Reunion Island itinerary: 10 days, 2 day-by-day plans
Two complete plans for a 10-day trip: one built around lagoon relaxation and a helicopter flight, the other around a Mafate trek, the volcano and Piton des Neiges. Day by day, with activities, accommodation and logistics tips.
Over 10 days, the winning formula: 4-5 days on the west coast (the stable-weather base), 2-3 days in a cirque, a day at the volcano, a day in the wild south, plus arrival and departure logistics. All without cramming in too many activities. Direct flights come from Paris, so if you are flying in from elsewhere, allow for a connection and check current routes when you book. See also the 7-day camper van itinerary for a shorter format.
The 10-day trip in 8 numbers
Lagoon relaxation, whales and a first paragliding flight
Itinerary 1: the west coast and the island's classics
10 days based on the west coast and the south, alternating the lagoon, boat trips, a helicopter flight, paragliding, Creole markets and sunsets.
- D1
Arrival in Saint-Denis
North, the capitalHalf day + overnightSaint-Denis or on the road to Saint-GillesFlights from Paris, the main long-haul gateway, usually land at Roland-Garros airport early in the morning. Pick up your van or hire car at the airport, allow 30 to 45 minutes for paperwork, and photograph the vehicle before setting off. Rather than driving straight on, give yourself a proper break: jet lag and an overnight flight take their toll. In the afternoon, take a relaxed stroll through the historic centre of Saint-Denis: Rue de Paris with its listed Creole houses, the cathedral, and the Jardin de l'État with its natural history museum. A first rum punch or fresh fruit juice in the late afternoon by the Barachois seafront, where locals come to cool off.
AlternativeLanding in the evening? Sleep near the airport and really start on day 2. With children worn out from the journey, skip the city visit and head straight for the hotel pool or the nearest beach. - D2
Transfer to the west coast
Saint-Gilles-les-BainsFull daySaint-Gilles-les-BainsDrive down the coast from Saint-Denis to Saint-Gilles on the coast road, then the dual carriageway (1 hour to 1 hour 15 depending on traffic, which is heavy at peak times). Arrive at the hotel mid-morning: rooms are rarely ready before 2pm, so leave your bags at reception and go and enjoy the day. Afternoon on Ermitage beach, the most sheltered, or Roches Noires right in the centre of Saint-Gilles. The lagoon, shallow and protected by the coral reef, is ideal for a first snorkel from the shore: a mask and snorkel are enough to spot parrotfish and, with a bit of luck, a green turtle. Sundowners at the marina.
AlternativeArriving on a Friday or Saturday? Take a detour via the big Saint-Paul market in the morning before heading to Saint-Gilles. Looking for something quieter and less family-oriented? Base yourself in La Saline-les-Bains instead. - D3
West coast lagoon and clear-bottom kayak
Saint-Gilles · La Saline · Trou d'EauFull daySaint-Gilles-les-BainsMorning on the water: a clear-bottomed kayak trip on the Trou d'Eau lagoon (around 2 hours, from €25): the see-through hull lets you watch coral life without even getting wet. Go early, as the lagoon is calmer and clearer before 10am. Picnic in the shade of the casuarina trees on Ermitage beach, one of the island's few shaded beaches. In the afternoon, guided snorkelling on the reef: an instructor takes the group to the finest coral formations, where butterflyfish, triggerfish and sometimes turtles gather. End the day relaxing in the Ermitage lagoon, which is safe for family swimming.
AlternativeRough seas or strong trade winds? Fall back on the Saint-Gilles aquarium or a paddleboard session in the most sheltered part of the lagoon. Non-swimmers can stick with the clear-bottomed kayak, which doesn't require swimming.Book: Clear-bottom kayak, Trou d'Eau - D4
Catamaran and whales in season
Saint-Gilles marinaHalf or full daySaint-Gilles-les-BainsFrom June to October, this is THE highlight of the trip: a boat trip to watch humpback whales, which come to give birth and nurse their calves in the island's warm waters (around 3 hours, from €60, with a very high sighting rate at the July-September peak). Trips leave early, as the sea is calmer in the morning. Outside whale season, switch to a catamaran cruise along the west coast: swimming at anchor, drinks on board and dolphin pods often seen mid-morning. Either way, operators follow the responsible whale-watching code: no chasing, and set approach distances.
AlternativeProne to seasickness? Watch whales from land instead: the coastal path between Saint-Leu and Pointe au Sel offers free viewing spots in season. Families with very young children: choose the shorter catamaran cruise over the whale trip, which is longer and more exposed.Book: Whale and dolphin watching - D5
Helicopter flight
Saint-Pierre or Saint-GillesMorningSaint-Gilles-les-BainsThe big aerial moment. A 30- to 55-minute flight from Saint-Pierre or Le Port, flying over the three cirques (roadless Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie), Piton des Neiges, Trou de Fer and, on the longer routes, the volcano's crater. It's the best possible way to grasp the island's geography in one go. Book early in your trip, and in the morning, when the air is clearest and clouds are still low in the cirques. Ask for a window seat when booking. The rest of the day is free for the beach or a rest.
AlternativeTighter budget? A microlight or a small tourist plane from Saint-Pierre offers a cheaper, longer and more intimate flight. Overcast in the morning? Operators often push the flight back to late afternoon, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.Book: Helicopter flights over Reunion Island, prices and operators - D6
Saint-Leu: Kélonia and Stella Matutina
Saint-LeuFull daySaint-Gilles or Saint-LeuA nature-and-culture day in Saint-Leu. In the morning, Kélonia: the sea turtle observatory and care centre, open-air pools and a behind-the-scenes look at the clinic (around €7, 1.5 hours, fascinating for children). Lunch almost at the water's edge in Saint-Leu harbour. In the afternoon, the Stella Matutina museum, a former sugar factory turned into a museum on the island's history (sugar, rum, vanilla, coffee), with a modern, immersive exhibition (around €9, 1.5 hours). Sunset over the Pointe au Sel salt pans, Reunion Island's last working salt marsh.
AlternativeWith thrill-seeking teenagers, swap Stella Matutina for a quad-bike session or a zipline in the hills above Saint-Leu. Rainy day: Kélonia and Stella Matutina are both indoors, making this the ideal day for grey skies. - D7
First paragliding flight in Saint-Leu
Saint-LeuHalf daySaint-Leu or on the road southSaint-Leu is one of the best paragliding sites in the world thanks to its steady thermal breezes and take-off facing the sea. A tandem flight with a qualified instructor (roughly €90-110, 15 to 20 minutes in the air depending on conditions): you take off from the hills with a sweeping view over the coral reef, the lagoon and, in season, whales blowing below. No fitness requirements, just a few strides at take-off. Flights mostly happen in the morning and late afternoon, when the air is calmest. The afternoon is free: the hotel pool, or back to the lagoon.
AlternativeScared of heights, or children too young? The take-off site alone offers a superb panorama for anyone accompanying the flyer, and most schools can film your flight for an extra fee. If it's too windy, the instructor reschedules, so book this early in your trip to keep some margin.Book: First paragliding flight in Saint-Leu - D8
Saint-Pierre and a rum distillery
South · Saint-PierreFull daySaint-PierreDrive south along the coast (Saint-Leu to Saint-Pierre, around 45 min). If you're there on a Saturday morning, the big Saint-Pierre market is a must: tropical fruit, vanilla, spices, flavoured rums, crafts, all in a friendly Creole atmosphere. Arrive before 9am for the best choice. Next, visit a distillery (Isautier in Saint-Pierre itself, or Savanna or Rivière du Mât further north) to learn about sugar cane and the still, and taste in moderation. End the day on Grands-Bois beach or strolling along the lively seafront of Saint-Pierre, the capital of the south.
AlternativeNot there on a Saturday? Saint-Pierre's covered market runs on weekdays, and the Friday night market is worth it for the atmosphere. With children, swap the distillery for a vanilla or fruit farm, more fun and alcohol-free.Book: Rum distillery tour - D9
Langevin waterfall and river tubing
Wild south · LangevinFull daySaint-PierreHead for the wild south and the Langevin river (around 45 min by road). The small road that follows the river passes a string of waterfalls: the spectacular Grand-Galet (Langevin waterfall), Trou Noir, and the Bassin la Paix pool. In the afternoon, float down the river on an inflatable ring (tubing) between natural slides and pools, led by an instructor (roughly €35, around 2 hours, from age 8). Sunset at Cap Méchant, on the black basalt cliffs battered by waves, one of the most photogenic spots in the south.
AlternativeRiver in flood after heavy rain? Tubing is suspended for safety, so fall back on the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices in Saint-Philippe or the Cap Méchant coastal path. Not in the mood for white water? Simply swimming at the Bassin la Paix pool is still stunning.Book: Tubing on the Langevin river - D10
Return to the airport
North roadMorning + transferReturn flightA last relaxed morning. A leisurely breakfast, then last-minute shopping: Bourbon vanilla, flavoured rums, Creole spices and local jams are found at the market or a local shop. Drive from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Denis airport: allow 1.5 to 2 hours along the coast, with heavy traffic around Saint-Denis at peak times. Return the hire car with a full tank to avoid steep refuelling charges. Most flights back to Paris leave in the late afternoon or evening.
AlternativeMorning flight? Spend the last night (day 9) near Saint-Denis rather than Saint-Pierre. Time to kill before check-in? The Chaudron market or one last swim in the Ermitage lagoon on the way up fill the wait nicely.
Mafate, the volcano and Piton des Neiges
Itinerary 2: summits, cirques and white water
10 demanding days: a Mafate trek, the volcano, a canyon, the Piton des Neiges ascent and swimming with dolphins to close things out. For anyone who wants to experience the island's interior.
- D1
Arrival and the road to Salazie
Salazie cirqueFull dayHell-Bourg, Salazie cirqueLand at Roland-Garros in the morning and pick up the vehicle. Head straight for the hills: the Saint-Denis to Hell-Bourg road via the D48 winds its way into the Salazie cirque through tight bends and passes beneath the Voile de la Mariée waterfall. Allow 1.5 hours and take it slowly, especially in the rain. Settle into Hell-Bourg, the island's only village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. End the day wandering the streets: colourful Creole houses, the old thermal baths, the Maison Folio garden. Get an early night, as the Mafate trek starts tomorrow.
AlternativeLate landing or badly jet-lagged? Sleep the first night in Saint-Denis or Sainte-Marie and drive up to Salazie on the morning of day 2, shifting the whole itinerary by a day. Cirque in the clouds? Salazie is still gorgeous in the mist, which is its usual mood. - D2
Mafate trek, day 1
Mafate · Col des BœufsFull day, hikingGîte in Marla, MafateThe heart of the trip. Set off with a local guide, strongly recommended for navigation and reading the terrain, from Col des Bœufs or Sans-Souci depending on the route. Walk into Mafate, the only cirque with no road at all, and descend towards an inhabited hamlet (La Nouvelle, Marla or Roche Plate depending on the route): 4 to 6 hours of walking, mostly downhill but tough on the knees. Arrive at the gîte in the late afternoon, share a Creole dinner with your hosts, and spend the night in total silence, far from any electric light. Book the gîte and the guide well in advance.
AlternativeNot up to a 2-day trek? Opt for a guided day hike into Mafate, there and back from Le Maïdo, without an overnight stay. Really not keen on walking? A helicopter flight over Mafate gives a different perspective, worth fitting in on another day of the trip.Book: Guided Mafate hike - D3
Mafate trek, day 2
MafateFull day, hikingCilaos or SalazieA second day of walking in the cirque: a link between two hamlets (Marla to La Nouvelle, or Roche Plate to Trois-Roches, depending on the route), around 4 to 5 hours. This is the day for meeting people: you cross Creole gardens, meet residents who live off farming and hospitality, and understand what it means to live cut off from any road. A final climb back to Col des Bœufs to collect the vehicle, or an exit via Le Maïdo depending on the route chosen. Drive to Cilaos or Salazie to recover before the next leg, driving carefully after a demanding day.
AlternativeKnees or weather forcing a shorter trip? Most guides can arrange an exit from Mafate by helicopter (the locals' shuttle) from a hamlet. Want to extend the trip? A third night at a gîte lets you add Aurère or Îlet à Bourse. - D4
Rafting and a lava tunnel
Saint-Benoît · Sainte-RoseFull dayPlaine des Palmistes or CilaosA day of white water and the underground world in the east. In the morning, rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins in Saint-Benoît, the island's most reliably flowing river (roughly €65, around 2 hours on the water, from age 8): fun rapids, jumps and swim sections led by an instructor. In the afternoon, exploring a lava tunnel near Sainte-Rose / Piton de la Fournaise with a caving guide (around €50-80, 3 hours, helmet and head torch provided): you move inside a solidified lava flow, between lava stalactites and drapery formations. Water and fire in a single day.
AlternativeWater level too low for rafting in peak dry season? Switch to a water hike or a beginner canyon. Claustrophobic? Swap the lava tunnel for a visit to the volcano via Plaine des Sables or the 2004 lava flow trail near Sainte-Rose.Book: Rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins - D5
Piton de la Fournaise
Volcano · Plaine des SablesFull dayPlaine des Cafres or CilaosWake before dawn (around 5am): the road to Pas de Bellecombe crosses Plaine des Sables, a red mineral landscape worthy of another planet, best driven before the clouds roll in. From the viewpoint, descend into the Enclos Fouqué then follow the marked trail to Formica Léo and around the Dolomieu crater (around 12 km, 5 hours, moderate elevation gain but rough, abrasive lava underfoot). Always check the evening before that access isn't closed for eruptive activity or an alert. Eat a packed lunch facing the crater. Overnight in Plaine des Cafres or back towards Cilaos.
AlternativeCaldera closed for an ongoing eruption? The eruption can still be admired from the authorised approach roads, a different but equally guaranteed spectacle. Walk too long for the group? The short there-and-back to Formica Léo (around 1 hour) already delivers the full lunar atmosphere.Book: Piton de la Fournaise volcano with a guide - D6
Bungee jump or canyoning
Saint-Pierre or CilaosHalf dayCilaosA day for thrill-seekers: choose according to the group's mood. Pure adrenaline option: a bungee jump from the Bras de la Plaine bridge, one of the highest jumps accessible on the island (roughly €95, around 2 hours including waiting and the debrief). White-water option: the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos, a classic route with jumps, abseils and natural slides through narrow gorges (around €95, 5 hours, intermediate level, must be able to swim). End the day in Cilaos: relaxing at the thermal baths, tasting Cilaos wine and locally grown lentils.
AlternativeFancy something gentler? A via ferrata or a beginner water hike suit the whole family. Group split on what to do? Nothing stops you splitting up, some at the canyon, others strolling around the village of Cilaos.Book: Fleur Jaune canyon, Cilaos - D7
Climbing Piton des Neiges
Piton des Neiges · Caverne DufourFull day, hikingCaverne Dufour gîteSet off in the morning from Le Bloc, above Cilaos. A steady, sustained climb through tamarind forest then sparse high-altitude vegetation up to the Caverne Dufour gîte (2,478 m): allow 4 to 5 hours for around 1,100 m of elevation gain. Spend the afternoon resting at the gîte, often with a sunset above a sea of clouds, then a shared dinner and a night in a dormitory. It gets cold at this altitude, so bring warm layers. Booking the gîte is essential, often 2 to 3 months ahead, especially in high season.
AlternativeCaverne Dufour gîte fully booked? The climb can also be attempted from the Salazie side (from Hell-Bourg), which is longer. Not keen on a night in a high-altitude dorm? Swap this for a day hike to Le Maïdo or Grand Bénare instead, with superb panoramas of their own. - D8
Piton des Neiges summit
Piton des Neiges · 3,070 mFull dayCilaos or on the road to the coastWake around 3.30am for the final stretch, head torch on: 1 to 1.5 hours of climbing in the dark and the cold up to the Indian Ocean's highest point (3,070 m), timed for sunrise. The 360° panorama over the whole island, the three cirques and a sea of clouds lit up by the sun justifies every bit of effort. Then comes the long descent back to Cilaos, hard on the knees (poles help), followed by some well-earned recovery: the thermal pool, a nap. A quiet evening before the trip heads back to the coast.
AlternativeCloudy at the summit? Guides know the weather windows and can shift the wake-up time. Too tired for a night summit? Simply enjoy sunrise from the gîte, already spectacular, and start the descent in daylight.Book: Piton des Neiges ascent from Cilaos - D9
Swimming with dolphins and whales
Saint-GillesMorningSaint-GillesBack to the west coast (around 1.5 hours by road from Cilaos). A boat trip from Saint-Gilles to swim among dolphins, and humpback whales in season (roughly €95, around 3 hours, mask, snorkel and fins provided), with a guided entry into the water that strictly follows the code for approaching whales and dolphins. Trips leave early in the morning. The afternoon is for unwinding: a swim in the Ermitage lagoon, then browsing the craft market. A farewell dinner at Saint-Gilles marina.
AlternativeChoppy seas or out of whale season? The catamaran cruise with swimming at anchor is still a lovely outing. A non-swimmer in the group can stay on board and watch; most operators are happy to accommodate this.Book: Swimming with dolphins and whales - D10
One last snorkel and the flight home
Saint-Gilles · airportMorning + transferReturn flightOne last morning in the water: guided snorkelling on the lagoon before handing back the keys (roughly €40, around 2 hours), for a final encounter with coral fish and, perhaps, a turtle. Then the drive to Saint-Denis airport and returning the vehicle with a full tank. Tip for an early flight: spending the last night in the north rather than on the west coast avoids a rushed hour-long drive on departure day.
AlternativeEvening flight and fancy one last big activity? A first scuba dive in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu fits neatly into this morning. Early morning flight? Shift the snorkel to day 9 and keep day 10 purely for logistics.Book: Lagoon snorkelling excursion
All these activities can be booked directly on the site
Clear-bottom kayak, whale trips, helicopter, paragliding, a guided Mafate trek, canyoning, rafting, a lava tunnel, the Piton des Neiges ascent: every activity mentioned day by day above has its own detailed listing on Sous Les Étoiles 974, with up-to-date prices, difficulty levels, verified reviews and a booking link.
And these two itineraries are just a selection: the full catalogue has dozens of other experiences, diving, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, microlight flights, cruises, guided tours, to put together the 10-day trip that really suits you.
Every activity on the island, filterable by interest, area and budget.
See all activitiesPlanning a 10-day trip well
Choosing between the two itineraries, knowing when to book, and balancing activities with rest. Six things to know before finalising your plan.
Choosing between the 2 itineraries
Lagoon relaxation: for those who want sun, snorkelling, short outings and a trip without complicated logistics. Hiking adventure: for those who want at least 2 days in Mafate, to see the volcano up close, and to climb Piton des Neiges. The ideal compromise: 6 days relaxation + 4 days adventure (or the other way round).
When to book
Flights: 3-6 months ahead for the best prices in high season (July-August and French school holidays). Helicopter: 1-3 months ahead (limited seats). Whale-watching trips: 2-3 weeks ahead at peak (July to September). Mafate gîtes and Caverne Dufour: 2-3 months minimum. Everything else can be arranged on the spot.
Car or camper van?
For 10 days with fixed accommodation: a compact car (€300-500 to hire). For a more flexible 10 days with overnight parking and camping: a Yescapa camper van (€800-1,400) or a rooftop tent. A van lets you move faster between areas and sleep closer to trailheads.
Itinerary and fatigue
The adventure itinerary is demanding: 3 high-altitude hikes + a 2-day Mafate trek + a canyon means 5 physically tough days out of 10. Plan a buffer recovery day midway through. The relaxation itinerary is far more restful, ideal for a honeymoon or a family trip (from around age 8-10).
The west coast for the weather
Whichever itinerary you choose, basing part of your trip on the west coast is recommended for stable weather. The east coast is wetter (2,000 mm of rain a year), and the Hauts are often in cloud by midday. The west coast stays dry and sunny even in the wet season.
Local souvenirs to bring home
Bourbon vanilla (PGI), flavoured rum (bottled or DIY), Creole spices (massalé, kaffir lime), pink berry honey, Bourbon Pointu coffee. The Saturday morning markets in Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul are a must, and the Friday night market in Saint-Pierre is worth it for the atmosphere.
4 Agoda hotels for 10 days
One place to stay in each key area of the route: Saint-Denis for arrival / departure, Saint-Gilles for 4-5 nights on the west coast, Cilaos for the cirque, Saint-Pierre for the south. All rated 8.4 to 9.8/10.
La villa du jardin
A guesthouse in Saint-Denis, 9.4/10 across 134 reviews. Ideal for the first and last night, 15 min from Roland-Garros airport. Breakfast, a tropical garden, a warm welcome.
Tropic Appart'Hotel
An aparthotel a 10-minute walk from the beach. Fully equipped studios and 1-bedroom apartments, ideal for 4-5 nights on the west coast on the relaxation itinerary. Pool, parking.
Le djebel
An upmarket lodge in Cilaos, 9.8/10 across 126 reviews (the island's best rating). A key stop on the adventure itinerary, the night before Piton des Neiges or after the canyon.
La Kaz Banian
A guesthouse in Saint-Pierre, 9.3/10 across 57 reviews. An ideal base for the wild south: Langevin, distilleries, the Saturday market. A carefully looked-after Creole welcome.
A camper van for 10 days: total freedom
A camper van lets you switch between areas depending on the weather and sleep as close as possible to trailheads. Yescapa connects local owners with travellers. For those travelling in a standard car, aluminium rooftop tents turn an estate car into a compact bed for two.
Hire a Yescapa camper vanPlanning your 10-day trip
Is 10 days enough to see Reunion Island?
What is the best 10-day itinerary for Reunion Island?
How much does a 10-day trip to Reunion Island cost?
What is the best time of year for 10 days on Reunion Island?
Do you need to hire a car for 10 days?
Can you climb both Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise in 10 days?
Which Agoda hotels should you choose for 10 days?
What should you absolutely do over 10 days on Reunion Island?
Can you see all 3 cirques in 10 days?
How many days on the west coast out of 10?
How do you combine relaxation and adventure in 10 days?
What travel insurance do you need for 10 days on Reunion Island?
Related pages on the site
Article updated in September 2026.