Pirate paradise

Réunionese locals call the island's southeast coast 'le Sud sauvage,' or the Wild South, for not only its remoteness but the incredible forces of nature evident here. The outcrop of Cap Méchant was formed by lava flows from nearby Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Relentless Indian Ocean swells hammer away at the hardened lava, resulting in a rough and ragged look. Though spectacular, it screams danger to seafarers—maybe that's why pirates used to treasure it as a hideout and rum stash.