You’re planning a one week trip to Reunion Island?
Awesome!
To help you plan your stay, I have prepared a 7-day itinerary so you can explore Réunion in the best possible way.
This itinerary mixes relaxation in seaside resort Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a road trip between Saint-Pierre and Sainte-Rose, and hikes at Piton de la Fournaise, in Salazie and in Cilaos cirque.
And of course, I also include a flight over the island by helicopter or paragliding to add a bit of adrenaline!
To help you prepare everything, I detail the itinerary day by day and I give you my favorite places to stay at each step.
So, what are the best things to do in Réunion in 1 week?
Just follow my guide!
Sommaire
- Step 1 – 1 Week in Reunion Island – West Coast (2 days)
- Step 2 – 1 week in Reunion Island – Salazie cirque (1 day)
- Step 3 – South (2 days)
- Step 4 – Cilaos (1 day)
- Etape 5 – Fly over Reunion Island / One-Day Visit to Saint-Denis
- Travel Insurance for Reunion Island: My Tips
- Going to Reunion island? These articles will help you!
Step 1 – 1 Week in Reunion Island – West Coast (2 days)
After a night on the plane, you have just arrived in Reunion!
Before I tell you more about the program I have planned for you, here is a quick tip:
To make the most of your time and explore the island at your own pace, you should really rent a car as soon as you arrive.
To find the ideal rental car, you should use Discover Cars, which is in my opinion the best car rental comparison website.
By using Discover Cars to rent your car in Reunion, you will be able to:
- Easily compare all car rental offers in Reunion, sorted by price or vehicle type
- Get full protection insurance for a hassle-free vacation!
- Be reimbursed quickly in case of any problem
- Cancel your booking for free until the very last moment.
Click below to compare prices for rental cars in Réunion:
Once you have picked up your rental car, your adventure can start!
Day 1: Saint-Gilles
You will start this 7-day stay in Réunion on the West coast, in the island’s seaside resort area, the perfect way to ease into your trip.
I suggest you leave the airport and drive to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, your base for the next 2 days.
The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Settle into your accommodation, then go enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful lagoon of Saint-Gilles.
Here is what you can do on this first day:
- Walk around marina
- Lunch by the sea
- Relax on the beach
For beaches in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, you can go to Plage des Roches Noires, right next to the marina.
You should also go to Plage de l’Hermitage, listed among the most beautiful on the island, located about a 5-minute drive away.
You will love its paradise setting and friendly vibe. This beach is protected by coral reef and waters are shallow, so you can swim there with complete peace of mind. It is also lined with several restaurants, cafés and shops.
If you arrive early in the morning, you should also go on this great transparent kayak trip in Saint-Gilles lagoon.
You will explore Reunion’s most beautiful lagoon during a 1.5-hour guided aquatic tour.
The strong point of the transparent kayak is that you can see seabed, fish and corals without even getting wet.
You will often spot rays and turtles during the trip!
Book this eco-friendly transparent kayak excursion in Saint-Gilles lagoon by clicking below:
After this busy first day, you should head back to your hotel to recharge your batteries and enjoy your first night on Réunion Island.
Find all the details on what to see in Saint-Gilles in my dedicated guide: Top 20 things to do and see in Saint-Gilles

Where to stay in Saint-Gilles?
To help you save time, I have selected for you the best places to stay in West Reunion (and where you should spend the first 2 nights of your stay):
- Hôtel de la Plage: charming and atypical small hotel located on the seaside in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, just a short walk from Roches Noires beach. Rooms and common areas stand out with original and colorful decoration. Spotless cleanliness and guaranteed comfort. The owner is warm and very accommodating, and will make your stay even more pleasant. Double room from 70€/night. The best choice for an affordable stay in Saint Gilles!
- Résidence Tropic Appart Hôtel: studios and apartments to rent in Saint-Gilles, less than 100 m from the beach, that can accommodate up to 7 people. The units are modern, very comfortable and fully equipped. Beautiful and cozy decoration with lots of plants. You also have access to a garden and an outdoor pool. From 126€ per night, this place offers excellent value for money. The ideal option to stay in West Réunion with family or friends.
- Papangue Hôtel & Spa: for a luxury experience during your holidays in Réunion, you should opt for this 4-star hotel in Étang-Salé. The property is modern and elegant, and offers beautiful rooms decorated with refined materials. You can also enjoy the restaurant-bar and the spa. And you should not miss the gorgeous rooftop with pool. Rates start from 174€ per night for a couple.
- Blue Margouilla Seaview Hotel: one of the most prestigious hotels on West coast, listed as Relais & Châteaux and 5-star, located in Saint-Leu in an idyllic setting. Double rooms with terrace and sea view. Prices start at 285€/night.
Day 2: sunrise at Maïdo + Saint Paul
If you are not a morning person, what I am going to suggest might make you cringe a bit, but believe me, it’s really worth it!
For this second day of your 1 week vacation in Réunion, you should wake up before sunrise to enjoy an unforgettable show: sunrise from Piton Maïdo!
Perched at 2190 m above sea level in Hauts de Saint-Paul, Maïdo viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas on the island, especially thanks to its impressive and dizzying views over Mafate cirque, one of the 3 cirques of Réunion, only accessible on foot or by helicopter.
Watching sunrise at Maïdo is a must-do experience during a stay in Réunion. From the viewpoint, seeing the sun rise and gradually light up the landscape is incredible.
So don’t miss this opportunity! Set your alarm, put on some warm clothes (it’s quite chilly up there), prepare a small thermos of tea or coffee, and make sure you arrive before dawn.
Sunrise time varies from month to month in Reunion. You can use the following data to plan what time you should arrive at Maïdo:
- From May to August: The sun rises between 6:30 am and 7:00 am.
- From September to November: The sun rises between 5:45 am and 6:30 am.
- From December to February: The sun rises between 5:30 am and 6:00 am.
- From March to April: The sun rises between 6:00 am and 6:30 am.
It takes about 1 hour drive to reach Piton Maïdo viewpoint from Saint Gilles les Bains. You will find a large parking lot where you can park.
Once you’re there, sit down comfortably, enjoy your hot drink and let yourself be amazed by the view.

For the rest of the day, drive back down to Saint-Paul to stroll around the market.
Located on the seafront, Saint Paul open-air market is one of the largest on the island. Every Friday (all day) and Saturday morning, it comes alive with colorful stalls filled with exotic fruits, spices, local handicrafts and Reunion specialties.
It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture and taste delicious Creole flavors (samosas, chili fritters, tropical fruits…).
If you’re there on a different day than Friday or Saturday, here are other best things to see and do in Saint-Paul:
- Walk around Saint-Paul town center
- Visit marine cemetery, a peaceful and unusual place facing the bay, last resting place of pirates, shipwreck survivors and famous poets
- Stroll around historic site of Grotte des Premiers Français
- Visit Villèle museum, a former colonial house
- Enjoy the view from Cap de la Houssaye
- Quad excursion in Saint-Paul highlands – You need to book in advance by clicking here
I suggest you end the day at Boucan-Canot beach, a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, colorful sunsets and dinners by the sea.
To make this day even more memorable, you can also take advantage of being in Saint Paul to treat yourself to a panoramic microlight flight!
On board a comfortable aircraft with closed cabin, you will fly over iconic sites on West coast and in the center of Reunion Island such as Cap de la Houssaye, Saint Gilles lagoon, Mafate cirque and Maïdo.
You will be accompanied by a professional pilot who will introduce all places you fly over. As a bonus, he will take photos and videos of your adventure so you can keep great memories of this special moment.
Book now your panoramic microlight flight in La Réunion, departing from Saint-Paul, by clicking on the button below:
Head back to your hotel at the end of the day to rest, because tomorrow morning you will wake up early for new discoveries!

Step 2 – 1 week in Reunion Island – Salazie cirque (1 day)
Day 3: Hiking in Salazie
On day 3 of your 1 week stay in La Reunion, head to Salazie cirque.
Salazie is one of the strong points of any trip to Reunion Island.
It’s the most lush of the 3 cirques, and it is home to majestic waterfalls and picturesque villages.
From Saint Gilles, allow about 1.5 hours drive to reach Salazie.
Once you get on D48 road (after Saint-André), take your time because it’s a really beautiful road and you should stop a few times to enjoy viewpoints over the gorges and waterfalls!
Salazie is best explored on foot, along its many kilometers of hiking trails. Plan your route in advance, or choose to hire a guide.
Guided hike in Salazie is what you should choose if it’s your first time there. The strong points of going with a local guide are:
- no need to worry about which itinerary to follow
- you’re sure not to miss any of the most beautiful places to see in the cirque
- no risk of getting lost
You will go on a full day hike (13 km) with a passionate guide, and you will be able to:
- discover Hell Bourg village, a must-see, listed among the most beautiful villages in France
- walk through splendid cryptomeria forest
- swim in Salazie hot spring
- enjoy great viewpoints over Piton des Neiges
This 6-hour guided hike in Salazie allows you to explore the cirque with complete peace of mind while learning a lot about the nature and unique culture of this emblematic place.
If you already know your travel dates, you should book your guide as early as possible. It’s super easy, you just need to click on the button below:
I then suggest you spend the evening and night in Salazie, in one of the many guesthouses and B&Bs in the cirque.

Where to stay in Salazie?
Here is my selection of the best places to stay in Salazie:
- Bec’Roz: stay with locals in the heart of Salazie for an authentic and friendly experience. Charming Creole house with comfortable and cozy rooms. You can also enjoy garden and terrace, all in an enchanting setting at the foot of mountains. Prices start at 70€ per night for 2 people.
- Les lodges de Salazie: houses with terraces and gardens for rent, nestled in a picturesque setting in Salazie mountains. With a surface area from 40 to 70 m², these modern and comfortable lodges are fully equipped. You will love the peaceful environment, a real haven of tranquility in the heart of nature. Location is perfect to explore hiking trails of the cirque. Prices from 105€ per night.
- Sarana Hotel & Spa: for a luxury getaway in the heart of Reunion, this 4-star hotel is located 9 km from Salazie. It offers an outdoor pool with stunning mountain view, large garden, spa, and a restaurant well known for its delicious food (especially breakfast!). Double room from 214€/night.
Step 3 – South (2 days)
Day 4: Road trip from Saint-Pierre to Sainte-Rose
It’s already day 4 of your one week vacation in Reunion! So no time to lose: wake up in Salazie then go for a road trip day in the south of the island.
First, head to Saint-Pierre, capital of the South. You can stop there for a few hours to visit the city and discover:
- Downtown with its picturesque colonial architecture
- Kergueven warehouse, dating from the 18th century
- Raphaël Barquisseau media library
- Old train station, from colonial times and now transformed into Café de la Gare, a nice place to have a drink
- Old town hall, which once was a coffee warehouse for French East India Company
- Creole botanical garden of Café Grillé (you should really opt for the guided tour and tasting of coffee-based cocktails)
- Saint-Pierre market, one of the most beautiful markets in France. Open every Saturday morning.
If you want a more fun visit, you should know that you can also visit Saint-Pierre by Segway! The tour lasts 2 hours and the guide is great, with lots of cool anecdotes to share.
You need to book this visit in advance as spots sell out fast.
Book your guided Segway tour of Saint-Pierre by clicking on the button below:
You should also read my article about Saint-Pierre for even more ideas of things to do in this area: Visit Saint-Pierre – 15 must-see attractions

Get back on the road towards Saint-Joseph and continue to Sud Sauvage, where the road winds between volcanic cliffs, pebble beaches and vanilla plantations.
Several points of interest are located along this road, where you can stop:
- Cap Méchant, to see the waves crashing loudly against the black rocks
- Grande Anse beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Reunion
- Sable Noir beach
Continue driving towards Sainte-Rose along famous Route des Laves, which runs along East side of Piton de la Fournaise and crosses Grand Brûlé area. You will admire a grand and unusual landscape, shaped by solidified lava flows running down volcano slope all the way to ocean.
Then stop at Anse des Cascades, a small haven of greenery and peace, before heading back to Saint-Pierre for a dinner by the sea and a good night’s sleep.
You can also stay overnight in Sainte-Rose to reduce driving time.

Where to stay in South Reunion Island?
- Hôtel le Terre Sainte: this 3-star seafront hotel in Saint-Pierre is only 500 m from beach. With its stylish, warm and colorful decor, hotel offers spacious and bright rooms, some with balcony, and all modern comforts. Attentive staff and friendly atmosphere add to charm of place. Prices from 100€ per night for a double room.
- Le Battant des Lames: also located in Saint-Pierre, this 3-star hotel enjoys an exceptional setting facing lagoon. You will find a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and a wellness center. Direct access to white sand beach is a real strong point. Breakfast is particularly appreciated. Double rooms from 132€.
- La Pointe au Corail: welcoming guesthouse in Sainte-Rose, 20 minutes from Grand Brûlé and 10 minutes from Anse des Cascades. Simple and comfortable double room. You will also enjoy pool with sea view and beautiful outdoor terrace where a generous breakfast is served every morning. Setting is quiet and green, very pleasant. Plan for 100€ per night for 2 people.
- L’Eden des Laves: individual chalet located in Sainte-Rose, with double bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and kitchenette. Set in a lovely garden with pool, this accommodation is very nicely decorated and super comfortable. Hosts are very warm and helpful. From 77€ per night for a couple.
Day 5: Piton de la Fournaise
For this new day, I suggest you climb to the top of one of the most active volcanoes in the world: Piton de la Fournaise.
Located in the South-East and peaking at 2,600 m above sea level, it’s one of the most emblematic sites on the island. And it’s definitely a must-see during your 1 week itinerary in Réunion.
To discover Piton de la Fournaise, you have 2 options:
- take a car and follow Route du Volcan up to Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint overlooking the summit, then drive back down (this is already super!)
- reach the viewpoint, put on your hiking shoes and finish the climb to the summit on foot (for this, you should hire a local guide)
The starting point of Route du Volcan is by Cité du Volcan in Plaine des Cafres.







