2-Week in Reunion Island: The Perfect 14-15 Days Itinerary

You’re planning a trip of 2 weeks in Reunion Island soon and you need help to organize everything?

You’re in the right place!

Here, I share with you an optimized itinerary to discover Reunion Island in 14-15 days.

Two weeks is the ideal duration to go around the island and discover all its different sides, while taking your time, without rushing.

On the program for this 2-week itinerary on Intense Island: lots of hiking in Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos cirques (yes, Reunion is for sure a hiker’s paradise!), dream beaches around Saint Gilles les Bains, the ascent of a volcano (the famous Piton de la Fournaise), and many other activities (including a helicopter tour!)

To help you plan everything, I have prepared a detailed day-by-day itinerary with plenty of tips and my favorite accommodation recommendations at every step.

So, ready to visit Reunion Island in 2 weeks?

Let’s go!

Step 1 – 2 Weeks in Reunion Island – Visit Saint-Denis (1 day)

Day 1 – Arrival and visit of Saint-Denis

If you’re coming from Europe, you will arrive on the island after a long night on the plane, probably quite tired. So you should start gently with a relaxed day in Saint-Denis, not far from the airport.

Saint-Denis is the capital of Reunion Island and it’s a lovely city to visit, full of history and perfect to start your trip and really feel the change of scenery.

But before I tell you more about visiting Saint-Denis, one important thing: you should really rent a car for your 2 weeks in Reunion Island.

Having a car is really essential if you want to explore the island freely. And the best is to pick it up directly at the airport when you arrive.

To choose your rental car in Reunion Island you should book it through Discover Cars, my favorite comparison website. I use it for all my trips because it’s very convenient and a guarantee of safety.

With Discover Cars you will be able to:

• Compare in just a few clicks all rental car offers in Reunion Island, sorted by price or vehicle type
• Benefit from full protection insurance for complete peace of mind
• Get a quick refund in case of problem
• Cancel your booking for free until the last moment if you change your mind.

In short, everything you need for a road trip with total peace of mind!

Click below to compare rental car prices in Reunion Island:

Now that this is sorted, here is the itinerary I suggest for this first day:

1. Pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel in Saint-Denis to drop off your luggage
2. Then head to downtown Saint-Denis for a walk
3. Have dinner by the sea
4. Go back to your hotel to rest and be in good shape for the busy program of the next day!

Best places to visit in Saint-Denis:

• Rue de Paris with its historic Creole houses dating from colonial times
• Le Barachois, seafront district with food trucks and stunning ocean view
• Chaudron market (on Wednesday and Sunday mornings)
• Jardin de l’État, a beautiful botanical garden that also houses the city’s natural history museum
• Brasserie de Bourbon, where the famous Dodo beer is brewed
• Grand Marché, a covered market where you can discover local crafts and Reunion and Malagasy food specialties
• Léon Dierx museum, dedicated to 19th and 20th-century modern art

You can easily visit the city on foot in 2 to 3 hours.

If you prefer a nature getaway, you can also leave the city center and go for a walk in Saint-Denis heights. For example, you should opt for the lovely 4 km walk that starts from the hamlet called Le Brûlé and goes all the way to Maniquet waterfall.

Where to stay in Saint Denis?

Here are my favorite accommodations in Saint Denis:

• Le Barachois City: this modern and comfortable apartment is located on a quiet street right in the heart of Saint Denis, only 10 km from the airport. With stylish, contemporary décor, it is spotless. The apartment has one bedroom and a sofa bed, so it can accommodate up to 3 people. A perfect choice for a calm and pleasant city stay, from 99 €/night.
• Villa Angélique: charming boutique hotel set in a magnificent Creole house listed as a Historic Monument. Ideally located, 10 minutes on foot from city center and 15 minutes by car from airport, it offers elegant rooms and suites with parquet floors and décor that blends tradition and modernity. Bedding is particularly comfortable and breakfast, served on outdoor terrace, is a real treat. The attentive and friendly team makes sure every stay is unforgettable. From 105 € per night for a double room. My favorite in Saint Denis!
• Perle Insulaire: 45 m² fully renovated apartment with one double bedroom. You will love its elegant décor, great comfort and modern equipment including oven, dishwasher and washing machine. Balcony offers breathtaking panoramic view over sea and surrounding mountains. Private parking is also available. From 135 € per night.

Step 2 – 15 days in Reunion Island itinerary – Salazie cirque (2 days)

After this first night in Reunion island, time for adventure, you’re heading to Salazie cirque!

A must-see during your 15 days in Réunion Island, Salazie is one of the 3 cirques of the island, and the most lush of all. It is nicknamed “cirque of a thousand waterfalls”, so just imagine the dream scenery that’s waiting for you.

I suggest you stay there 2 days so you have plenty of time to discover this exceptional site and explore its beautiful hiking trails.

Day 2 – Walk in Bélouve forest to Trou de Fer

For your first day in Salazie, you should do the Trou de Fer hike, which takes you through Bélouve forest (one of the densest and best-preserved forests on the island!).

The highlight is arrival at Trou de Fer viewpoint, which is one of the most beautiful places to see in Réunion Island.

Trou de Fer is a dizzying chasm 300 m deep, into which several waterfalls plunge. Scenery is absolutely spectacular.

There are 2 main routes for Trou de Fer hike:

• For families and beginner hikers, you should follow the trail from Gîte de Bélouve. Plan for 2 to 3 hours of hiking round trip on an easy path.
• The most adventurous will prefer the Ecole Normale trail, a bit more technical and a total of 10 km.

If it’s your first time, the best is to go with a local guide. The weekly hike organized by Bureau Montagne Réunion allows you to discover this beautiful trail with a professional and passionate guide who will teach you many things along the way.

Click below to book your guided hike to Trou de Fer, in Salazie cirque:

Spend the night in Salazie (I give you my accommodation recommendations in the paragraph just below).

Day 3 – Guided hike in the cirque

The next day, continue exploring Salazie cirque by visiting the charming village of Hell-Bourg, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

Nestled in the heart of the mountains, it charms visitors with its pretty Creole houses and flowered tropical gardens.

Known for its historic thermal baths, Hell-Bourg also hides other places to discover such as Maison Folio and the slave cemetery.

Take time to stroll along its cobbled streets, admire the typical houses and soak up the authentic atmosphere that makes all the charm of the village.

And if you’re ready for a second hike, the village is the starting point for several trails.

After this full day of walking, spend another night in Salazie.

Where to stay in Salazie?

My recommended spots to stay in Salazie:

• Bec’Roz: Want to live an authentic experience in Reunion? Stay with locals at Bec’Roz, a lovely Creole house nestled in the heart of Salazie. You will find comfortable and cozy rooms, perfect if you want a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The little extra? A pretty garden and a terrace where you can relax facing the mountains. From 70€ per night for 2 people.
• Les lodges de Salazie: If you love nature, Les Lodges de Salazie are the best option. These modern and independent houses (from 40 to 70 m²) offer all the comfort you need, with terrace and garden, all in a beautiful mountain setting. Perfectly located to start exploring hiking trails in Mafate cirque, these lodges are a real little paradise for explorers. From 105€ per night.
• Sarana Hotel & Spa: Only 9 km from Salazie, Sarana Hotel & Spa offers you a 4-star escape focused on luxury and relaxation. With an outdoor pool with incredible view, spa for complete relaxation and gourmet restaurant, this hotel is a real haven of peace. Double rooms start from 214€ per night, with a particularly delicious breakfast.

Step 3 – Mafate (3 days)

The next morning, let’s continue exploring Reunion cirques, this time heading to Mafate. Go to Col des Bœufs, main entrance to Mafate from Salazie (about 50 minutes by car).

Mafate is a must-see if you’re passionate about hiking in Reunion, and this for many reasons: landscapes are diverse and spectacular, nature is incredibly unspoiled, and hiking trails are, for the most part, well marked.

This Reunion cirque is the most isolated of the 3 because no road leads there and it is completely pedestrian.

No roads and no cars to disturb the peace and quiet, Mafate offers total immersion in nature. In short, it’s a hiker’s paradise!

For this third step of your 2 weeks in Reunion, I suggest a 3-day trek in Mafate.

Day 4-5-6: 3-day trek in Mafate cirque

Leave your car at Col des Bœufs parking (Google Map point here). You need to pay per night but it’s the best option since Mafate can only be explored on foot.

If you’re an experienced hiker, you should do GRR3 trail, which makes an almost complete loop of the cirque over 3 days.

First day itinerary:

The next day, start hiking again along the steep path that follows ravine des Orangers, with climbs up to La Brèche, where you will enjoy beautiful views. After an easy descent under the filaos trees, you reach Roche Plate, then climb in switchbacks to Plateau Cerf.

The trail then follows the bottom of Mafate cliff before reaching Cascade de Trois Roches. After a break, you walk along Rivière des Galets, cross it at a ford, then start a tough climb on rocky ground before reaching Marla. The route ends when you arrive at the lodge for your second night.

The third day is short and allows you to finish the trek at an easy pace. It still includes 2 fairly demanding climbs. After reaching Maison Laclos, you will cross 2 fords over Bras Massine and Rivière des Galets before a switchback climb up to Plaine des Tamarins.

The path is then flat through meadows and tamarind trees, with a final steeper climb to Col des Bœufs. On the way, you pass André Bègue monument and finish at the parking lot where you will find your car again!

You can then head south for the rest of your 15 days in Reunion island. I suggest staying around Saint-Pierre.

Step 4 – Wild South (3 days)

You simply can’t visit Reunion in 15 days without exploring its beautiful Wild South! I suggest you spend 3 full days there.

This preserved region offers yet another side of the island. Here you will discover wild beaches with grandiose scenery, fairytale waterfalls, and it’s also home to Reunion’s iconic volcano!

Day 7 – Saint-Pierre and Etang Salé

For this first day in Wild South, you should start your trip in Saint-Pierre and Etang-Salé for a relaxed day. After these last few hiking days, a slower pace will help you recover.

You can start your day in Etang Salé, a pretty coastal village known for its black sand beach and its natural saltwater pond.

And if you’re there on a Sunday morning, you should take some time to visit Etang Salé market. It takes place in front of the beach every Sunday from 6 am to 1 pm. It’s a great opportunity to dive into Creole culture and you will find a bit of everything: tropical fruits and vegetables, local specialties to eat on the go, clothes, local crafts, etc.

Don’t forget to also stop at Gouffre d’Étang-Salé, an impressive spot where waves crash against the cliffs. A pleasant walk awaits you along the coast, with very beautiful views over the ocean.

Then continue your trip toward Saint-Pierre, lively capital of South, a 20-minute drive away. Take a few hours there to discover its must-see places:

• Town center, marked by its colonial architecture
• Saint-Pierre market, considered one of the most beautiful in France, every Saturday morning
• Kergueven warehouse, an 18th-century historic building
• Raphaël Barquisseau media library, ideal for a cultural break
• Old train station, now transformed into Café de la Gare, perfect for a drink
• Former town hall, which once was a coffee warehouse for French East India Company
• Café Grillé botanical garden, where you should really opt for a guided tour followed by a tasting of local coffees
• Terre Sainte beach, a charming white sand beach with a protected swimming area.

Then spend another night in Saint-Pierre.

Where to stay in South Reunion?

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the south of the island, here are my recommendations:

• Hôtel le Terre Sainte: this charming 3-star seafront hotel in Saint-Pierre is located only 500 m from the beach. With its modern, warm and colorful decoration, the hotel offers spacious and bright rooms, some with balcony. Staff is attentive and atmosphere very friendly. From 100€ per night for a double room.
• La Case o Zoizos: beautiful Creole-style guesthouse located in Saint-Joseph, with garden and outdoor pool. Decoration is fresh and modern, rooms are spacious and have all equipment and comfort you need. Independent entrance at the back of the property for maximum autonomy. Hosts really take great care of you. From 109€ per night in a double room.
• Le Battant des Lames: another 3-star hotel in Saint-Pierre, located right in front of the lagoon. Guests love the direct sea view, large outdoor pool, good restaurant and wellness center. And on top of that, you get direct access to white sand beach! Breakfast is a real treat. Double room from 132€.
• Palm Hotel & Spa: if you’re dreaming of a high-end stay in wild south Réunion, you should really opt for this 5-star hotel in Saint-Joseph. Built facing the sea, it offers an incredible view of ocean and Piton Grande Anse. Facilities and service are top-notch: luxury rooms and suites, 2 restaurants with panoramic view, 2 outdoor pools including one heated, a spa, tropical garden, gym… Everything you need for a great luxury stay in Reunion! From 290€ per night.

Day 8 – Road trip in the south: Grande Anse Beach, Manapany, Grand Galet waterfall

One week has already gone by during your 15 days in Reunion island!

To start this 2nd week of vacation, I suggest a road trip to discover the most beautiful beaches in south and an iconic waterfall.

Leave Saint-Pierre and head towards Saint-Joseph. Here are the stops you should make on the way:

• Grande Anse beach: crescent-shaped with white sand and coconut trees, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island.
• Piton Grande Anse viewpoint, to admire the superb view of the beach and the summit above it.
• Petite Île viewpoint: to get there, park along the road near the sign that says “Cap de Petite Ile”, then walk down the path to the viewpoint. Allow 15 minutes of easy walking before you reach an exceptional viewpoint (I will let you keep the surprise).
• Manapany basin: natural pool ideal for a peaceful swim, protected from waves. Setting is beautiful and access easy with a few steps to go down. Free parking and small snack bar nearby. A must-see in south Réunion!
• Sable Noir beach, a wild beach with impressive scenery.

Once you arrive in Saint-Joseph, drive a bit inland towards Langevin waterfall, also called Grand Galet waterfall. Get ready to be blown away, it’s really superb!

Park in the parking lot and reach the waterfall in about 5–6 minutes on foot.

After this great, action-packed day, head back to your accommodation for a good night’s rest.

Day 9 – Piton de la Fournaise

Your 2 weeks in Reunion Island continue with an unmissable excursion on the island: climbing the famous Piton de la Fournaise!

This iconic volcano, one of the most active in the world, rises to 2,600 m above sea level in south Reunion.

It regularly goes into eruption, a phenomenon you might be lucky enough to see if you’re there at the right time!

To discover Piton de la Fournaise, you can choose to:

• Drive up to the viewpoint overlooking the summit, then head back down. The whole route is extraordinary and already takes a good half-day.
• Reach the viewpoint by car and then continue the ascent on foot up to the summit (about a 4-hour hike).

Whatever you choose, the starting point of this adventure is Cité du Volcan, located in Plaine des Cafres. From Saint-Pierre, count 35 minutes by car.

Route du Volcan is spectacular, with an incredible succession of landscapes. It climbs for about twenty kilometers and the drive up takes around 45 minutes, not counting the (many) stops to admire the scenery and take photos.

Along the way, scenery changes, sometimes from one bend to the next. Green meadows gradually turn into a kind of arid tundra, then you arrive at the edge of cliffs above the clouds, before finally reaching Plaine des Sables with its lunar landscape.

After crossing Plaine des Sables, you will reach Pas de Bellecombe, gateway to the summit of the volcano. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking view over Enclos Fouqué, which surrounds the summit of Piton de la Fournaise. A large parking lot is available. As you get closer to the enclosure barrier, you can admire Dolomieu crater, the main crater.

If the volcano is inactive during your visit, you will have the opportunity to enter Enclos Fouqué and continue your exploration on foot. Get ready for about a 4-hour hike to reach the summit. For this, you should really hire a guide.

If Piton de la Fournaise is in eruption at that time, the enclosure will be closed to visitors and the summit inaccessible. But don’t worry, you can still hike around the area to find an observation point and admire lava flows, a sight you definitely shouldn’t miss!

Once you’re back down from the volcano, head back to your accommodation for the night. You can also choose to stay near the volcano to reduce driving time (I give you my selection of the best places to stay around Piton de la Fournaise in the paragraph just below).

Where to stay near Piton de la Fournaise?

If you choose to stay near the volcano to rest after this long day, I recommend the 2 following accommodations:

• Côté Volcan: this modern and comfortable hotel is located less than 1 km from Cité du Volcan, the starting point of the ascent. The rooms are elegantly decorated and some even have a balcony. Its location is ideal to access Piton de la Fournaise. Prices start at 94€ per night for a double room.
• Fleur de Vanille: charming hotel set in a beautiful tropical garden. Only 20 minutes by car from Cité du Volcan, it’s a little haven of peace. You will find a pool, beautiful terraces in the garden, as well as spacious rooms with very original yet elegant decor. Double room from 100€ per night.

Step 5 – 2 Weeks in Réunion: Cilaos cirque (2 days)

I suggest continuing this 15-day itinerary in Réunion with a short 2-day getaway to Cilaos, the 3rd cirque of the island and the one located furthest south.

Day 10 – Cilaos: visit and check-in

Leave the wild south and drive towards Cilaos.

To reach the inside of this cirque, you will have to take route des 400 virages (the road with 400 bends).

This road connects Saint-Louis town to Cilaos village, in the heart of the cirque. So head towards Saint-Louis then follow the signs to Cilaos.

You will quickly find yourself on this famous winding road carved into the mountain, running along a deep ravine. Take time to enjoy the drive and stop to admire the viewpoints along the way.

After about 1 hour of climbing, you will arrive in Cilaos, a small picturesque village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched at 1700 m above sea level, it’s also the highest village in Réunion.

Go to your accommodation to drop your luggage, then head out to explore the surroundings. For today, I suggest a relaxed sightseeing day, followed by a hike the next day.

Best things to see in Cilaos village and nearby:

• Downtown: charming area with shops, restaurants and Creole villas in the surrounding streets.
• Cilaos thermal baths: located at the exit of the village, you can enjoy some relaxing time there with treatments, massages or a soothing bath. It’s the perfect place to unwind, so why not treat yourself to a little wellness break?
• Cilaos market: it takes place every Sunday morning and you will find both food products and local handicrafts.
• Roche Merveilleuse viewpoint: easily accessible on foot from the village, this promontory offers a superb view of the village and surrounding cliffs.
• Mare à Joncs: only a few minutes from downtown, this small pond in Cilaos is a lovely spot for an evening walk at sunset. There are even a few restaurants on the shore.

Spend the evening and night in Cilaos.

Day 11 – Hiking in Cilaos

The next morning, put on your hiking shoes and go explore the cirque in more depth.

Like all cirques in Réunion, Cilaos is of course best explored on foot and is full of natural wonders and incredible landscapes.

You should first stop by the tourist office to pick up the hiking map. Several trails start from the village, with different lengths and difficulty levels. For example:

Easy level, suitable for families and people who can’t walk for a long time:

• Sources trail – 4.8 km – 1h20
• Roche Merveilleuse loop – 5.6 km – 1h40

Intermediate level, for experienced hikers:

• Chapelle trail – 8 km – 3h45
• Bras Rouge loop – 14.5 km – 5h30

Difficult level, for seasoned hikers:

• Grand tour of Palmiste Rouge and Gros Galet – 9.7 km – 5h
• Tour of Forêt de la Mare à Joseph from Le Bloc – 12.5 km – 7h30

Expert level, for sporty adventurers:

• Cilaos to Îlet à Cordes trail via Chapelle and Bras Rouge – 14 km – 6h30

After the hike, spend a second night in Cilaos.

Where to stay in Cilaos?

My selection of the best places to stay in Cilaos caldera:

• Les Jardins Créoles: set in a quiet, green environment, these 35 m² apartments with terrace are ideal for a relaxing stay. They offer all the comfort you need with a fully equipped kitchen, welcoming bedrooms and impeccable cleanliness. From 70€ per night for two people, it’s a budget-friendly and practical option.
• Au Cœur du Paradis: if you’re looking for an authentic homestay experience, this charming guesthouse, nestled in natural surroundings with mountain view, is a great option. Hosts give you a warm welcome, and comfortable rooms with private bathroom are very pleasant. Rates start at 100€ for two people, breakfast included.
• La Villa Soalic: perfect for families, this beautiful guesthouse in the heart of Cilaos caldera offers spacious rooms, generous breakfast, plus a restaurant, spa, garden and children’s playground. Everything is designed for a relaxing stay. Rates start at 148€ per night for two people, with breakfast included.
• Tsilaosa Hôtel: this 4-star hotel in Creole style, located right in Cilaos center, offers double rooms with terrace and superb mountain view. With garden, tea room, shared terrace and jacuzzi, everything is in place for a relaxing stay. From 200€ per night for a couple, it’s the ideal place to unwind after a full day out.

Step 6 – West Coast (2 days)

Let’s go for step 6 of this 15 days vacation in Reunion Island, now heading to West Coast!

Day 12 – Helicopter flight + Saint-Paul market + Beach

From Cilaos, it takes around 1.5 hours by car to reach West Coast of the island, which is Réunion seaside resort area.

This is where you will find the most beautiful beaches in Réunion and where you can enjoy a superb lagoon for swimming.

But before you rush to the warm sand, you should start this day with an exceptional experience: a complete helicopter flight over the island!

For that, go to Saint Gilles at 8 a.m. at Corail Hélicoptères base.

You will board for a 45 min flight allowing you to admire Réunion incredible reliefs and nature from the sky.

You will successively fly over:

• 3 cirques (Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie)
• Bélouve forest
• Piton de la Fournaise volcano
• Saint-Gilles turquoise blue lagoon

It’s one of the must-do excursions when you visit Réunion in 2 weeks, and it’s really worth the price! You will leave with an unforgettable memory.

Quick tip: this activity is very popular, so you should really book as early as possible.

To book your helicopter flight in Réunion, it’s very simple, you just have to click below:

After this experience in the clouds, get your feet back on the ground to continue the day.

Before heading to the beach, you can take a short walk around Saint-Paul market. It takes place every Friday and Saturday morning and it’s one of the largest and most beautiful markets on the island.

Then head to Boucan-Canot beach, a magnificent spot, for a well-deserved break of relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.

Spend the night in Saint-Paul or Saint Gilles.

Day 13 – Kayak excursion in Saint Gilles lagoon

Next morning, I suggest a eco-friendly kayak excursion in Saint-Gilles lagoon.

During this 1.5 hour guided water outing, you will discover the most beautiful lagoon in Réunion in the best possible conditions.

Yes, because in a transparent kayak, not only you don’t disturb marine life and don’t pollute, but you also enjoy a direct and unobstructed view of seabed and multicolored fish. All that without even needing to dive!

It’s even quite common to see rays and turtles during this trip.

If this experience, both eco-friendly and magical, in Saint-Gilles lagoon tempts you, don’t wait any longer! Quickly book your spot in a transparent kayak by clicking on the button below:

(You should not wait too long, it’s a very popular outing!)

After that, head to Hermitage beach to discover another of the most beautiful beaches in Reunion.

With its lagoon protected by coral reef, its shallow waters and super chilled vibe, Hermitage is really the ideal spot to swim in complete peace. And as a bonus, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés and little shops right next door for a gourmet break or a shopping session!

Don’t miss beautiful Roches Noires beach either, located less than a 10 min drive away.

Other things to see/do in Saint Gilles and nearby:

• Visit Jardin d’Eden, a lovely botanical garden located 5 minutes from the beach
• Go for a walk at Saint Gilles market, held on Wednesday morning (from 7 am to 1 pm)
• Visit Villèle Museum for a culture break focused on colonial history
• Stroll along rue Charles de Gaulle, main shopping street lined with pretty boutiques.

Spend another night on West coast before the last stage of your trip.

Where to stay near Saint Gilles les Bains?

Here is my selection of the best places to stay in West Réunion:

• Hôtel de la Plage: this small charming hotel is located by the sea, very close to Roches Noires beach. The colorful rooms are not only comfortable but also spotlessly clean. The owner is super friendly and attentive, which makes your stay really pleasant. From 70€/night for a double room, it’s the perfect option for a budget stay in West Réunion!
• Résidence Tropic Appart Hôtel: located only 100 m from the beach, this residence offers modern studios and apartments. Perfect for families or groups, units can accommodate up to 7 people. Stylish decor, lush garden and outdoor pool: everything is designed to make you feel comfortable! Prices start from 126€/night.
• Papangue Hôtel & Spa: for a more high-end experience, head to Étang-Salé and stay at Papangue Hotel. This 4-star property will win you over with its elegant rooms, spa, restaurant-bar and rooftop with pool offering breathtaking view. From 174€/night for a couple.
• Blue Margouilla Seaview Hotel: part of Relais & Châteaux, this 5-star hotel in Saint-Leu is a real gem. Double rooms come with a terrace and offer stunning ocean view. It’s an idyllic setting for a luxury stay on West coast of Réunion, from 285€/night.

Step 7 – East coast (2 days)

Here you are: it’s already the very last stage of your 2 weeks itinerary in Reunion island.

To end your trip on a high note, I suggest spending the last 2 days exploring East coast. This way, you will have done a complete tour of Réunion island in 15 days.

Day 14 – Saint-André and Saint-Benoit

Head to Saint-André, a pretty town in East Réunion, famous for its vanilla plantations and sugar cane fields. From Saint-Gilles you should plan about 55 minutes driving time.

There are quite a few things to see and visit in Saint-André. Here are the must-sees:

• Savanna Distillery and Bois-Rouge sugar factory
• Petit Bazar Temple
• Ruins of Champ-Borne church
• Colosse Temple and its park
• Sugar cane fields
• Roulof vanilla plantations

Keep some time for the rest of the day, because there are still plenty of things to see and do in Saint-Benoît, about 20 minutes driving distance.

Saint-Benoît is the second largest municipality on the island. And if there is one must-do activity there, it is definitely the rafting descent on Rivière des Marsouins!

If you love adventure and you’re not afraid to get wet, you should really opt for this excursion. There are 2 departures per day: at 8:00 in the morning and at 13:00. For example, you can visit Saint-André in the morning and plan your rafting session for early afternoon.

The tour is of course supervised by professional instructors and is suitable for families. You can choose between a Discovery route of 1h45, accessible to children from 6 years old, and a more daring Adventure route that lasts about 2 hours and is accessible from 11 years old.

If you’re tempted, don’t wait and book your spots right now by clicking below:

And if you prefer a relaxed walk for this afternoon, you can also simply explore Saint-Benoît and surroundings.

Here are the things you shouldn’t miss in the area:

• Sainte-Anne church, often considered the most beautiful church on the island, is really worth a visit.
• Bassin Bleu, a beautiful natural pool with turquoise water.
• Takamaka waterfalls: from the viewpoint, enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the ravines and many waterfalls.
• Sainte-Anne village: only 20 minutes by car, this charming village with colorful Creole houses is a must-see.
• Îlet Bethléem, a peaceful pilgrimage site by the river, with a pretty chapel.
• Grand Etang site, ideal for a quiet walk in the heart of nature.
• Marine of Saint-Benoît, a perfect spot to admire the view of Indian Ocean.

Spend the night in Saint-Benoît.

Where to stay in East Reunion?

I suggest staying in Saint-Benoît. Here are the best accommodations in town:

• Bienvenue à la Marine de St Benoit: recently renovated 52 m² apartment, ideal for a comfortable stay in Saint-Benoît and perfectly located to explore East part of the island. With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace with mountain view, this air-conditioned accommodation offers everything you need for a pleasant stay. The owners are really lovely. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and garden, as well as private parking. From 76€ per night.
• Capline: superb vacation home in Saint-Benoît heights, offering exceptional views over mountain and ocean. With 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace perfect for outdoor meals, this accommodation combines comfort and elegance. The decor is carefully done, the furniture is high quality and the bedding particularly comfortable. You can also relax in the garden or enjoy the jacuzzi. The warm welcome from the owners is really the cherry on top! From 103€/night.
• L’Auberge Créole: aparthotel in Saint-Benoît with warm wooden decor, just a few steps from the beach. You will also be very close to Bassin Bleu. Comfortable and spacious rooms, with sea view. On-site family restaurant where you can have dinner, breakfast and a drink in a beautiful setting. Double room from 128€.

Day 15 – Sainte Rose, Anse des Cascades, Route des Laves

The next morning, hit the road to Sainte Rose for the last day of this 2-week itinerary in Réunion.

In Sainte-Rose, the main attraction is Anse des Cascades, a very pretty natural site between tropical forest, waterfalls and ocean.

Plan 2 hours in this place where you will be able to relax in the middle of multiple waterfalls, a coconut grove and typical Pandanus.

The site also has a picturesque restaurant that has been open for more than 40 years! If you prefer a quick bite, you will also find several picnic areas laid out under the trees.

You can also go for a walk along the coast. If you feel like exploring, follow Sentier des Pêcheurs, which will take you all the way to Sainte Rose port in about 3 hours (12 km). All along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views over wild coast battered by winds.

Then, continue your drive towards Saint-Philippe. You will follow fascinating Route des Laves and pass by Grand Brûlé site. This road runs along the east slope of Piton de la Fournaise and, as its name suggests, it is lined with huge stretches of hardened lava flows.

Imagine black expanses with a lunar look stretching on each side of the road, all the way down into Indian Ocean. The contrast between solidified lava and colors of sky and sea is striking. It’s an experience you really feel, where you can sense the power of the volcano!

Continue your road trip all the way to Cap Méchant, a place you really need to see during your 15 days in Reunion.

Here, you will be able to admire Réunion’s wild beauty. At Cap Méchant, well-maintained paths allow you to wander through lush vegetation while enjoying spectacular views over rough ocean that crashes against black basalt cliffs.

And here you are at the final point of this 2-week tour in Reunion Island!

After this road trip day on the East coast of the island, go back to your accommodation in Saint Benoit and get ready for your flight the next day. Or you can take your return flight directly in the evening (count 1.5 hours to reach Saint Denis airport from Cap Méchant).

Where to stay in Reunion island for 2 weeks?

While planning your 14–15 days trip to Reunion, you’re probably wondering where and how to stay.

Is it better to choose a central base and visit the island from there? Or is it wiser to change accommodation regularly?

The island is small, but drives can take time because of winding roads and traffic jams on main roads.

Considering that, you have several options depending on how you plan your stay:

Option 1: Road trip with different accommodations
This option is perfect if you want to explore the island in depth without spending too much time driving back and forth. By changing accommodation at each stop, you will be able to discover several regions. Keep in mind, though, that you will have to pack and unpack often. If you choose this solution, travel light to make things easier!

Option 2: One central base to explore the island
If you prefer to settle in comfortably without changing hotels, a central base is your best option. For example, staying in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains in West coast allows you to explore the island quite easily while enjoying the beach. However, this option can sometimes mean longer drives to reach more remote areas.

Option 3: Split your stay between two bases
A good middle-ground solution is to book 2 accommodations. You could start with a stay in Saint-Gilles, then head South to Saint-Pierre. This way, you limit driving time while discovering different parts of the island without too many hotel changes.

The best choice depends on what you prefer. Options 2 or 3 are often ideal if you’re visiting Réunion with family, while couples or solo travelers might enjoy the flexibility of option 1.

Renting a Car for a 15-Day Stay in Reunion Island

As I said at the beginning of this article, you really need a car to visit Reunion Island for 2 weeks, so you can be free to move around and explore at your own pace.

To find the best rental car in Reunion Island at the best price, you should use Discover Cars, a comparison tool I really like and that I always use for my own trips.

Here is what you can expect from this service:

• Easily compare offers: access all rental options available in Reunion Island, sorted according to your criteria, such as price or vehicle type. This allows you to choose the one that fits your needs best.
• Benefit from full insurance: travel with peace of mind thanks to comprehensive coverage that protects you throughout your stay.
• Fast refund: in case of incident, you will get an express refund, which will save you a lot of trouble.
• Free cancellation: if your plans change, you can cancel or modify your booking free of charge, up to the last minute.

Click below to compare offers and book your rental car in Reunion Island now!

Travel Insurance for Reunion Island: My Tips

And you, what have you planned to do and visit during your 2 weeks in Reunion Island?

Book your trip and save!

Going to Réunion island? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Réunion island: you will find all my travel guides here:

• Best things to do in Réunion: Top 31 must-see attractions

My detailed itineraries:

• 5 days in Réunion island – The ideal itinerary for a short stay on the intense island
• 1 week in Réunion island – The best itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• 10 days in Réunion island – Plan your 9-10 days in Réunion easily
• 2 weeks in Réunion island – Everything you need to visit the intense island in 14-15 days
• 3 weeks in Réunion island – The perfect itinerary to tour the island in 20-21 days

Focus on the island’s must-see places:

• Saint-Denis: 17 best places to visit and things to do
• Saint-Pierre: Top 15 places and activities
• Saint-Gilles: Top 20 things to do and see
• Saint-Benoît: 14 best visits and activities
• Cilaos: Top 10 things to do and see in the cirque

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