Guadeloupe is a French-Caribbean island shaped like a butterfly with two distinct sides:
Grande-Terre
- Beaches
- Tourism towns
- Resorts
- Kite surfing
- Nightlife
Basse-Terre
- Waterfalls
- Rainforest
- Volcano
- Rivers & natural pools
It’s one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean, combining nature adventures with easy beach days and amazing French-Caribbean cuisine.
Most travelers rent a car and split time between both sides.
How to Get to Guadeloupe
- Airport: PTP (Pôle Caraïbes Airport)
- Direct flights from:
- Paris / Marseille / Lyon
- Montreal (seasonal)
- Miami (limited)
- Caribbean regional connections
Ferrys connect to:
- Martinique
- Dominica
- Saint Lucia
Great for multi-island Caribbean trips.
Where to Stay — Best Areas
| Area | Side | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Gosier | Grande-Terre | Beaches + restaurants | First-timers |
| Sainte-Anne | Grande-Terre | Calm beaches | Families |
| Saint-François | Grande-Terre | Marina + excursions | Active travelers |
| Deshaies | Basse-Terre | Jungle + quiet | Couples |
| Bouillante | Basse-Terre | Snorkel + natural springs | Divers |
Budget Tiers
- $ Rentals / guesthouses
- $$ Boutique hotels
- $$$ Beachfront resorts
Tip: Split stay 3 nights Grande-Terre + 3 nights Basse-Terre.
Top Things to Do in Guadeloupe
1) La Soufrière Volcano Hike (Basse-Terre)
- Active volcano
- Cloud forest
- Epic summit views
- Moderate difficulty hike
2) Carbet Waterfalls
Three powerful rainforest waterfalls
Short & long trail options
3) Cousteau Marine Reserve (Snorkel/Dive)
- Coral reefs
- Turtles
- Boat excursions available
4) Les Saintes (Day Trip by Ferry)
- Terre-de-Haut island
- Beaches + French village vibe
- Amazing food & views
5) Grande Anse Beach (Deshaies)
One of the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe
6) Sainte-Anne Lagoon
Calm water + perfect swimming bay
7) Pointe des Châteaux
Dramatic rocky viewpoint at the eastern end of island
Beaches (Ranked)
| Beach | Side | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Grande Anse | Basse-Terre | Long, scenic, soft sand |
| Plage de Malendure | Basse-Terre | Snorkeling to Cousteau Reserve |
| La Caravelle Beach | Grande-Terre | Calm turquoise lagoon |
| Bois Jolan Beach | Grande-Terre | Shallow & family-friendly |
| Pointe des Châteaux | Grande-Terre | Dramatic cliffs & photos |
Transportation
- Rent a car is essential
- Roads are mountainous & narrow but safe
- Traffic heavier around Le Gosier
- Basse-Terre slower driving
Tip: Reserve car early in high season.
Food & Drinks
Try:
- Bokit (fried street sandwich)
- Colombo chicken
- Seafood creole
- Rum “Ti’Punch”
- French pastries + boulangeries
Les Saintes = outstanding food
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Sainte-Anne Lagoon
Day 2: Grande Anse Beach + Deshaies
Day 3: Carbet Waterfalls
5 Days
Day 1: Grande-Terre beaches
Day 2: Pointe des Châteaux
Day 3: La Soufrière volcano
Day 4: Cousteau Reserve snorkel
Day 5: Les Saintes day trip
7 Days
Add:
- Plage Malendure
- Botanical garden
- Bouillante hot springs
- More hidden beaches
Safety & Practical Notes
- Very safe island
- French is main language; basic English in tourist zones
- Euro currency
- Reef-safe sunscreen required
- Hiking shoes recommended
Internal Links
- Martinique Guide
- Dominica
- Caribbean Ferry Routes
- Caribbean Snorkel Spots
- Caribbean Hiking Destinations
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Guadeloupe combina naturaleza, playas, volcanes y cultura francesa.
Es ideal para explorar con auto y dividir estadía entre playas (Grande-Terre) y montañas + cascadas (Basse-Terre).
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