When I first saw Réunion Island from the plane window, the green mountains surrounded by deep blue sea, I didn’t realize that this small French island in the Indian Ocean would leave such a mark on me. I spent five unforgettable days exploring its volcanoes, cirques, waterfalls, and quiet coastal towns.
If you’re planning your first trip to Réunion, this itinerary is for you. It’s based on my real journey; the places I visited, the people I met, and the lessons I learned along the way.
Réunion Island sits between Madagascar and Mauritius, blending the best of French culture with the warmth of Creole island life. It’s a place where mountains meet the sea, where adventure and serenity exist side by side.
Whether you love hiking active volcanoes, swimming in natural pools, or simply slowing down with a cup of tea by the ocean, Réunion offers it all. It’s safe, full of character, and breathtakingly beautiful.
It’s one of those rare places where time slows down just enough for you to breathe.
Currency: Euro (€)
Languages: French and Réunion Creole
Time zone: GMT+4
Transport: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but guided excursions are perfect if you don’t drive.
Best time to visit: May to November (cooler and drier months). My trip was in the rainy season and while it brought a few storms, it also gave me some of my favorite memories.
Recommended stay: At least 5–7 days to truly experience both the south and the highlands.
These five days were full of contrasts from sunny coastlines to misty mountain peaks, and from lively markets to quiet rain-soaked afternoons.
Flight: I flew from Mauritius with Air Austral, a short 45-minute flight that felt like crossing into another world.
Landing at Roland Garros Airport, I felt both nervous and proud; this was my first trip abroad, fully paid for with my own savings.
My driver greeted us warmly and drove us to Hotel Lindsay in Saint-Pierre, a cozy three-star hotel near the beach. [Link to Day 1 Diary] Jean-Yves, the manager, welcomed us with his wide smile and warm personality. He even prepared a little afternoon snack for us, a gesture I’ll never forget.
Later, my friend and I walked to the nearby beach. Young locals played football on the sand as the sun painted the sky pink and orange. I forgot to bring my book, but that was okay. I just sat there, taking it all in.
Tip: Stay in Saint-Pierre if you want to be close to both the ocean and major day-trip routes. It’s the perfect base for first-time visitors.
We met our guide, Carole from Vanilla Excursion, at 7:30 a.m. She was warm, full of stories, and her van smelled faintly of fresh cake because, yes, she had baked one for the tour.
As we drove, the landscape changed from green to red to gold. Mountains rose around us, and clouds drifted low. Our first stop was a viewpoint where the air turned cool and sharp. I hadn’t brought a pullover, so Carole lent me one of hers, such a simple act of kindness that stayed with me.
We continued toward Plaine des Sables, where the ground turned rusty red and the air felt thin. Carole parked the van, brewed hot tea, and served her homemade cake. I remember sipping tea in that alien landscape, thinking how surreal it was to be drinking in the middle of a volcanic plain.
Then came Cratère Commerson, a vast volcanic crater carved by time. Standing at the edge, I felt small in the best possible way nature reminding me of its quiet power.
On the way down, we stopped at cooled lava fields from a recent eruption. The black rock sparkled in the sunlight, sharp and beautiful. I did the whole trip wearing my Ipanema sandals, which I definitely don’t recommend!
Tip: Wear sneakers and carry a jacket; the weather shifts quickly at high altitude.
Day three began with sunlight spilling through the curtains and the sound of distant waves. We had the same guide, Carole, who picked us up again for another adventure; this time to the island’s famous Cirques.
The road to Cilaos is known as the Route aux 400 virages; the road of 400 bends. I laughed and told Carole that in Mauritius, we have the 52 virages to Chamarel, but this was something else entirely.
We wound through tunnels and cliffs, the scenery shifting from forest to mountain to open sky. Each turn revealed something new; waterfalls cascading down steep walls, tiny villages nestled among clouds.
When we reached Cilaos, I was speechless. The mountains surrounded the town like guardians, and the small lake shimmered beneath them. It felt like time had paused just for us.
Later, we headed to Salazie, the greenest cirque of all. The air smelled of rain and fresh leaves. We climbed a few steps to reach the viewpoint of Cascade du Voile de la Mariée, a stunning waterfall that looked like a bride’s veil.
Carole brought out sandwiches and tea once again, and we ate sitting on a stone wall overlooking the valley.
We were supposed to finish by afternoon, but Carole offered to show us more, at no extra charge. She took us along the coastal road, stopping at beaches and small fishing villages. Near Saint-Denis beach, she told us about the sharks that sometimes roam the waters.
One thing I’ll never forget: the drivers. No honking, no rushing, everyone drives with patience and courtesy. Life here moves at a peaceful rhythm.
Tip: Plan a full-day excursion for the Cirques. The drive itself is part of the adventure.
Our guide for the day was Jean François, an elderly man with kind eyes. The sky was gray, and rain fell in thick sheets. When he arrived, he asked gently if we still wanted to go. We said yes, we could try, and if it got too bad, we’d return.
Jean François handed us raincoats and umbrellas, and we set off toward Cascade Jacqueline. The path was slippery, and I felt nervous, but he guided us patiently. The waterfall roared, surrounded by mist. It wasn’t the best weather for sightseeing, yet there was something deeply peaceful about standing there under the rain.
Later, we stopped by a small beach and took shelter in a kiosk. Jean François made hot tea for us right there and handed me a pair of gloves when it got colder. We listened to the waves crash and his stories about the island, the eruptions, and the travelers he had met over the years.
The weather got worse, and a weather alert was issued. We had to cut the trip short, but somehow, I didn’t feel disappointed. Sitting there with tea, watching the rain, I felt completely present.
Back at the hotel, Jean-Yves offered to cook lunch and dinner for everyone since we couldn’t go out. The dining room smelled of warm food and laughter. That evening felt like family — travelers sharing one cozy space while the storm passed outside.
Lesson: Sometimes the imperfect days become the most unforgettable ones.
Our flight was in the early afternoon. The morning passed quietly; packing, saying goodbye, one last look at the sea.
It’s funny how four days can feel like a lifetime. I had arrived curious and cautious, and I was leaving peaceful, grounded, and full of gratitude.
It’s been six years since my trip to Réunion Island, but I’d go back in a heartbeat, this time to stay longer, maybe a month, maybe more.
Réunion Island taught me that adventure isn’t always about rushing from one place to another. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down; drinking hot tea while rain falls outside, watching mountains disappear into the mist, or realizing how kind strangers can be.
If you ever visit, let the island show you its rhythm. Don’t plan every detail. Let it surprise you.
