Just 63 kilometres long, this tiny island rises impressively out of the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. 40% of the island is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, incorporating the vast calderas that make up this volcano graveyard. The highest peak amongst these is the Piton de Neiges, which towers over the island, rising to a precipitous 3,069-metre peak.
To the south of this jumble of basalt crags, volcanic depressions and plant-rich slopes, the Piton de La Fournaise still rumbles with life.
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, its lava flows sporadically slide towards the ocean – meeting the water with a colossal eruption of steam and sound. The surrounding landscape is arid and lunar in nature, contrasting wonderfully with the tropically verdant mountain slopes to the north.