, often referred to as “the place between the forest and the sea”, is also an interesting place to visit.