Reunion Island 3 Day Itinerary

Reunion Island 3-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Discovering the North

  1. St. Paul’s Church (Église Saint-Paul): Start your journey in St. Denis, the capital city of Reunion, and visit this iconic church built in the early 19th century.

  2. Rue du Vieux Temple (Old Temple Street): Explore the historic heart of St. Denis with its colorful Creole houses and local shops.

  3. Volcanology Museum (Musée de la Réunion): Learn about the island’s volcanic history at this fascinating museum.

  4. Grand Brûlé: Head to this stunning natural site, a beach formed by basalt lava flows from the Piton des Neiges volcano.

  5. Cascade Tamarina: Visit this picturesque waterfall nestled in the heart of a tropical forest.

  6. Local Creole Dinner: Experience Reunionese cuisine at “La Case de Famille” restaurant in Saint-Benoît, famous for its rice dishes and rougail sauces.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is French, but Creole is widely spoken.
  • Euro (EUR) is the currency used on Reunion Island.
  • Electricity is 220V and uses type E plugs.

Day 2: Exploring the South

  1. Salazie Highlands: Drive through the lush highlands, admiring the tea plantations and traditional villages.

  2. Haut-Château Maître Leclerc Waterfall (Cascade Haut-Château): Take a short hike to this stunning waterfall.

  3. Rives du Mouroucou Nature Reserve: Visit this protected area to see the unique endemic flora and fauna of Reunion Island.

  4. Cirque de Salazie (Salazie Circle): Drive along the circular road for breathtaking views of the cirque and its surrounding mountains.

  5. Saint-Leu Beach: Relax on this beautiful black sand beach in the afternoon.

  6. Traditional Creole Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at “La Chaumière” in Saint-Leu, known for its octopus cari and other seafood dishes.

Things to Know:

  • The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers.
  • Reunion Island is famous for its exotic fruits; try the rambutan, lychee, and longan while you’re there!

Day 3: Adventure in the East and West

  1. Balise Rouge Beach: Start your day at this beautiful red-sand beach on the east coast.

  2. Maido Nature Reserve: Explore the reserve, home to many endemic species, with a guided tour (booking required).

  3. La Plage des Brisants (Brisants Beach): Head west and visit this secluded white-sand beach for lunch.

  4. Roche Plate (Flat Rock): Hike to this unique geological formation for panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

  5. Lava Tunnels at Bory Park: Venture into the underground lava tunnels formed by past eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise volcano.

  6. Sunset Dinner in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: End your trip with a romantic sunset dinner at “Le Mangoustan,” overlooking the beautiful bay of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.

Things to Know:

  • Some hiking trails require a guide, so make sure to plan ahead.
  • Reunion Island is part of France, so EU citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days; check the requirements for your nationality.

Transportation: Car rental is the best way to explore Reunion Island, as public transportation can be limited in some areas. Make sure to have a GPS or offline maps app on your phone to navigate.