Best Airbnb Markets in La Réunion, La Réunion

Saint-Paul is a multi-faceted municipality on Reunion Island, home to the famous seaside resorts of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Boucan Canot. Featuring white sandy beaches protected by a lagoon and a colorful traditional market, it is the island’s primary tourism hub. The Airbnb market is exceptionally dynamic, with an occupancy rate of 69%. Visitors seek Creole bungalows or luxury apartments near the lagoon to enjoy a tropical paradise and a vast array of water sports.

Saint-Pierre, the “Capital of the South” on Reunion Island, offers a vibrant urban and seaside atmosphere with its marina and protected beach. It is the perfect base for exploring the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and the rugged landscapes of the “Sud Sauvage.” The rental market is robust, driven by diverse tourism and a rich cultural scene. With an annual revenue of €24,452, Saint-Pierre attracts travelers seeking authentic Reunion culture, who value its dining, waterfront, and exceptional climate.

Saint-Leu, on Reunion’s west coast, is a paradise for surfers and paragliding enthusiasts, famous for its world-class “left hander” surf break. The town offers a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, featuring museums like Kélonia and a picturesque waterfront. The Airbnb market is very active here, boasting a strong occupancy rate of 70%. Visitors seek apartments with sea-view terraces or quiet Creole homes, enjoying the unique blend of boardsports, culture, and tropical island living.

Saint-Denis, the capital of Reunion Island, is a major historic and cultural city with remarkable colonial heritage, exemplified by the stunning Creole houses along Rue de Paris. As a dynamic metropolis and the island’s primary gateway, it attracts business travelers and urban tourists alike. The rental market is driven by steady demand and a lively nightlife at the Barachois. Modern city-center apartments or villas on the surrounding hills (La Montagne) are popular for their comfort and proximity to capital attractions.

Le Tampon, situated in the southern highlands of Reunion Island, offers a cool climate and lush landscapes at the gateway to the Plaine des Cafres and the volcano. It is a prime destination for hikers and nature lovers, providing a peaceful alternative to the coast. The Airbnb market features guesthouses and villas with gardens, attracting travelers seeking tranquility and fresh mountain air. Accommodations offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks or cirques are especially popular for authentic and rejuvenating stays.

Saint-Joseph, at the southern tip of Reunion Island, is the heart of the “Sud Sauvage” (Wild South), offering spectacular landscapes of basalt cliffs and lush forests. Between the Langevin River and the stunning Grand Anse site, the area attracts travelers seeking raw nature and preserved traditions. The short-term rental market is high-quality, with demand for typical Creole homes and secluded villas surrounded by greenery. Visitors appreciate the deep authenticity of Saint-Joseph and its breathtaking natural setting, ensuring a unique Reunion experience.

L'Étang-Salé, nestled between the ocean and the forest, is a unique Reunion destination famous for its volcanic black sand beach and vast coastal forest. It is a highly attractive market for local families and tourists seeking outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and golf. The Airbnb market performs well here, boasting an occupancy rate of 68%. Visitors especially value villas with pools and bungalows in quiet residential neighborhoods, serving as a perfect base for exploring both the south and west of the island.

Saint-Louis, a strategic crossroads between the coast and the mountain cirques, offers an authentic Reunion experience shaped by its sugar industry history and diverse culture. It is the natural gateway to the Cilaos cirque via the famous road of 400 bends. The rental market is supported by transit and discovery tourism. Visitors seek friendly accommodations in the city center or on the heights (Les Makes) to enjoy the cooler air and panoramic views of the island’s south, ensuring steady demand year-round.

La Possession, located between sea and mountains at the gateway to the Mafate cirque, is a rapidly growing municipality known for its quality of life and legendary hiking trails (Chemin des Anglais). As a pivotal town between the north and west, it attracts a diverse clientele, from professionals to seasoned hikers. The Airbnb market is dynamic here, with an occupancy rate of 70%. Visitors value modern apartments with ocean views or homes on the hillsides, offering peace and easy access to the island’s main transport routes.