Réunion Island Day Trips: Top 5 Adventures to Discover
Réunion Island, you see, it’s this very gem of a place parked right in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and it’s just brimming with chances to see some stunningly beautiful spots, all squeezed into a relatively small space, so, yeah, it makes day trips just the ticket for experiencing a whole heap of what it has to give, so, really, what’s not to appreciate? The volcanic landscapes, the unbelievably deep valleys, so too it’s almost like a movie set for anyone eager to soak in some really remarkable scenery, therefore really, do read on to see our list of the top five spots we think just can’t be skipped.
1. Piton de la Fournaise: Meeting the Volcano
Let’s begin, shall we, with Piton de la Fournaise? Well, that is arguably one of the planet’s most energetic volcanoes, yet you can get reasonably up close and personal with it, and the whole experience can only be described as unforgettable. Getting to the Pas de Bellecombe, well that’s very much the viewpoint that presents amazing views right into the caldera, is pretty easy, actually, and from there, folks often pick to hike a bit to get rather closer to the primary crater, actually it just makes your soul sing. It feels pretty lunar-like, and the raw feeling of the spot definitely creates a great memory.
So you know, it’s almost, important to double check on weather ahead of time and that way try to make the trip on a day with good skies; clouds, I’d say, can certainly spoil the vista, like your peering into a misty nothingness. Oh, and it can get kind of cool up there, even though it’s tropical round here so certainly pack layers.
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2. Cirque de Salazie: Into a Lush Paradise
Next stop: Salazie, okay? You’re almost guaranteed to be gobsmacked, very, by how utterly green it is; very lush, is that it’s probably the most accessible of Réunion’s three really prominent cirques, you see. This spot is known for its crazy-high waterfalls (the “Bridal Veil” one’s very famous), that is its classic Creole villages, you know those with the really eye-catching houses. Stop in at Hell-Bourg, which has, too it’s almost, been called one of France’s very favorite villages for its pretty streets and the chance to have a nosey at Creole design.
Actually, you can wander about here without really taxing your legs too much, which means it will fit most visitors’ needs. Having the ability to, like your, drive up to viewpoints that let you see the crazy drama of the natural setting? Oh, and if, arguably, the chance comes to experience a Creole meal in a nearby restaurant or something, that I’d snap that chance up very sharpish.
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3. Cirque de Cilaos: Thrills and Serenity Together
Getting into Cilaos itself involves going on what, naturally, they describe as the “road with 400 bends”—just slightly daunting, if I’m sincere but very interesting scenery which should divert you, you know? Once there though, really, that’s where this deep valley presents hikes suited for any type of enthusiast, literally: relaxing strolls near the town itself or real lung-busters up into the peaks for super-keen walkers.
I’m serious; it’s also rather celebrated for its embroideries (so keep watch for artisanal mementos) and those lentil dishes that really do feed the soul after hiking about the trails, that is it’s pretty special, it must be said, just experiencing how much geography influences the things the place is popular for, actually.
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4. Maïdo: Incredible Views of Cirque de Mafate
You get up to Maïdo, right, and bam! Well there is arguably one of the top lookout spots Réunion’s has; that’s that there you get vistas across the whole of Cirque de Mafate. Here’s the interesting factoid for the day. Is that Mafate? Right, so that is special, yeah, given there is very limited roads meaning villages inside this space might be only reachable via hiking, or possibly you might charter a chopper—that, certainly, might be the experience of a lifetime?
Now then; the view? Arguably really something very interesting. Arrive up early to skip cloud closing the whole scene; the mornings are, more or less, often most reliably clear, and there are tons of, too it’s almost, trails about the top to consider after you’ve had enough ogling the unbelievable vistas.
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5. The Wild South and Black Sand Beaches: A Coastal Contrast
Right then, what next? Now let’s head down to the South where stuff starts feeling kind of wild and untamed. The scenery gets all rough with lava flows running towards the ocean, or at least giving you the feelings that they have only fairly recently stopped; it’s dramatic to view, you see.
Plage de Grand Anse? Really is a seriously talked about spot, and that beach just shines because the black sand is right next to this bit of the Indian Ocean, still, yeah, just keep eye-out regarding safety before paddling here, so because conditions around the south part can often turn rather hazardous, and the swell tends to suddenly get high.
What’s more, consider visiting some of the vanilla farms down that area too, actually? See how some very special things come about and take home goodies which help conjure the mood well beyond the visit itself, just the gentle flavourings of sunshine and vanilla. What’s better, literally?
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- Piton de la Fournaise: View an active volcano with lunar landscapes.
- Cirque de Salazie: Visit lush valleys, tall waterfalls, and the stunning Creole village, Hell-Bourg.
- Cirque de Cilaos: Hike amid some pretty striking mountain backdrops while getting to witness distinctive local craftmanship.
- Maïdo: Catch that view from here down on Cirque de Mafate to view pure scenery away from many people and cars.
- Wild South: Take photos with the wild seas, black sand beside lava areas: unforgettable things.
