3-day itinerary to discover Réunion Island.

discovering reunion island in 3 days requires a brisk itinerary, early wake-ups, and decisive choices. Here is a plan designed to link peaks, primary forests, lava flows and lagoons, while limiting driving time and accommodation changes.

Overview of the 3-day itinerary

Day 1, head to the North-East cirques with Salazie and Hell-Bourg, then a brief but striking immersion in the Bélouve forest up to the Trou de Fer viewpoint if the weather offers clear spells. Day 2, depart at dawn for the Plaine des Sables and the Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob to walk on the cinders of the active volcano, before continuing with lunar landscapes then the wild South coast. Day 3, relaxation and snorkeling in the Hermitage lagoon, sunset on the West coast, and if you’re up for it, sunrise at Maïdo very early in the day.

To complete your preparation, also read a useful general overview on the context, seasons, distances and must-sees of the destination via a useful general overview, then compare this plan with the inspirations and frequently asked questions offered by the tourist office through these official tips.

Day 1 – Salazie, Hell-Bourg and the Bélouve forest

Leave early from Saint-Denis or the West coast and drive toward Salazie, aiming to arrive in the morning to take advantage of the best weather windows. The slopes often cloud over after 11 a.m. As you approach Saint-André, humidity rises and waterfalls appear. Stop for a photo at the Voile de la Mariée waterfall if the flow is generous. Continue to Hell-Bourg, ranked among the most beautiful villages, to stroll among Creole houses, gardens, vacoa-braiding shops and small local eateries. For lunch, enjoy a caripoulé, a rougail, or treat yourself to a Creole-style grain dish.

In the afternoon, if the cloud ceiling allows, head up toward the Bélouve forest. The balcony trail to Trou de Fer winds through a sublime humid forest, with tree ferns and highland tamarinds. Allow 3 to 3 h 30 round trip to the viewpoint. In overly overcast weather, favor short walks along the edge or return to Hell-Bourg to explore the Museum of Musics and Instruments of the Indian Ocean, the Maison Folio, or easy loops around the village. For families, flexibility is key; you can pick suitable options via inspiring family activities.

To focus the day on viewpoints, plan your wake-ups according to the weather. Some perspectives ignite at dawn; take inspiration from suggestions for viewpoints at sunrise to optimize your photo slots.

In late afternoon, two accommodation strategies are available. Either you sleep in Hell-Bourg to savor the cirque’s coolness and limit driving, or you head back down to the West coast (Saint-Gilles or La Saline) to prepare for Day 3 and reduce overall travel. If you choose to keep a single base in the West for all 3 days, you’ll gain logistical simplicity and more dining options. For a smooth setup, check our availability and know that the West axis is ideal for heading early to the volcano the next day.

Indicative times and distances for Day 1

Saint-Denis → Hell-Bourg: about 1 h 30 without delays. Hell-Bourg → Bélouve: 30 to 45 min uphill depending on conditions. Bélouve → West coast: 1 h 45 to 2 h 15 depending on the precise location of your accommodation. Add buffers: rain and mist can slow the pace, and viewpoints sometimes require waiting for a clear spell.

Day 2 – Active volcano and wild South

Leave at dawn. The goal: set foot on the Plaine des Sables when the low-angle light magnifies the red and brown scoria. On the way, you will stop at the Plaine des Cafres, then wind toward the Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob. Once there, choose your hike according to your fitness and the weather: a simple immersion on the rampart and an approach up to the gates of the enclosure, a route toward Formica Léo, or a more sustained walk inside the enclosure while checking whether the trail is closed or not (variable according to seismic activity). Before you set out, browse useful practical information for equipment, duration and safety.

Remember that the sun beats down hard despite the altitude and that the wind can bite: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, windbreaker, plenty of water are necessary. In case of dense fog, consider a Plan B toward the Cité du Volcan museum before turning toward the South coast.

Head next to the Grand Brûlé lava road: striking contrasts between frozen black flows, lines of vetiver, miraculously spared churches, and, if the light allows, the shimmer of the ocean on the horizon. Multiply brief stops: 2001 and 2007 flows, explanatory panels, panoramic points. Continue to Anse des Cascades for a break under the palms and filaos, then to Cap Méchant where the waves pound the basalt cliff. If time allows, finish with Manapany-les-Bains for the natural pool or Saint-Pierre for a Creole dinner or mixed cuisines. To find condensed feedback over a short time, browse these traveler discussions which confirm the appeal of combining volcano and coastline in a single packed day.

Depending on your base, you can sleep in Saint-Pierre to lighten the day’s drive, or return to the West to prepare for the lagoon the next day. If you keep the same address on the West coast, plan to return before night to avoid fatigue on mountain roads.

Indicative times and distances for Day 2

West Coast (Saint-Gilles) → Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob: 2 h to 2 h 30 depending on traffic and roadworks. Pas de Bellecombe → Anse des Cascades via Grand Brûlé: about 1 h 30 with stops. Anse des Cascades → Saint-Pierre: 45 min to 1 h. Saint-Pierre → West Coast: 1 h to 1 h 15. Times vary greatly with weather, roadworks, and season. The secret: leave very early, break up the pauses, and respect safety margins.

Day 3 – Lagon de l’Hermitage, Maïdo and sunset on the West

Two options are available to you for a memorable finale. Option 1: leave at night to reach Maïdo at dawn and enjoy a suspended view over the cirque of Mafate below. The first light reveals ravines and islets; it’s a strong moment. Then, head down to l’Hermitage for a late breakfast and a mask-and-snorkel session in the lagoon. Option 2: focus the morning on the lagoon, then climb to Maïdo in late afternoon for golden light and a sunset over the ocean. The first option maximizes the chances of having a clear view; the second preserves sleep while still offering beautiful evening light.

In the water, the Hermitage lagoon charms with its clarity and coral life. Respect the coral: no trampling, favor mineral sunscreen, keep your distance from wildlife. As a family, you’ll find calm, shallow areas; to expand the ideas, turn to inspiring family activities covering walks, educational farms, tropical gardens and safe spots.

For the rest of the day, add a cultural touch: the Saint-Paul market (if you’re there on a Friday morning or Saturday), a detour to Kélonia to see the sea turtles (interesting with children), or a stop at Boucan Canot for the sunset, often magnificent in the dry season. In case of uncertain weather, take a coffee break in Saint-Leu and watch for clear spells; microclimates play hide-and-seek on the West coast.

If you wish to extend the stay or take inspiration from variations according to your hiking, whitewater, or culture interests, browse other itinerary ideas offering thematic combinations and different paces.

Where to sleep: one or two bases depending on your style

Over 3 days, two philosophies coexist. A single base in the West simplifies life, centralizes your restaurants and reduces the need to repack. The downside: longer drives to Salazie and the volcano. Two bases (one night in Hell-Bourg or in the Plaine des Cafres, one night on the West) optimize travel times for each day, but multiply check-in/out. If you’re looking for simplicity, organize all your lodging logistics and transfers smoothly by starting with book with complete ease.

On the West Coast, heading for La Saline-les-Bains, L’Hermitage or Saint-Gilles-les-Bains puts the lagoon just a few minutes’ walk away, with a wide range of bars and foodie spots. In Hell-Bourg, you enjoy Creole charm and cool air; in the Plaine des Cafres, you stay closest to the volcano road for a night departure.

Getting around: car, schedules and safety

The car remains the most effective tool. Book in advance, especially in high season (July–August, December–January), and opt for a compact vehicle with enough punch for the hairpins. The roads are excellent, but the mountains require a relaxed pace. Anticipate rush-hour traffic around towns and leave before dawn for long crossings. To compare itineraries and feasibility, take a look at feedback from travelers who have compressed their program into just a few nights, for example these condensed reviews rich in concrete trade-offs.

Parking: on the West, beaches offer generously sized lots, but avoid leaving visible items. In the mountains, some trailheads are isolated; arrive early, lock up and favor busy areas. On the driving side, adapt your speed to tropical rains and sudden mists, common in the afternoon at higher elevations.

Visit pace and order of priorities

In 3 days, the key is to prioritize. The must-sees of a first short stay are the volcano, a green cirque, and swimming in the lagoon. Add a sunset or sunrise, and you will have captured a broad spectrum of landscapes. If you’re set on Mafate, the Maïdo lookout offers a spectacular view of the cirque without a two-day hike. If the weather is gloomy in the cirques, favor the sunnier West Coast; if the volcano is shrouded, take a fallback circuit via the Cité du Volcan and then descend immediately to the wild South. Community discussions, like this thread of condensed ideas, illustrate these trade-offs well.

Weather and seasons: adjust without giving up

From May to November, the air is drier, ideal for visibility at altitude. From December to April, heat and rainy episodes set in; in case of a cyclone alert, follow official instructions and reconfigure your plan. The cirques quickly catch clouds; get out early, then head back down to the coast for the afternoon. In whale season (generally the austral winter), a sea outing can replace part of an afternoon, provided you plan ahead. Whatever the period, check the forecast the day before before locking in the next day. For on-the-ground tips and a packing checklist, draw inspiration from a detailed practical guide and adjust the Day 1–2–3 order if an exceptional window appears on the volcano or at Maïdo.

Budget, gear and safety

Most panoramas are free; the major expenses are the car, fuel, accommodation and food. Also bring mask and snorkel and water sandals for the lagoon, a windbreaker and light fleece for altitude, and lugged hiking shoes. The trails are marked, but some volcanic sections require careful reading of the white markings on the lava; never leave the route. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person on exposed hikes, a minimalist first-aid kit, and a headlamp if you’re aiming for a sunrise or a late return.

Useful alternatives if the weather disrupts your plan

If the day planned for Salazie is socked in, switch to the West Coast: Musée Stella Matutina, botanical gardens, Mascarin Botanical Conservatory, or an arts route in Saint-Denis. If the enclosure is closed at the volcano, stick to the lookouts and peripheral trails, then extend the wild South. If swell bans the lagoon, explore the Saint-Leu hinterland and artisan producers. To adjust your days, feedback and ideas based on short stays, such as traveler syntheses or the thematic combinations, fuel inspiration. If you prefer an institutional source, refer to the office FAQ; and for an on-the-ground view, this practical-oriented guide remains very concrete.

Example of a compressed schedule over 3 days

Day 1: departure 6 h, arrival Hell-Bourg 8 h 30, village visit and lunch 12 h–13 h 30, ascent to Bélouve 14 h, walk 14 h 30–17 h, return toward the West Coast 17 h–19 h 30, dinner and rest. Day 2: departure 4 h 30, entry to Plaine des Sables at daybreak, hike 7 h–10 h 30 depending on fitness, break at the Cité du Volcan in case of fog, descent Grand Brûlé 12 h–14 h, Anse des Cascades 14 h 30, Cap Méchant 16 h, arrival Saint-Pierre 18 h, dinner. Day 3: Maïdo option at dawn 4 h 30–9 h, lagoon 10 h–14 h, Kélonia or market in the afternoon, sunset at Boucan Canot. Adjust according to your arrival/departure times and depending on the season.

Quick tips so everything fits together

Book the car and accommodation in advance, especially if your getaway falls during school holidays. Start each day as early as possible to beat the clouds and traffic. Take more short photo breaks rather than long stops, to keep on schedule. Keep some buffer for a plan B each afternoon. And remember that a short nap, especially after a shortened night for a sunrise, makes the drive safer.

Extend the experience or come back differently

If these 3 days leave you wanting more, that's normal: you have only skimmed a rare diversity. Come back for a two-day trek in Mafate, a Cilaos–Ilet à Cordes loop, canyons accessible with a guide, or a heritage-oriented itinerary. In the meantime, this program condenses the DNA of the landscapes, flavors, and light. To prepare a next getaway, compare condensed feedback on short durations via community exchanges, and strengthen your plan with itinerary proposals. On the accommodation organization side, you can see availability for your dates, then book with complete ease to lock in the best location relative to your itinerary.

Last recommendations before leaving

Check the weather each evening, charge your devices’ batteries, and prepare the bags the day before for a dawn departure. Print the minimalist itinerary for the day: key times, three main objectives, a plan B. Equip yourself for both heat and cold in the same day, as well as for rain and wind. And keep a flexible mindset: the terrain, the sea, and the clouds will sometimes set the pace. In return, you will glean what many come here to seek: striking contrasts, a rare intensity, and bright memories to lodge in memory.