The planet is vast, very vast; it abounds in lost territories and secret nuggets. Among them, do you know Saint-Cilana? Located off the coast of Reunion Island and Mauritius, Saint-Cilana is a small island that was isolated from other cultures until the end of the 18th century. However, this unique ecosystem has many beauties to reveal to its travelers; the island presents a unique diversity of landscapes, which will satisfy the desires of every traveler. What to see and what to do in Sainte-Cilana, the most unusual destination? We tell you everything!
What To See In Saint-cilana?
Its capital, Cilana, is a very developed city that was built by the sea. Its esplanade was recently redone in 2002, and it is particularly pleasant to walk around and watch birds walking on the water at sunset. At its western end, you will be able to admire the immense statue of Buddha dating from the 11th century, 6 meters high and covered with gold, coming to testify of the important cultural and religious richness that the Cilanese possess and of the importance of Buddhism within this country.
Touhava, The Oldest District Of The Capital
This large statue also marks the entrance to the oldest district of Cilana: the district of Touhava. Woven around the waterfront, the old buildings of this historic district, made of wood and clay, are a testimony to the city’s antiquity. The first-floor stores are now very popular with young artists and designers, who come to sell their new collections and show the effervescence of the creativity of the Cilanese youth. A little further on, you will come across the port of Cilana, which protects the many more or less traditional boats used for fishing, which is still the main activity of the country.
North of Touhava, on the heights, is the huge Royal Palace. Its construction was completed in 1857, one year after the coronation of Luticha Kimsa Cilana, the first king of the country’s absolute monarchy to return to the throne after the departure of the settlers. It is a reproduction of the original palace, which was destroyed by the colonists when they took over in 1778.
Don’t hesitate to visit this sublime palace with its unique architecture. The orange, red, yellow, or blue-colored walls, the earthenware floors, and the wooden beams will transport you to a parallel world, where only beauty and calm reign supreme, far from the tumult of the city of Cilana.
Eng Mepifi, The Shopping District
Take a trip to Eng Mepifi which remains, year after year, the commercial center of the city. It is centrally located between the production and handicraft district of Salapot and the historical center of Touhava: this allowed the inhabitants and producers to reach the markets quickly and avoid long trips with their goods. Stroll through the huge markets and see the daily catch of the day, the exotic fruits and vegetables that can be tasted on this island, or buy spices to bring back as souvenirs.
Salapot, The Artisanal District
You can also visit Salapot, the artisanal district of the city. Here you will discover the country’s meticulous production and craftsmanship. The people of Santa Cilana are extremely talented and skilled in the production and transformation of raw materials: leather design, colored fabrics, silk or cotton thread production, their talents are unheard of.
You can also admire the meticulous work of the women weavers and seamstresses, producing sublime and unique colored dresses for the great events of the island. Cilana is a rich and bustling city, with incessant and dangerous traffic and colorful buildings, which will overwhelm you.
The Rest Of Cilana
The surroundings of the historic center are of little interest to the visitor. To the west of the city is the economic center, with high towers where the main industries of the country are located (fishing exports, sugar cane production, management of the country’s resources). To the east, are the residential areas of Sainte-Cilana: many colorful wooden houses are lined up and house the local population, more or less high on stilts to protect themselves from snakes, but also to represent the personal wealth of the inhabitant: the higher a house is, the more affluent the inhabitant is and could buy raw material to build his habitat and protect himself from the fauna.
South And East Of Santa Cilana
In the south and east of Cilana and the island, some areas are particularly interesting for visitors: these are the beaches of Saint Cilana. You will find a succession of beaches, each more paradisiacal than the other, with clear turquoise water, perfect for diving, observing the exotic fish of the region, and spotting some turtles. Some beaches are a surfer’s paradise, such as Ageni and Commcy.
The Seaside Resort Of Wilwi
The small seaside town of Wilwi, located in the southeast of the island, is well known as a party paradise: beach bars and sound systems broadcasting reggae music on the beach follow one another, to party until the end of the night. The spot is particularly popular during the full moon, for the full moon party, a concept adopted and brought back by one of the locals from a trip to Thailand that he loved. The consumption of alcohol on this day is forbidden on the rest of the island because of the Buddhist religion, but Wilwi is an exception.
Appointment With The Whales!
Finally, don’t miss the eastern part of the island from May to October where you can see the whales performing their ballet. After having traveled thousands of kilometers from the polar zone of the globe, they come to warm up in the waters of the Indian Ocean. It is there that they reproduce and give birth to their calves, weighing 500 kg! It is also the peak wind season for kite surfers.
You will find all along the beaches small huts for renting equipment. Don’t hesitate to take a picture of your equipment before using it, to avoid scams on the deposit when you return it.
The North Of Saint Cilana
The north of the island and its center are wilder, structurally less developed, and therefore more difficult to access and with less clement weather. However, these places hide many treasures.
The North of the island offers sublime and narrow black sand beaches surrounded by high rocky cliffs and covered with ferns and vegetation, with some beaches waterfalls falling on the beach. These unique and breathtaking landscapes can be admired by accessing them by boat. You can find expeditions to get there at the tourist office of Cilana. You can also rent small zodiacs at the edge of the esplanade if you have a boat license.
The Center Of Saint-cilana
The center of the island has a lush and unique ecosystem to discover. By staying in the small villages located in the center of the island, you will be able to meet hosts offering to accompany you and to take a hike to discover the vegetation, observe the fauna, and admire the sublime cascades and torrents winding through the jungle. Don’t hesitate: the locals know this place like the back of their hand and will show you their most beautiful secret spots, usually for a very small price.
The Steep Relief Of The Center Of The Island
Often foggy, full of relief, the center of the island is quite mysterious and many myths and legends surround this difficult-to-access place. Its highest peak, Mount Pottouwi, is 1145 meters high. A Buddha of 8 meters high has been erected there, and its ascent represents one of the great common dreams of the Cilanese.
To reach it is an important pilgrimage and would provide peace and love to each person who would have made its ascent. All around this region are scattered sublime palaces and cities organized around the Buddhist religion, suggesting that this region was once the religious and political center of the island. This region, despite the difficulty of access, was probably chosen because of the particular and mystical atmosphere that emerges from it.
The Unmissable Nature Reserve Of Romasastan
Finally, don’t miss the incredible Romasastan nature reserve, located in the center of the island. At the foot of Mount Pottouwi, the land flattens out and a curious plain appears, a surprising succession to the humid jungle. Between the plain and the swamp, you can admire many species of animals and birds. Don’t miss a sunset in this unique ecosystem: it’s a unique experience to live. For the more adventurous, experience glamping at the Kimilu eco-lodge, where you can fall asleep to the sound of wildlife in the middle of this sublime nature reserve, thanks to their hardwood tents.
When To Visit Saint Cilana The Unusual?
Still not very touristy, Sainte-Cilana can be visited all year round. You will be able to enjoy its beauty without any tourist overload. The dry season is the most popular, as well as the second half of July and August. If you wish to leave during this period of the year, book your plane tickets as soon as possible!
Temperatures are lower in the Highlands, but pleasant all year round on the coasts. The sea is more capricious at this time of the year on the East Coast, but you can also see whales this time of the year that comes to breed and give birth to their calves. This is also a good time to kitesurf on the East Coast.
The period from mid-September to the end of November, as well as the end of the year holidays, constitute the other pole of the tourist season. It is a different clientele. The weather is great, it is warm, the rain is less abundant, the water temperature is divine, and many marine species are present and can be observed from the East Coast, such as whales and whale sharks.
From January to March, it is the wet season. Many tourism actors take advantage of January to revise their equipment, some hoteliers close, restructure their staff, or restore their establishment. But the south of the island remains globally touristic even during this period.
