La Réunion Island: 5 must-see places between the sea and the mountains
Réunion is the kind of destination that immediately makes you want to come back.
During my first stay on the island, I had very little time to discover it: only two days on site!
Yes, you read that right. Two days to discover an island known for its volcanoes, its circuses, its waterfalls, its beaches, its lagoons, and its completely spectacular landscapes.
So of course, when I returned, I was asked the same question a lot: «But what could you possibly have done in Reunion in just two days?»
And finally, a lot of things!
During this short stay, I was particularly fortunate to Fly over Reunion in a helicopter, discover Piton de la Fournaise, enjoy the lagoon of Hermitage, taste the Réunion specialties and discover some of the activities that make the island famous.
Today, I’m taking you with me to discover 5 must-try experiences in La Réunion.
My express stay in La Réunion
This trip was a bit special because it was a Blogtrip organized around discovering Reunion and the combined offer with Mauritius.
Several bloggers took part in this adventure, and we had the opportunity to discover various establishments of the LUX* group in particular.
I was especially lucky to have stayed at LUX Saint-Gilles*, a very beautiful hotel located on the edge of the lagoon. I will tell you more about my experience in more detail in my article: LUX Saint-Gilles Reunion: my review of the 5-star hotel.
After a night flight of about 12 hours, we arrived early in the morning at the Roland-Garros airport.
I particularly enjoy traveling at night when possible: it allows you to gain a day there and, with only two days to explore La Réunion, every hour counted!
The time difference from the metropolis was also limited, which allowed us to fully enjoy our first day.
And I can tell you that we didn’t waste any time!
1. Fly over Reunion Island by helicopter
If there is one experience I particularly recommend in Reunion, it is this one. The helicopter flight over the island.
For me, it was a first and I absolutely didn’t know what to expect.
We took off on a flight that lasted about 25 minutes, and in the very first minutes I realized that we were about to experience something quite extraordinary.
From the sky, Reunion changes completely.
We started by cruising along the west coast and its beautiful lagoon before taking in the scenery of the mountainous areas.
We notably flew over the circuses of Mafate and Salazie, Before admiring the spectacular Trou de Fer and its waterfall.
It’s really a different way of understanding the geography of the island.
From the ground, we gradually discover the landscapes. From a helicopter, we immediately realize the spectacular relief of Reunion.
Why take a helicopter flight in La Réunion?
Obviously, this is an activity that involves a certain budget, but if you have the opportunity to offer it, I think it’s a truly worthwhile experience.
It allows, in particular, to observe very different landscapes in just a few dozen minutes: the coast, the lagoons, the cirques and the volcanic reliefs.
And above all, You will have a completely different view of the island.
During my stay, several flight durations were offered. The prices I had indicated in my previous article date back to 2015 and are therefore no longer valid today.
2. Trekking around the Piton de la Fournaise
It is impossible to talk about Reunion without mentioning its volcano.
The Piton de la Fournaise It is one of the emblematic landscapes of the island, and we were lucky to have the opportunity to discover its surroundings.
We have discovered, in particular, the Plateau des Sables and the various craters, With landscapes that almost give the impression of being on another planet.
The geology of Reunion is truly fascinating.
The volcanic landscapes are very different from those that can be observed on the coast and allow one to understand how much the island is marked by its volcanic history.
Hiking to Piton de la Fournaise
There are several routes around the volcano, with different levels of difficulty.
During my stay, access to the hiking trails was mainly from the area of the No Bellecombe.
The weather can be very changeable in this part of the island. Even when the weather seems pleasant at first, conditions can quickly change at higher altitudes.
So plan accordingly:
- good hiking shoes; ;
- a warm jacket; ;
- an impermeable garment; ;
- enough water; ;
- What to eat during the hike; ;
- a sunscreen.
Some hikes can require several hours of walking: it is therefore important to choose your itinerary based on your level of fitness and physical condition.
Is it possible to do it as a family?
Réunion is a destination that can be perfectly explored with the family, but Of course, not all hikes are suitable for children..
Before leaving, it is essential to check the difficulty, duration and conditions of the chosen trail.
With children, I would prioritize routes that correspond to their age and walking level rather than wanting to absolutely complete a long or difficult hike.
3. Discover the Hermitage lagoon and its turtles
After the mountains, head for the ocean!
The Hermitage lagoon is one of the places that particularly struck me during this short stay.
Here, the atmosphere completely changes: turquoise water, coral, fish and the seabed.
It is especially a place where one can practice the snorkeling, With a mask, fins and snorkel, discover the marine life of the lagoon.
During my stay, we could observe fish and corals in particular, and, with a little luck, encounter sea turtles.
The Hermitage underwater trail
Another experience I had discovered was the submarine trail in the Hermitage lagoon.
The principle is particularly interesting since it allows you to discover the underwater world while being accompanied and made aware of the fragility of this ecosystem.
This is an activity that can be particularly interesting for a first-time visitor to the Réunion marine environment.
An absolute must-see for families
The lagoon is also an excellent option for a quieter day out with the family.
After a hike or a day of sightseeing, enjoying the seaside allows you to slow down a bit.
And in La Réunion, where the days can quickly become very busy, I find that these moments of rest are indispensable.
4. Do canyoning in Reunion
If you like a little more sporty activities, canyoning is another experience to consider.
Réunion has many sites suitable for this activity, especially in the area of Cilaos and de Salazie.
The principle: progress through canyons, between waterfalls, rocks and streams, using different techniques depending on the route.
It’s a very different way to discover the island’s landscapes.
The courses are offered at different levels and it is important to choose an activity that suits your experience.
Do I need to book a reservation?
For this type of activity, I recommend booking in advance, especially during periods when tourist traffic is high.
Weather conditions and the level of watercourses can also influence the possibility of undertaking certain outings.
For a first experience, prioritize a course tailored for beginners and supervised by professionals.
5. Paragliding in La Réunion
Last experience I wanted to share with you: parapente.
One doesn’t necessarily immediately think of paragliding when imagining Reunion, yet the island lends itself particularly well to it.
The surroundings of Saint-Leu They are particularly known for this activity.
If you have never practiced, it is possible to discover paragliding through a baptism in tandem with a supervisor.
Again, the interest lies as much in the experience as in the landscape.
After the helicopter, discovering the island from the air in paragliding offers a different perspective, slower and much more contemplative.
What to do in Reunion with the family?
Reunion is a particularly interesting destination for a family trip because it allows you to combine very different activities.
You can start with a volcanic hike, then go for a swim in the lagoon, and then discover the villages, markets, and Creole cuisine.
With children, I would simply advise: not trying to fill the program too much.
Distances and routes can make some days longer than they appear on a map.
The ideal is to plan a balanced itinerary that includes:
- tours adapted to the age of the children; ;
- days by the lagoon; ;
- water sports; ;
- cultural and gastronomic discoveries; ;
- some time of rest.
This is also what allows you to truly enjoy the island without turning your vacation into a race against the clock.
Is it possible to visit Reunion in just 2 days?
Yes… but only to get a glimpse of the island!
My two-day stay allowed me to have extraordinary experiences, but it would obviously be impossible to claim to have thoroughly explored Reunion in such a short time.
In two days, you can choose a few must-see places, but to really take the time to discover the different landscapes of the island, I recommend planning a much longer stay.
It is in fact a destination where I think one must accept not seeing everything.
It’s better to make the most of a few places rather than spend your time in the car trying to tick off all the boxes.
My tips for discovering Reunion
If you are preparing your first trip to the island, here are some tips I would like to share based on my experience:
🚗 Plan for travel time.
Distances may seem short on a map, but mountain roads can significantly lengthen journeys. I recommend that you renting a car with BSP auto
🥾 Adapt your hikes to your level.
Réunion offers very different routes. There is no need to systematically choose the most difficult ones to enjoy the scenery.
🌦️ Watch the weather.
It can vary greatly depending on the sectors of the island and change rapidly with altitude.
💧 Always drink water.
For hiking, plan to bring enough drinks and some snacks.
👨👩👧👦 Travel at your own pace as a family.
With children, it’s better to plan for fewer activities but to have more time to enjoy them.
🐢 Respect the natural spaces.
The lagoon and marine ecosystems are fragile. It is important to follow local guidelines and not touch the animals or the corals.
Practical information
📍 Destination: The Reunion
✈️ Main airport: Roland-Garros, in Sainte-Marie
🌋 Must-see places: Piton de la Fournaise, Mafate cirques, Salazie and Cilaos, Hermitage lagoon
🏖️ To enjoy the sea: West coast and lagoons
🥾 For hiking: Plan to bring good shoes, water, and clothing suitable for the weather
🚗 To explore the island: The car is particularly convenient for organizing your itinerary
👨👩👧👦 As a family: Choose activities and hikes based on the children’s age and level
The prices mentioned in my previous article date from 2015. I am therefore not including them here in order not to provide you with information that has become obsolete.
FAQ – What to do in Reunion?
What are the must-see attractions in Reunion?
Among the must-see attractions are the Piton de la Fournaise, the circuses, the lagoons on the west coast, the volcanic landscapes, and the many activities in the great outdoors.
What to do in Reunion with the family?
The Reunion Island offers the opportunity to combine hiking, swimming in the lagoons, snorkeling, nature exploration, water sports, and discovering local cuisine. You just need to adapt the activities to the children’s age.
Can you see turtles in Reunion?
Marine turtles can be observed in some areas of the lagoon, especially around the Hermitage. Always respect the rules for protecting marine wildlife and maintain an appropriate distance from the animals.
Can you go hiking on Piton de la Fournaise?
Yes. Several routes allow you to discover the volcanic landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise. The difficulty and duration vary depending on the route.
Is it possible to do paragliding in Reunion Island?
Yes, especially in the Saint-Leu area. Beginners can discover this activity through tandem flights with a professional.
How many days is it necessary to spend visiting Reunion Island?
Two days are only enough to get a glimpse of the island. To discover its various landscapes in more detail and take the time to visit several regions, it is preferable to plan a longer stay.
Is Reunion a good destination for a family trip?
Yes, thanks in particular to the variety of activities. The key is to build a route that is adapted to the children’s age and to allow enough time for travel and breaks.
Things to do in Reunion
My articles about the meeting
Comments
Gwendoline
18 December 2017
There is so much to do on the island of Reunion: go on a discovery tour of the 3 cirques that make the island famous, climb the Piton des Neiges, hike in Mafate, enjoy the lagoon…
It is an island that is so rich and diverse...christonet
29 September 2015
2 days is indeed very, very short… For our part, we go there for 2 weeks in early November to fully immerse ourselves in the landscapes and local culture of this island 😉
Rachel
8 April 2022
Hello, your article is very interesting, thank you for all the relevant information! Especially the part where you talk about paragliding. This area is really beautiful 🙂 . I work for a moving company here, so if it can complement your article and help people who want to come and live there, feel free to ask me for information, advice… and a helping hand 🙂 .