Etang-Sale

Etang-Salé is a town in south-western Réunion, known for its black sand beach fringed by a casuarina forest, one of the island's most recognisable coastal landscapes. This volcanic shoreline, known as Etang-Salé-les-Bains, draws visitors for swimming and walking, with sheltered natural pools offering calmer waters than the open ocean, making it popular with families. The casuarina forest, originally planted to stabilise the sand dunes, provides shaded paths ideal for walking and picnicking, alongside relaxed seafront spots. Inland, the town retains a semi-rural character, with sugar cane fields typical of the region. The tropical climate, warm throughout the year with a wetter season from December to March, supports outdoor activities. Etang-Salé benefits from a convenient location along the coastal road linking Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre, making it a practical base for exploring other sites in the south of the island, including white sand beaches and Réunion's volcanic highlands.