The winding road up to the caldera is a thrill in its own. Only after dozens of twists, turns and breathtaking vistas of mossy green cliffs can travellers arrive at the secluded settlement of Cilaos. For best vistas, walk up the Roche Merveilleuse, and do stop by the local thermal baths.

Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche, is a full-scale medieval-style castle built single-handedly by Harry D. Andrews, a World War I veteran, starting in the 1920s. Constructed using stones from the Little Miami River and bricks molded from quart milk cartons, Andrews dedicated over 50 years to this labor of love. When you visit, you can wander through the castle’s towers and narrow halls, check out some old-school medieval weapons, and just soak in the quirky, one-of-a-kind vibe. It's a fun and odd little stop with beautiful gardens and a peaceful riverside spot to hang out afterward.

Being an island in the Indian Ocean, Reunion naturally boasts a number of splendid beaches, some of the best being concentrated in the waterside stretch between the settlements of Saint-Gilles and l'Ermitage-Les-Bains. These beaches here are sheltered from strong waves by near-lying coral reefs. One of the prettiest white sand beaches on the island is the L’Hermitage, lined with trees to provide saving shade. The most stunning lagoons are to be found between St. Paul and Saint-Leu.

Port Macquarie is part of a significant wine region around the Hastings River where the best grapes are chambourcin, chardonnay, verdelho, semillon and merlot. Dairy and oyster farms, as well as plantation crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados, make this a great foodie destination. Fresh produce aplenty can be sourced at Wauchope Farmers Markets, held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Annual food and wine festivals include Sip and Savour Festival.