Ultimate Guide to Exploring Guadeloupe

Visiting the Guadeloupe archipelago in the French Caribbean

Comprised of five main islands, Guadeloupe is a unique blend of France and the tropics, well-seasoned by African and South Asian culture. Each island has its own unique charms, making island-hopping a must during your visit.

Guadeloupe Basic Travel Information

Location: In the eastern Caribbean Sea, situated between Antigua and Dominica.

Size: 629 square miles/1,628 square kilometers, including the islands of Grand-Terre, Basse-Terre, Les Saintes, La Desirade, and Marie-Galante.

Capital: Basse-Terre

Language: French

Religions: Primarily Catholic

Currency: Euro

Area Code: 590

Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated; restaurants and most hotels add 15 percent.

Weather: Average summer temperature of 87°F and winter temperature of 74°F. Located in the hurricane belt.

Airport: Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport​

Guadeloupe Activities and Attractions

Guadeloupe’s five islands are dotted with historic forts and colonial homes, while local markets burst with color and vibrant activity. This lively atmosphere, along with weekly oxen pulls and cockfights, offers an immersive experience into the local culture. Basse-Terre features lush tropical forests protected in a national park that includes the stunning Le Carbet waterfall. Butterfly watching is among the local pastimes. Visitors to Marie-Galante can engage with rural families, hike, or kayak along the Vieux-Fort River. The bay on Les Saintes is renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque.

Guadeloupe Beaches

Guadeloupe offers both Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, showcasing shimmering white sands alongside volcanic black shores. On Grande-Terre, where coral reefs create shallow lagoons, Caravelle beach, adorned with palms, stands as one of the most picturesque spots. Numerous secluded beaches are sprinkled across the island, waiting to be explored. Most visitors to Les Saintes are drawn to the stunning Grande-Anse beach in Terre-de-Bas. Petite Terre, a small flat island, is surrounded by pristine white beaches, making it a favorite day-trip destination for beach lunches and scuba diving.

Guadeloupe Hotels and Resorts

While M Gallery and Club Med operate well-known hotels in Guadeloupe, the majority of accommodations are small, locally owned establishments. In Marie-Galante, visitors can find guest houses that allow for interaction with local families. There are charming beachfront hotels on Les Saintes, including Bois Joli and Auberge des Petits Saints. Private villa rentals are also available on Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes, catering to various preferences.

Guadeloupe Restaurants and Cuisine

Throughout the islands, you will discover exquisite Creole and French cuisine at more than 200 restaurants. Seafood is a staple on many menus, featuring dishes such as spiny lobster and stewed conch, while the islands’ South Asian influences offer flavorful curry options. If you visit in August, you can partake in the annual Fete des Cuisinieres, or Festival of Women Cooks. Generally, lunch is considered the main meal of the day for locals. On Les Saintes, be sure to try the special coconut custard tarts, known as Torrent of Love, available by the boat dock.

Guadeloupe History and Culture

Discovered and named by Columbus, Guadeloupe has a complex history intertwined with France since 1635, marked by slave revolts and colonialism. Today, Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France, predominantly populated by individuals of African descent but also influenced by a strong South Asian heritage. The islands are home to poets (including Nobel Prize winner Saint-John Perse), writers, musicians, sculptors, and painters, with vibrant traditions still evident in the colorful dresses and head scarves worn by island women during special occasions.

Guadeloupe Events and Festivals

The Carnival season in Guadeloupe runs from the Feast of the Epiphany in January until Easter, peaking in February around Shrove Tuesday. Additionally, Marie-Galante hosts an annual music festival in May, showcasing a variety of regional and international acts. The BPE bank sponsors a transatlantic race from Marie-Galante to Belle Ile en Mer each May. Various towns around the islands celebrate their patron saints with festivals throughout the year, and cockfights take place from November to April.

Guadeloupe Nightlife

Zouk dance music, which originated in Guadeloupe, reverberates from various discos and nightclubs in towns like Gosier, Bas-de-Fort, St. Francois, Le Moule, and Gourbeyre. These Zouk gatherings often attract more locals than tourists. In addition, casinos can be found in Gosier and St. Francois, featuring blackjack, roulette, and slots. Party boats operate from Gosier and Pointe-a-Pitre, while Bas du Fort Marina is popular for piano and jazz bars. Evening entertainment frequently centers around hotels, particularly on the smaller islands.