Reunion Island 5 Day Itinerary

Reunion Island 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & St. Paul’s Village (Saint-Pierre)

  • 🛬 Arrive at Roland Garros Airport: Check the latest visa requirements for your nationality as some countries may require a visa or a travel authorization to enter France, which includes Reunion Island.

  • 🏨 Check-in at Hotel in Saint-Pierre: A charming town with colorful colonial architecture and a vibrant Creole atmosphere.

  • 🍛 Lunch: Try the local cuisine such as “Rougail saumon” (spicy smoked salmon) or “Galette farcies” (stuffed crepes).

  • 🌄 Evening: Visit the nearby Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. However, it’s advisable to visit with a local guide for safety reasons.

Day 2: Salazie Highlands & Mafate Plateau

  • 🌞 Morning: Drive through the lush Salazie Highlands, stopping at the traditional villages of Hières-Bajesse and Cilaos with their stunning waterfalls.

  • 🍽 Lunch: Savor a Creole meal in one of the local restaurants.

  • 🚗 Afternoon: Journey to the Mafate Plateau, a remote, untouched wilderness accessible only by foot or 4x4 vehicles. It’s essential to hire a local guide for this part of the trip.

Day 3: Grand Réunion National Park & Hell-Bourg

  • 🌄 Night: Camp in the Grand Réunion National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

  • 🌞 Morning: Explore the national park, hike to the Balaclava viewpoint or visit the famous Roiling Muds of Sainte-Rose.

  • 🍽 Lunch: Cook your own meal using local ingredients around a campfire.

  • 🚗 Afternoon: Drive to Hell-Bourg, a picturesque village known for its Creole houses and the famous Rhumerie de Château-Fort, where you can taste the island’s rum.

Day 4: St. Gilles Les Bains & Le Maïdo Beach

  • 🌞 Morning: Head to Saint-Gilles les Bains, a popular beach resort with clear waters and black sand beaches. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling or diving to explore the rich marine life.

  • 🍽 Lunch: Lunch at one of the beachside restaurants.

  • 🌄 Evening: Visit Le Maïdo Beach for a beautiful sunset and dinner at La Cabane Perchée, a restaurant built on stilts over the ocean.

Day 5: Departure

  • 🏨 Check-out from your hotel

  • ✈️ Departure: Make sure to leave enough time for the transfer to Roland Garros Airport and check-in for your flight home.