Hermitage beach
Plage de L'Hermitage, one of the most picturesque and well-kept beaches in Réunion, is a favorite among holidaymakers and is rightfully regarded as a paradisiacal haven on the island. This "Eden" graces the coast of the Indian Ocean on the western fringe of France's overseas territory, close to L'Ermitage-Les-Bains - a name that, when translated from French, means "place of seclusion."
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Beach description
Hermitage Beach is the only beach with snow-white sand on the island, which is more famous for its volcanic landscapes. Its total length is more than 7 km, making it the longest coast in Réunion. Moreover, an equally impressive feature of the beach is the protection of its coastal waters by a coral reef, which forms a picturesque lagoon and attracts snorkeling enthusiasts.
Due to the reef fringing the coast, the beach is distinguished by its:
- vast area (more than 500 m wide) of calm coastal waters, no deeper than 1-2 m;
- exceptionally warm ocean waters ranging from +22 to +30°C;
- numerous fragments of coral and various shells, either thrown ashore or found at the bottom of the ocean lagoon.
The sandy shore of the beach is surrounded by trees and shrubs, including the Australian pine tree, beach bean, and beach morning glory. These climbing plants not only create picturesque landscapes on the beach but also strengthen the sandy coastline through their massive root systems. In the shade of the Australian pine trees, you can organize a beach picnic, sheltered from the heat.
Hermitage Beach is very popular among various categories of holidaymakers due to the different conditions along the coast and beyond the coral reef. The coastal part of the protected lagoon is characterized by a very gentle entry and incredibly clean waters, as well as the absence of waves, which makes it an ideal spot for families with children. Married couples often choose this beach for their vacations.
Those who seek a more thrilling experience can venture beyond the reef, where huge waves provide perfect conditions for surfing. Diving to observe the colorful fish living among the corals attracts young people who enjoy active leisure.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Reunion for a beach vacation is during the southern hemisphere's summer, which runs from November to April. This period offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for beach activities.
- November to April: Peak Season - The weather is hot and humid, with occasional rainfall. This is the perfect time for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- May to October: Off-Peak Season - Cooler and drier, this period is less suitable for beachgoers but great for those looking to explore the island's interior without the intense heat.
For the optimal beach experience, aim for the months of December to March, when the weather is at its best. However, be aware that this is also the cyclone season, so it's important to monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Outside of the peak season, April and November can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Video: Beach Hermitage
Infrastructure
Near the coast, you'll find an array of cafes and bars serving refreshing drinks and snacks. Occasionally, you may even have the option to rent deck chairs and relax in the cool shade of the trees. Generally, the beach is not outfitted with umbrellas and sun loungers. Along the shore, closer to the water's edge, vendors often sell ice cream and invigorating cocktails. The beach is regularly cleaned of debris, and volunteers are frequently welcomed to assist in these efforts.
Unfortunately, there is no water leisure equipment available for rent on this beach. Therefore, you'll need to bring your own or rent it from the nearest town. However, the beach is equipped with showers and changing rooms. Additionally, a free Wi-Fi zone surrounds the lifeguard tower, offering considerable convenience during your visit.
For accommodation, consider staying at the LUX Île de la Réunion (Grand Hotel du Lagon) in the village of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Situated directly on the coast, it is the sole five-star establishment in the area. Options for renting a villa or an apartment near the beach are also available.
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When staying on the beach at Hermitage, it's advisable to observe the following rules of conduct in order to avoid any trouble that could darken your holiday in this paradise.
- Don't forget about protective slippers for swimming, as well as it's extremely inadvisable to walk barefoot on the beach – the risk of injury from a fragment of shells or corals is very high.
- When diving in the beach lagoon there are risks to face not only colorful, but also dangerous fish. There's a good chance to come across a stone fish and a scorpionfish. There are also sea urchins, which are difficult to distinguish from coral debris.
- Outside the lagoon with the coral reef, the possibility of encountering sharks is particularly high. There are plenty of them near the shores of Réunion. They aren't in a peaceful mood, so every year fatal cases of encounter with these predators are registered here. In order to avoid this danger, you shouldn't swim for a long distance from the shore.
- The transition from the lagoon to the open ocean is accompanied by very strong currents. You shouldn't go that far without being a professional diver or surfer.
- It's important to be aware that the lagoon has been part of the Marine Reserve since 2007, and there may be quite substantial fines for coral destruction or pollution. It's also prohibited to take coral twigs or even their wreckage out of here.