I recently spent 10 days in Reunion Island and it was nothing short of amazing!
Nicknamed the Intense Island, La Reunion is the perfect destination for adventurous souls.
The island’s diverse landscape boasts spectacular hiking trails that weave through lush forests, rugged mountains, and gushing waterfalls as well as stunning black and white sand beaches.
In addition, the opportunity to trek to Piton de La Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes further solidifies La Reunion as a hiker’s paradise.
If you plan to visit soon, here’s my tried and tested 10-day Reunion Island itinerary, complete with helpful tips on transportation, accommodations, the best time to visit, and more.
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10 Day Reunion Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in La Reunion and head to Salazie
I started my Reunion Island itinerary in the capital city of Saint Denis.
This is where most people are likely to be flying into but there’s also another airport in Saint Pierre, in the south. In case you’re landing there, feel free to switch the itinerary around.
I picked up my rental car at the airport and the drive to the city center took about 15 minutes.
Tip: I recommend hiring your car through Discover Cars as they have the best rates. They also offer full coverage insurance to cover excess charges like theft and breakdown.
If you arrive early in the morning, you can spend the first half of the day exploring Saint Denis or save it for your last day.
Start off by taking a stroll around Le Barachois, a beautiful waterfront promenade overlooking La route du Littoral with its impressive mountain backdrop. There’s a small paid parking here which costs less than 2€ for a few hours.
Next, explore the city center to admire the beautiful colonial buildings, churches, and temples.
I also recommend checking out the Central Market where you can pick up some souvenirs and the nearby Rue du Maréchal Leclerc, a cobblestoned street lined with trendy boutiques.
Once you’re done exploring Saint Denis, make your way toward the village of Hell Bourg in the Cirque of Salazie. But first, I recommend stopping at a few sights along the way.
About a 40-minute drive from Saint Denis is the stunning Cascade Niagara. The parking lot is located just a few steps from the waterfall so you won’t need to hike to see this beauty.
There’s a large green field beside the waterfall, making it the perfect spot to have a picnic.
About a 45-minute drive away is Cascade Blanche, the third tallest waterfall on Reunion Island, plunging from 640 meters.
You can park for free at Restaurant La Cascade Blanche and then make your way up the stairs toward a small kiosk. From there, it’s just a matter of following the signs before reaching the waterfall.
The hike to Cascade Blanche is relatively easy and takes about 45 minutes one way. Just be aware that part of the trail is steep and muddy which can make the hike slightly challenging on a rainy day.
Tip: Just before reaching Cascade Blanche, you’ll come across another waterfall known as Pisse en L’air that cascades directly onto the road.
The last stop before reaching Hell Bourg is Cascade du Voile de la Mariée. You can just park along the road to admire the waterfall.
Where to stay in Hell Bourg/Salazie: I stayed at Le P’ti Blanc des O, a small guesthouse with stunning mountain views. You can easily walk from there to the village in about 10 minutes through a short forest trail. I just don’t recommend walking along this trail at night as it’s pitch dark and you can easily get lost unless you know your way around or have a powerful flashlight.
Day 2: Hell Bourg, Cirque of Salazie
For the second day of your Reunion itinerary, you’ll be exploring Hell Bourg, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
I highly recommend starting your day early when the sky is still clear as it usually gets foggy and rainy in the afternoon.
Start by taking a walk around Hell Bourg’s narrow streets lined with colorful Creole houses.
The most famous one is La Maison Folio which you can visit on a self-guided (5€) or guided tour (7€).
I also recommend visiting Saint Henri Church to admire its stunning stained-glass windows (Tip: be sure to check out the viewpoint behind the church!).
You can then have lunch at O Jardin A2 located next to the church. They literally serve the best sandwiches I had in Reunion Island!
If you’re fit enough, you can attempt one of the many hikes that start from Hell Bourg.
The most popular one is the Belouve Forest trail that leads to Trou de Fer Waterfall but it’s currently closed, unfortunately.
Instead, I did the Trois Cascades hike which was quite challenging as it was very steep but it took only about 45 minutes one way.
The reward was three beautiful waterfalls amid a lush forest. The only downside is that you can’t swim there but it was still a nice workout.
I recommend going to the Tourist Information Center in Hell Bourg to pick up some free maps of the hiking trails. They also offer guided hiking tours but you need to book in advance.
Alternatively, you can check out the websites of Rando Piton and Reunion Tourisme for detailed guides to the best hiking trails on Reunion Island along with their gpx tracks and Tipa.re to know which trails are currently open.
If you’re not into hiking, you can instead drive to one of the many viewpoints dotted across Hell Bourg. Some of my favorites are located here, here, here, and here.
You can then end the day with a picnic at Mare a Poule D’Eau, located about a 10-minute drive from Hell Bourg.
Day 3 & 4: Cirque of Mafate
Rise up bright and early for an epic hike to the Cirque of Mafate.
Since there are no roads leading there, Mafate is only accessible on foot or by helicopter.
From Hell Bourg, drive about 1 hour to Col des Boeufs, one of the main entrances to Mafate (and also the easiest way to hike there).
There’s a guarded parking lot which costs 14€. When I arrived at 8:45, the parking lot was almost full, so I recommend getting there early to get a spot.
Tip: If you’re only doing a day hike, you can just park along the road for free.
There are several villages or “ilets” in Mafate but if you’re entering from Col des Boeufs, you’ll likely be heading to Marla or La Nouvelle.
I opted for the latter since the hike is slightly shorter and easier. The next day, I hiked back to Col des Boeufs the same way I came but you can also hike back via Marla, which will take a bit longer.
When I did this hike, the weather wasn’t great, plus the path was very slippery so it took about 3.5 hours to get from Col des Boeufs to La Nouvelle and about 3 hours on the way back.
If you have time, you can also hike to Cascades Trois Roches but note that this will add another 2-3 hours to your hike.
I’ve done several hikes in Asia and Europe but this was one of the most challenging so far. It might have been because it was raining and the temperature was hovering around 10°C, which is much colder than I’m used to.
Although I did see children along the trails, I recommend being moderately fit before attempting this hike, especially if you’re visiting Reunion Island in winter or during the cyclone season.
If you’d like to follow the exact route I took, you can read this post or if you’d also like to visit Cascade Trois Roches, you can read this post instead.
Where to stay in Mafate: There are several guesthouses or “gites” in Mafate where you can spend the night. I stayed at Gite Les Creoles which was basic but comfortable. They have both private and dorm rooms and offer breakfast and dinner at an extra cost. Just be sure to bring towels and toiletries as they don’t provide any. It’s also very cold at night even in summer so pack some warm clothes.
On day 5, hike back to Col des Boeufs and then spend the night in Saint André, Bras Panon, or Saint Benoit.
Where to stay in the east: I stayed at Ti Kaz Bo in Bras Panon, which was the perfect base for the next day’s adventure.
Day 5: Takamaka
Takamaka is located at the end of a steep windy road and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Several trails will take you closer to the waterfalls but unfortunately, most of them are closed right now.
Instead, you can admire the waterfalls from the main viewpoint located here. There’s also another viewpoint located here with kiosks and benches where you can have a picnic.
Unfortunately, it was very foggy and rainy on the day I visited so I didn’t get to see much. But if it’s sunny, it’s definitely worth visiting Takamaka.
Afterward, you can visit Sainte Anne Church in Saint Benoit or take a refreshing swim at Bassin Bleu before heading to your next hotel near Piton de La Fournaise.
Where to stay near the volcano: I stayed at Ti’Krater which is located about a 45-minute drive from Piton de La Fournaise trailhead. The host was super nice and the room rate included breakfast. They have both private and dorm rooms available. Alternatively, if you want to be even closer to the volcano, you can instead stay at Gite du Volcan.
Day 6: Piton de La Fournaise Volcano
If you can manage an early wake-up call, one of the best things to do during your 10-day Reunion Island itinerary is to do a sunrise hike to Piton de La Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The hike requires a moderate level of fitness and takes on average 5 to 6 hours to complete. You have the option of booking a guided hiking tour or hiking on your own.
Although there are markers along the trail, it’s still possible to get lost, especially if the fog starts rolling in, which happens quite often here.
This is why it’s highly recommended to start your hike early in the morning.
For those who don’t want to do the big hike, you can instead visit the viewpoints overlooking the craters. Two of the most popular ones include Formica Leo and Commerson Crater.
Before reaching the volcano, you’ll have to drive along Plaine des Sables with its steep windy roads amid an otherworldly landscape made up of red soil where barely any vegetation grows.
There are several hiking trails that start from here or you can just check out the viewpoints.
I also recommend visiting Nez de Boeuf viewpoint which overlooks a deep valley flanked by towering cliffs.
After a busy day of exploring the volcano area, make your way down to the wild south of Reunion Island.
Where to stay in the south: I spent two nights at Case Colorée in Saint Joseph, a 2-bedroom house with a fully equipped kitchen and private parking. The location is perfect: within walking distance of restaurants and supermarkets. There’s also a black-sand beach nearby, perfect for watching the sunset.
Day 7 & 8: The Wild South
Start off day 7 with a visit to Cascade de Grand Galet, also known as Cascade Langevin.
As one of the most popular waterfalls in Reunion Island, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning, especially since there isn’t a lot of parking space available.
Note: The road leading to the waterfall is very narrow and steep and sometimes only wide enough for a single car to pass through, so be careful while driving there.
The next stop on this itinerary for La Reunion is Cap Mechant, famous for its natural arch and huge crashing waves.
I recommend walking along the scenic coastal trail for some epic ocean and cliff views.
If you’re up for a hike, you can also check out La Marine Vincedo Beach. There’s a short trail that leads to Cap Jaune, a huge yellow rock cliff.
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to hike all the way down but you can still view the yellow cliff from above.
Finally, end the day at La Marine Langevin where you’ll find another natural arch.
Tip: Le Nirvana restaurant is located not too far from La Marine Langevin and serves the best rougaille saucisse I had in La Reunion. It’s located up a cliff and offers stunning views of the ocean. Just make sure to make a reservation beforehand to guarantee a spot.
On day 8, it’s time to head toward the west coast but first, I recommend visiting a few more beaches along the way.
Begin your road trip at Ti Sable Beach, a beautiful black sand beach surrounded by huge cliffs. Note that it’s not possible to swim here due to the presence of sharks in the lagoon.
If you want to swim, you can drive a further 10 minutes to Bassin de Manapany, a natural swimming pool with seawater. You’ll find bathrooms and changing rooms here.
The road trip continues to Grand Anse Beach, my all-time favorite beach in La Reunion!
Relax on the large green field dotted with tall palm trees or take a dip into the natural swimming pool filled with crystal clear water and colorful fish.
For a bird’s eye view of the beach, be sure to check out Piton Grand Anse.
If you have time, you can make a quick stop at Pointe de la Ravine des Cafres viewpoint before heading to Le Gouffre de L’Etang Salé and L’Etang Salé Beach.
Finally, check into your hotel and then watch the sunset on Saint Leu Beach or La Saline Les Bains Beach.
Tip: Check out Chez Bibi Restaurant in Saint Leu for delicious and affordable creole dishes.
Where to stay in the west: I stayed at Le Vacoa in La Saline Les Bains, a small hotel with a swimming pool and shared kitchen located less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Day 9: West Coast Beaches
Take it easy on day 9 by relaxing at some of the best swimming beaches in La Reunion. You have the choice between Hermitage, La Saline Les Bains, and Trou D’Eau Beach.
These beaches boast some of the clearest water so be sure to bring your masks and snorkels.
If you prefer something more active, you can even hire a transparent kayak or paddleboard to observe the colorful fish and corals.
Tip: If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you can also check out the local market in Saint Paul.
After a chill day at the beach, head toward the final destination on this itinerary, Piton Maido.
Where to stay near Piton Maido: I stayed at Chambre D’hote Magdeleine, a small guesthouse located about a 30-minute drive from Le Maido. It’s clean and affordable, plus breakfast is included in the room rate.
Day 10: Piton Maido Viewpoint
What better way to end this Reunion Island itinerary than to witness an incredible sunrise at the most spectacular viewpoint on the island?
Sitting at a height of 2,190 meters, Piton Maido is by far the most beautiful place I’ve seen!
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the Cirque of Mafate surrounded by several layers of mountains, plus you can even see the ocean in the distance.
Be sure to visit early in the morning, at least before 10 a.m, before the clouds roll in and block the view.
If you have time before your flight back home, you can also hike along one of the trails that start from the viewpoint.
A rather challenging hike will lead you to Grand Benare, the third highest peak on Reunion Island overlooking both the cirque of Mafate and Cilaos. You can see this post for more details if you’d like to attempt this hike.
Tip: When I visited in June, the temperature was hovering around 5°C so I recommend wearing warm clothes even during the summer months.
Practical Tips & Info
Where to stay in Reunion Island?
I’ve included every accommodation I stayed at above but below is a quick overview:
Hellbourg: Le P’ti Blanc des O
La Nouvelle, Mafate: Gite Les Creoles
Bras Panon: Ti Kaz Bo
Piton de La Fournaise: Ti’Krater
Saint Joseph: Case Colorée
Saline Les Bains: Le Vacoa
Maido: Chambre D’hote Magdeleine
How to get around Reunion Island?
The best way to get around La Reunion is to rent a car. I hired a small automatic car from Cool Location and paid 250€ for 10 days. The car was brand new and worked well for the narrow windy roads.
I recommend searching for this supplier on Discover Cars as it’s sometimes cheaper to book through them rather than direct. When booking through Discover Cars, you can also purchase full coverage insurance to cover excess charges for theft, breakdown, towing, etc.
While you can also get around by bus, you’ll need to be more flexible as buses don’t run that frequently, especially in places like Piton Maido.
Best time to visit
Similar to Mauritius, there are two distinct seasons on Reunion Island – summer (November to April) and winter (May to October).
Avoid the cyclone season (mid-December to mid-April), especially if you plan on visiting the cirques as heavy rain can cause landslides which can result in the closure of some roads and hiking trails.
I visited in June and the weather was mostly great although it did rain three days in a row. It was also quite chilly in the Cirques and Piton Maido but very hot in Saint Denis and the west.
I’ve also found the west beaches to be super windy which made the water a bit cold.
Overall, the best time to visit Reunion Island is from May to November when the weather is the most stable.
Although 10 days in La Reunion isn’t nearly enough to see everything, I still think this itinerary serves as a good introduction to the island.
While I didn’t have time to visit the Cirque of Cilaos, La Route des Laves, and a few other attractions on the east coast, I definitely plan on going back to tick a few more things off my bucket list.
I hope you’ve found my 10 day Reunion Island itinerary helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
2 comments
Hi Steph, we’re trying to organize a trip to this paradise island. Your post has been very helpful. I’m sure I’ll visit some of the places you mention. Haha. What I’m not sure about is where to stay. I’ve been looking at some Reunion Island Hotels pages like this one. I’ve seen that you guys stayed better in rental houses. Do you recommend them? Thank you very much. I’ll keep checking back to see if I travel as much as you do. For now, you’re beating me.
Hi ALejandra. I recommend the smaller rental houses and hotels, especially if you’re on a budget. Everywhere I stayed at was affordable and the service was amazing, plus I was able to meet and talk to the locals which is always nice.