18 day itinerary for Saint-paul La Réunion

Itinerary

An 18-day adventure in Saint-Paul, La Réunion sounds like a dream! This beautiful island in the Indian Ocean is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that balances relaxation, exploration, and a bit of adventure!

## Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Paul

• Morning: Arrive at Roland Garros Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation in Saint-Paul.
• Afternoon: Settle in and explore the local area. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the views of the ocean.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Creole dishes like cari (curry) or rougail (a spicy condiment).

## Day 2: Explore Saint-Paul

• Morning: Visit the Saint-Paul Market (open on Fridays and Saturdays) for local crafts and fresh produce.
• Afternoon: Head to the historic center and visit the Church of Saint-Paul and the nearby colonial buildings.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset at the beach, followed by dinner at a seaside restaurant.

## Day 3: Beach Day at Boucan Canot

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Boucan Canot Beach. Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the turquoise waters, and maybe try some water sports like snorkeling or paddleboarding.
• Evening: Grab dinner at a beachside café and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

## Day 4: Hiking in the Mafate Cirque

• Early Morning: Depart for a day hike in the Mafate Cirque. You can take a guided tour or go on your own if you're experienced.
• All ## Day: Enjoy breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and the unique landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening: Return to Saint-Paul and have a hearty dinner to refuel.

## Day 5: Visit to the Vanilla Plantations

• Morning: Take a tour of a local vanilla plantation. Learn about the cultivation process and the importance of vanilla to the island's economy.
• Afternoon: Sample some vanilla-infused treats and buy some souvenirs.
• Evening: Relax at your accommodation or explore more dining options in Saint-Paul.

## Day 6: Cultural Day

• Morning: Visit the Musée de Villèle, a museum dedicated to the island's history and culture.
• Afternoon: Explore the local art scene by visiting galleries and artisan shops.
• Evening: Attend a traditional dance performance or music event if available.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Cilaos

• All ## Day: Take a scenic drive to Cilaos, known for its stunning mountain views and thermal springs. Enjoy a hike or simply explore the charming village.
• Evening: Return to Saint-Paul and enjoy a quiet dinner.

## Day 8: Relaxation Day

• All ## Day: Spend a leisurely day at your accommodation or at a local spa. Treat yourself to a massage or wellness treatment.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local bistro.

## Day 9: Adventure in the East

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to the east coast. Visit the town of Saint-Benoît and explore the beautiful waterfalls in the area, like the Cascade de la Paix.
• Evening: Return to Saint-Paul for dinner.

## Day 10: Explore the West Coast

• Morning: Visit the town of La Saline-les-Bains and enjoy the beach.
• Afternoon: Go snorkeling at the lagoon or take a boat tour to see marine life.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

## Day 11: Piton de la Fournaise

• All ## Day: Take a guided tour to the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Hike to the crater and enjoy the unique volcanic landscapes.
• Evening: Return to Saint-Paul and have a well-deserved dinner.

## Day 12: Local Cuisine Cooking Class

• Morning: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Réunionese dishes.
• Afternoon: Enjoy the meal you prepared and take home some recipes.
• Evening: Relax at your accommodation or explore the nightlife in Saint-Paul.

## Day 13: Visit to the Botanical Gardens

• Morning: Explore the Jardin des Parfums et des Epices, a beautiful botanical garden showcasing the island's flora.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic in the garden or nearby park.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 14: Whale Watching (Seasonal)

• All ## Day: If you’re visiting between June and October, take a whale-watching tour to see these magnificent creatures.
• Evening: Celebrate your adventure with a nice dinner.

## Day 15: Explore the South Coast

• All ## Day: Take a trip to the south coast, visiting places like Saint-Pierre and the stunning landscapes of the wild south.
• Evening: Return to Saint-Paul for dinner.

## Day 16: Relax and Reflect

• All ## Day: Spend a day at leisure. Visit your favorite spots again or just relax at the beach.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a special restaurant.

## Day 17: Shopping and Souvenirs

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs and local crafts.
• Afternoon: Visit any remaining sights you want to see in Saint-Paul.
• Evening: Enjoy a final dinner with a view.

## Day 18: Departure

• Morning: Pack up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of La Réunion!

And there you have it! An 18-day itinerary filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences in beautiful Saint-Paul, La Réunion. Enjoy your trip! 🌴✈️