Reunion Island 4 Day Itinerary

Reunion Island 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Saint-Denis and the North Coast

  • Morning: Arrive at Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis, the capital city of Reunion Island. Take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Jardin de l’État, a beautiful botanical garden featuring local flora and fauna. Explore the historic center of Saint-Denis, including the Cathédrale de Saint-Denis and the Hôtel de Ville.
  • Evening: Head to the Boulevard Lancastel in Saint-Denis for dinner and enjoy the island’s Creole cuisine.

Day 2: Cirque de Mafate and Cilaos

  • Morning: Take a guided hike to the Cirque de Mafate, a stunning natural amphitheater surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. The hike is moderately difficult and takes around 4-5 hours.
  • Afternoon: Visit the picturesque village of Cilaos, known for its beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and traditional Creole houses. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.
  • Evening: Return to Saint-Denis and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 3: L’Étang-Salé and the West Coast

  • Morning: Drive to L’Étang-Salé (around 1 hour) and visit the Salt Pans, where you can learn about the traditional salt harvesting process.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Plage de l’Hermitage, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. Enjoy water activities like snorkeling or swimming.
  • Evening: Drive to Saint-Paul (around 30 minutes) and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 4: Piton de la Fournaise and Saint-Benoît

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano that offers breathtaking views. The tour takes around 6-7 hours.
  • Afternoon: Visit the charming town of Saint-Benoît, known for its historic architecture, tea plantations, and beautiful scenery.
  • Evening: Return to Saint-Denis (around 1 hour) and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Things to Know

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of EU countries, Switzerland, and Norway do not need a visa to enter Reunion Island.
  • Citizens of other countries should check with the French Embassy or Consulate in their home country for visa requirements.

Transportation

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is recommended to explore the island. Several car rental companies are available at the airport.
  • Public Transportation: A bus network connects major towns, but services can be limited.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but prices can be high.

Other Tips

  • Language: French and Creole are the official languages. Many locals also speak English.
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency.
  • Weather: Reunion Island has a tropical climate. Be prepared for rain showers and high humidity.
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions to protect yourself from sunburn, heat exhaustion, and mosquito-borne diseases.

Accommodation

  • Saint-Denis: Hotel Le Récif or similar
  • Cilaos: Gîte de la Roche Meringue or similar
  • L’Étang-Salé: Hotel Les Filaos or similar

Additional Information

Health and Vaccinations

  • Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations before traveling to Reunion Island.

Responsible Tourism

  • Respect the island’s unique environment and culture.
  • Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators.
  • Support local communities by purchasing handicrafts and eating at local restaurants.