No trip to La Reunion is complete without a trip to Piton de la Fournaise, otherwise known as 'The Volcano'. It dominates the skyline and is the most visited place on the island. It's not dormant, so you might have a chance of seeing some volcanic activity. There are lots of ways to see the volcano, including trekking, helicopter, or plane.
Close to the town of Saint-Benoît is Takamaka, a collection of high-drop waterfalls surrounded by rainforest and jungle. Ideal for experienced hikers, it can be a little tricky to reach certain parts, but it's well worth the effort to see and hear the rushing water crashing over rocks. Keep an eye out for the wildlife, including multi-coloured chameleons.
La Reunion has dozens of white sandy beaches to choose from, with warm, clear blue sea benefiting from the year-round sunny climate. This beach, in particular, is well set up for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing, but it still has a lot of shady spots for relaxing with a good book and watching the waves. Plus, there are many restaurants along the shore that serve fresh local seafood and refreshing cocktails to cool you down after a long day sunbathing.
One of the most colourful spots on the island, Forain is an open-air market that represents the vibrancy of La Reunion, with stalls selling local fruits and vegetables, coffee, honey, and the island's speciality, cinnamon. With a huge variety of produce on offer, its a place where you can try local delicacies and watch the world go by. It can get a little busy, but that's all part of its charm.
A botanical garden that's home to hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers, the Domaine Du Cafe Grille shows off the diversity of La Reunion's ecosystem. There are knowledgable guides who provide tours in various languages and educate visitors about the unusual vegetation and coffee that is grown nearby. It's close to another set of waterfalls too, which are only a short hike away.