Guadeloupe is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea with a total area of 1,702 km². It belongs to France and is its overseas administrative unit as well as a region. It is known for its lush greenery and luxurious Creole culture mixed with colonial French. Welcome to Guadeloupe, the Caribbean vacation paradise!
Caribbean Islands Guadeloupe it has countless attractive features that attract tourists every year. The rich culture, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches and breathtaking nature make the archipelago, which otherwise belongs to France, one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the Caribbean. The archipelago is dominated by the islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, which flutter like butterfly wings in the Caribbean Sea, separated by a narrow channel overgrown with lush greenery. It is nature that really comes to the fore on the archipelago. In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, you can spend your days surrounded by uninhabited tropical nature, and at night taste Creole cuisine and sway to the sounds of zouk (Caribbean music with an African influence).
When to Guadeloupe?
The best time to visit is between December and May when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry. Although the temperatures are pleasant all year round, avoid the islands between August and September, when hurricanes can ruin your plans.
Photo: Unsplash/Teddy ChartiWhat should I see in Guadeloupe?
The biggest attraction, besides the beaches, is without a doubt the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, which spreads over the huge area of the island and offers a series of picturesque hiking trails. While exploring the park, you will come across magnificent waterfalls, lush vegetation, and you can also climb to the top of La Soufriere volcano. The famous volcano is often called the "old lady", and at 1,234 m it is considered the highest point of the Lesser Antilles. The volcano last erupted in 1976, and you can observe it on independent hikes or guided tours. The national park offers a variety of trails suitable for both inexperienced hikers and more experienced hikers.
If wandering through wild nature isn't your thing, then visit Deshaies Botanical Garden, with plantations of hibiscus, orchids and many birds of paradise. The botanical garden is located on a huge property and was designed by the famous French architect Michel Gaillard. The Les Saintes archipelago, located along the southern coast of Guadeloupe, is also a true natural treasure. The island was named by Christopher Columbus himself, who arrived here in the 15th century. The archipelago is famous for its lively life and sunny beaches.
Photo: Unsplash/Jeremy BezangerThe famous explorer was most impressed by the island of La Desirade, according to legend, he saw the island when he was quite thirsty and exhausted, and in his desire to see the land, he named the island "Longing". It boasts a range of excellent beaches, visit Fifi and Souffleur, as well as lush growth of cacti, coconut palms and grape vines. The island of Marie-Galante is also worth a visit, as it was named after Columbus's ship. Here you'll find a series of secluded beaches, sugarcane plantations and even 19th-century windmills.
The main two islands are also worth exploring. The southern part of Grande-Terre is famous for some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean Sea. Not far from the town of Sainte-Anne, it is a popular meeting place for snorkelers and families with children, as the waters are shallow and pleasantly warm. It is not to be missed when visiting Guadeloupe ACTe memorial, located on the site of a former sugar factory. The cultural center is part of the Unesco Slave Route project, a global initiative that seeks to explore images of slavery more deeply. The memorial was created in 2015, and with the help of art installations and multimedia projections, it reveals the evolution of slavery in the Caribbean.
Photo: Unsplash/Cedric FrixonHow to explore Guadeloupe?
The easiest way to explore the archipelago is by car, which can be rented at the airport and in some larger and more touristy cities. There is also a taxi service on the archipelago, but your own transport will make it much easier to discover the island and its attractions. Ferries connect the main two islands with smaller islets, which give you access to the most beautiful beaches in the area.
How much is a plane ticket to Guadeloupe?
You can fly from Venice to the islands with AirFrance starting from 471 euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Kizoa TeamCovid-19 restrictions in Guadeloupe
Vaccinated tourists must show a vaccination certificate, while others need a negative PCR test result, which must not be older than 72 hours, to enter the country. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Guadeloupe
La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa
The hotel is located in the embrace of a lush tropical forest, in the immediate vicinity of the beach. The rooms also boast a view of the sea or the garden, and the hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool. Creole dishes are available in the hotel restaurant.
The BlueBamboo
A short walk from the beach, in the small town of Le Moule, is the lovely accommodation The BlueBamboo, which offers a lush garden with a terrace and an outdoor pool. The accommodation units also have kitchens with all the necessary kitchen utensils.
