Itinerary for 21 day trip to La Reunion

La Réunion is a stunning island in the Indian Ocean, known for its dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. With 21 days to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the island, enjoy water activities, and immerse yourself in its natural parks. Let’s dive into your ideal itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Denis

Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel in Saint-Denis.
Afternoon: Explore the capital city. Visit the beautiful and the historic buildings around the city center.
Evening: Enjoy a local dinner at a Creole restaurant.

Day 2: Cirque de Salazie

Morning: Drive to Cirque de Salazie (about 1 hour). Stop at the stunning .
Afternoon: Hike to the village of , one of the most beautiful villages in France. Explore the local architecture and enjoy a picnic.
Evening: Return to Saint-Denis for dinner.

Day 3: La Plaine des Palmistes

Morning: Head to La Plaine des Palmistes. Visit the .
Afternoon: Enjoy a hike in the nearby , where you can see the endemic flora and fauna.
Evening: Stay overnight in a cozy guesthouse.

Day 4:

Morning: Early start to hike , one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Afternoon: Explore the volcanic landscapes and enjoy a packed lunch with a view.
Evening: Return to La Plaine des Palmistes for a restful night.

Day 5:

Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Relax on the beach or visit the local market.
Afternoon: Try some water activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding at the lagoon.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Day 6:

Morning: Visit , a beautiful spot with waterfalls and picnic areas.
Afternoon: Swim in the natural pools and enjoy the scenery.
Evening: Return to for the night.

Day 7:

Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the scenic viewpoints along the way.
Afternoon: Explore the town and visit the thermal baths for relaxation.
Evening: Enjoy a local dish, like lentils or the famous wine.

Day 8: Hiking in

All Day: Spend the day hiking the famous "" trail. Enjoy breathtaking views and pack a lunch.
Evening: Return to your accommodation in .

Day 9: Mafate

Morning: Take a hike into the . You can either hike or take a helicopter tour for stunning aerial views.
Afternoon: Explore the remote villages within Mafate.
Evening: Camp overnight in Mafate or return to .

Day 10: Return to Saint-Denis

Morning: Hike back out of Mafate and return to .
Afternoon: Drive back to Saint-Denis.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening in the city.

Day 11:

Morning: Visit the nature reserve for birdwatching and exploring the wetlands.
Afternoon: Relax at the beach nearby or try kayaking.
Evening: Dinner in Saint-Denis.

Day 12:

Morning: Head to (about 1 hour). Spend the day at the beach.
Afternoon: Try scuba diving or take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales (seasonal).
Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 13: Boucan Canot

Morning: Relax at , known for its beautiful sands and clear waters.
Afternoon: Engage in water sports like jet skiing or surfing.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 14:

Morning: Hike to for panoramic views of the island.
Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch at the summit.
Evening: Return to for the night.

Day 15:

Morning: Drive to for breathtaking views of the .
Afternoon: Hike the trails in the area and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Evening: Return to for dinner.

Day 16: Waterfall Tour

Morning: Take a guided tour of the island’s stunning waterfalls, including and .
Afternoon: Swim in the natural pools.
Evening: Return to for the night.

Day 17: Explore the East Coast

Morning: Drive along the east coast, stopping at the beautiful beaches and the town of .
Afternoon: Visit the and the nearby waterfalls.
Evening: Stay overnight in .

Day 18:

All Day: Spend the day exploring . Hike the trails and enjoy the diverse ecosystems.
Evening: Return to for dinner.

Day 19: Relaxation Day

Morning: Take a leisurely morning at the beach or your accommodation.
Afternoon: Enjoy a spa day or a cooking class to learn about Creole cuisine.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 20: Last Adventure

Morning: Choose a final adventure, like canyoning or paragliding for a thrilling experience.
Afternoon: Relax and reflect on your trip.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with a view.

Day 21: Departure

Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll in Saint-Denis.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 21-day itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and the stunning natural beauty of La Réunion. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌴🌊🏞️