Reunion Island 5 Day Itinerary

Reunion Island 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Saint-Denis

  • Arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Saint-Denis, the capital city of Reunion Island
  • Take a taxi or bus to your accommodation in the city center
  • Visit the Grand Marché, a bustling marketplace selling local fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts
  • Explore the historic Le Barachois waterfront area, with its picturesque views and colonial architecture
  • Enjoy a traditional Creole lunch at one of the many restaurants in the city

Things to Know:

  • Reunion Island is a French overseas department, so you’ll need a valid passport and possibly a visa (check with your local French embassy or consulate)
  • The official language is French, but many locals also speak Creole and some English
  • The island has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)

Day 2: Cilaos and the Cirque de Mafate

  • Take an early morning bus or drive to Cilaos, a picturesque town in the heart of the island ( approx. 1-hour journey)
  • Hike to the Cirque de Mafate, a stunning natural amphitheater with breathtaking views
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch or try some local specialties at one of the many food stalls
  • Return to Saint-Denis in the evening and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant

Activities:

  • Hiking: Reunion Island has many hiking trails for all levels, including the famous GR2 trail that circumnavigates the island
  • Canyoning: explore the island’s rugged landscape with guided canyoning tours

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

  • Take a bus or drive to L’Etang-Salé, a charming coastal town on the west coast (approx. 1.5-hour journey)
  • Visit the Salt Pans, where you can learn about the island’s salt production
  • Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant
  • Explore the beautiful beaches and coves of the west coast, such as Plage de l’Hermitage

Transportation:

  • Bus: an efficient network connects major towns and cities
  • Car Rental: available at the airport or in Saint-Denis
  • Taxi: widely available, but more expensive than public transportation

Day 4: Piton de la Fournaise and the South Coast

  • Take a bus or drive to Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano on the south coast (approx. 2-hour journey)
  • Hike to the summit for stunning views of the island and the ocean
  • Visit the Volcano Museum to learn more about the island’s geological history
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Le Tampon, a charming town on the south coast

Things to Do:

  • Snorkeling or scuba diving: explore the island’s coral reefs and marine life
  • Whale watching: take a guided tour to spot humpback whales (seasonal)

Day 5: Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains and Departure

  • Spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, such as Plage de la Saline
  • Visit the ** Aquarium of Reunion Island**, featuring local marine life
  • Return to Roland Garros Airport for your departure flight

Additional Tips:

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: French, Creole, and some English
  • Safety: take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Respect the environment: Reunion Island is a fragile ecosystem, so be sure to respect local regulations and traditions