5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Réunion Island: Volcanoes, Beaches & Creole Culture

Day 1: City Culture

Saint-Denis, Réunion Island on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Saint Alexis

Enjoy a delightful Creole breakfast with fresh pastries and tropical fruits at this local favourite café in Saint-Denis. The café opens at 7am for an early start.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Explore the Jardin de l’Etat

Visit this historic botanical garden with exotic plants and colonial statues, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll. Opens daily from 7am to 6pm with free entry.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit the Natural History Museum of Réunion

Learn about the island's unique biodiversity and volcanic landscapes in this engaging museum, open from 9am to 5pm.
EUR3, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Boucan

Savour authentic Creole cuisine with dishes like carry poulet in a relaxed urban bistro close to the city centre.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the Rue de Paris

Explore the vibrant market street filled with local shops, crafts and street food stalls to get a feel for local life.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Saint-Denis Cathedral visit

Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the Saint-Denis Cathedral, a key religious site with open hours from 9am to 6pm.
EUR0, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Marmite

End the day with classic Creole dishes in this well-recommended restaurant, open until 9pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mountain Hiking

Cilaos, Réunion Island on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the drive to Cilaos, preparing you for a day of mountain adventures.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Cilaos

Travel the scenic mountain road to the village of Cilaos, known for dramatic landscapes, takes about 2.5 hours.
EUR0, 2h30m

10:30am

Hike the Cirque de Cilaos

Choose a popular trail, such as the La Chapelle hike, to immerse yourself in stunning cliffs and valleys. Trails are open year-round but best visited in dry weather.
EUR0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Vigne

Relax with lunch beside vineyard views, enjoying local wines and creole-inspired dishes between 12pm and 3pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cilaos Thermal Baths

Unwind in natural hot springs known for their relaxing and therapeutic qualities, open daily from 9am to 7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Vieux Cep

Enjoy local mountain cuisine in this charming restaurant featuring fresh trout and Creole flavours.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 3: Volcanic Adventure

Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion Island on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Prepare

Fuel up early as you'll venture to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Plaine des Cafres

Travel south towards the volcano's base at Plaine des Cafres, taking approximately 2 hours.
EUR0, 2h

9:00am

Piton de la Fournaise Hike

Embark on a guided hike to the volcano crater area. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours round-trip; check weather conditions and dress accordingly. The visit is allowed daily but depends on volcanic activity.
EUR35 (guided tour), 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Piton

Located near the volcano, this eatery offers traditional Réunion Island meals perfect for travellers after a hearty hike.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Saint-Pierre

Drive to Saint-Pierre for overnight, approximately 1 hour drive from the volcano area.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Délices de la Réunion

Savour delicious seafood and Creole dishes in a vibrant atmosphere near the beachfront of Saint-Pierre.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Beach & Marine Life

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Réunion Island on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Cafe du Boucan

Kick off the day with a French-style espresso and fresh pastries near the shore where the day will begin.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Lagoon Snorkeling

Explore the coral reefs and tropical fish at the Saint-Gilles lagoon, open daily from 8am to 5pm; snorkel gear available for rent.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Deck

Dine with sea views offering grilled fish and local salads, a popular spot around mid-day hours.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Aquarium de la Réunion

Discover indigenous marine species with informative exhibits, open from 9am to 5pm daily. A fascinating spot for all ages.
EUR8, 1h

3:00pm

Relax on Boucan Canot Beach

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon on one of the island’s most beautiful white sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and beach walks.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Saint Alexis

Finish the day with exquisite seafood dishes and sunset views at this beachside fine dining restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Leisure & Departure

Saint-Denis, Réunion Island on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Kaz à Pain

Enjoy a relaxed Creole bakery atmosphere with a range of fresh breads and tropical fruit juices before your final day.
EUR6, 45m

9:00am

Visit Local Market in Saint-Denis

Browse the lively local markets for souvenirs and spices, open early morning until around 1pm on weekdays.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Le Barachois Promenade

Take a last scenic walk by the waterfront with beautiful sea views and historic sites; open access at all times.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kaz’anana

Relish a final meal of traditional Creole and Indian fusion dishes in a cosy setting before departure.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to your accommodation to gather belongings and take transport to the airport for your onward journey.
EUR0, Varies
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