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Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago of the French Antilles in the middle of the Caribbean Sea that, with other small neighbouring islands, forms a French Overseas Department.
Lapped by the ocean, the butterfly-shaped main island offers beautiful landscapes surrounded by beaches of white and even black sand, due to volcanic activity. It lies nestled between Dominica (south of Marie-Galante) and Anguilla (north of Grande-Terre) and is an archipelago of five main islands: Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and Désirade.
Guadeloupe’s mountainous terrain attracts hiking enthusiasts, curious to discover the island’s geological riches, such as the Soufrière volcano and its many waterfalls. In Guadeloupe you will also have the opportunity to taste delicious Antillean specialities such as acras, smoked chicken or the famous coconut flan.
Nestled in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly whose wings – Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre – hold treasures waiting to be discovered. This French overseas department offers an experience that goes far beyond the classic seaside holiday.
The Guadeloupe National Park, located in Basse-Terre, is the green heart of the island. Here, the majestic volcano La Soufrière rises up to 1,467 metres, surrounded by lush rainforest. Well-marked hiking trails lead to the spectacular Les Chutes du Carbet waterfalls, with three waterfalls plunging from dizzying heights.
The famous Route de la Traversée crosses the island from east to west, offering one of the most scenic drives in the Caribbean. This road snakes through the tropical rainforest, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous nature trails.
The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies is an oasis of peace and beauty with over 15 hectares of tropical gardens. This botanical paradise is home to more than 1,000 plant species, a 10-metre waterfall, koi carp ponds, and an enchanting collection of rare orchids. Visitors can also admire the pink flamingos that live freely in the park.
In the northern part of Grande-Terre, Port-Louis captivates with its authentic Creole character and picturesque fishing harbour. The waterfront is dotted with quaint restaurants serving local specialities.
The Habitation Murat, a restored former colonial plantation, offers a fascinating insight into the island’s history. The complex now houses an ethnographic museum that tells the story of daily life during colonial times through period furniture, utensils and historical documents.
The Grand Cul-de-sac marin is a vast lagoon protected by a coral reef, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unique natural area is home to mangroves, islets and a rich marine biodiversity.
In the heart of Pointe-à-Pitre, the Saint-Antoine Market and the modern ACTe Museum tell the story of the island’s history and culture. The former offers a sensory experience of spices, exotic fruits and local crafts, while the latter explores the complex history of slavery through interactive exhibits.
Not far away, historic rum distilleries such as Damoiseau and Longueteau invite visitors to discover the art of agricultural rum production, with tastings of their fine spirits in an atmosphere reminiscent of colonial times.
To learn more about each place of interest, read Things to do in Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe is home to some of the most fascinating beaches in the Caribbean, each with its own distinctive character. On the southern coast of Grande-Terre, Plage de Bois Jolan enchants with its expanse of white sand protected by a coral reef, where palm trees slope gently towards crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Sainte-Anne’s famous Plage de la Caravelle represents the essence of tropical paradise: a kilometre and a half of golden sand bordered by coconut trees, with calm waters ideal for swimming. The nearby Club Med does not compromise its public accessibility.
For those seeking tranquillity, Plage de la Perle on the west coast of Basse-Terre offers a wilder atmosphere. Its grey-gold volcanic sands and vigorous waves attract surfers and nature lovers.
Anse du Souffleur in Port-Louis captivates with its authenticity: frequented mainly by locals, this sheltered bay offers placid waters and the opportunity to sample real guadalupese life, with its small fresh fish restaurants.
In the municipality of Deshaies, Grande Anse seduces with its perfect crescent of golden sand three kilometres long, framed by lush vegetation. Its deep blue waters and pristine environment make it an ideal place for long, contemplative walks.
The small but enchanting Anse à la Gourde surprises with its contrasts: white sand, turquoise waters and rock formations that create natural pools, providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photographs.
To see photos and discover the location of each beach, read Best beaches in Guadeloupe.
The climate in Guadeloupe is tropical, which means that it is generally hot and humid. The water temperature is always suitable for swimming and there are only two seasons in the archipelago.
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is during the dry season, which extends from December to April. During this period, temperatures remain warm without being stifling (25°C on average) with very rare rain and thunderstorms. It is also the most suitable time for bathing and climbing the volcano. Obviously, the high season means more tourists, especially during the Easter holidays, when a migration of French holidaymakers is seen.
The rainy season, on the other hand, runs from June to November. There are frequent rains and no cyclones or thunderstorms. Cyclones are particularly common in August and September. In addition, the atmosphere is heavier due to the high humidity and the average temperature is 30°C. This is the reason why many hotels and restaurants close their doors during this period.
Furthermore, Guadeloupe is an archipelago: this means that each island has its own climatic characteristics, some rainier, windier or sunnier than others.
One more reason to visit Guadeloupe in winter is its sparkling carnival. It is undoubtedly the most important festival in the archipelago and is a true symbol of the Caribbean.
In fact, for all the islands of Guadeloupe, it is the highlight of the year. A genuine West Indian institution, this festive, fun and colourful moment will add atmosphere to your holidays. Guadeloupe Carnival lasts two months, from the first Sunday in January until Ash Wednesday, when the Carnival King is cremated.
With extravagant costumes, lively music and dancing, Guadeloupe Carnival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Guadeloupe culture and celebrate day and night. To the sound of drums, maracas or synthesisers, various groups and processions stroll through the streets of Basse-Terre, Pointe-à-Pitre, Bouillante and Saint-François.
Large parades with magnificent floats are organised. Parades and competitions take place every weekend and the Mardi Gras carnival reaches its climax when Queen and King Vaval take part in the various parades.
The choice of a place to stay in Guadeloupe can significantly influence the travel experience. Le Gosier, strategically located between the airport and Pointe-à-Pitre, is an ideal base for exploring the island. It is home to high-end establishments such as the iconic Auberge de la Vieille Tour and numerous boutique hotels with sea views.
Saint-François, at the eastern end of Grande-Terre, is perfect for those seeking a more exclusive atmosphere. The area is home to luxury resorts such as La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa and quaint seaside bungalows, offering easy access to the international golf course.
For an immersion in nature, Deshaies on the west coast of Basse-Terre enchants with its eco lodges surrounded by tropical vegetation. The Langley Resort Fort Royal dominates this area, offering one of the best locations on the island.
Sainte-Anne attracts with its authentic charm and family-run guesthouses. Small boutique hotels such as Le Relais du Moulin perfectly combine modern comfort and Creole atmosphere.
For adventurous spirits, Saint-Claude, in the heights of Basse-Terre, offers quaint eco lodges with views of the La Soufrière volcano. Here, facilities such as the Habitation Grande Anse provide a unique experience of nature and comfort.
Port-Louis, in the north of Grande-Terre, is an excellent choice for those seeking authenticity, with its bed & breakfasts in restored colonial houses and small hotels overlooking the tranquil bay.
The best way to get around Guadeloupe is undoubtedly to rent a car, which is practically indispensable to fully appreciate all that the island has to offer.
The Pointe-à-Pitre airport is the main car rental hub, where you will find both big international names such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis, and reliable local operators such as Jumbo Car and Heliconia.
Book well in advance, especially for the carnival period (January-March) and in high season, when prices can triple.
The road network is generally good on Grande-Terre, ideal for reaching beautiful beaches such as Sainte-Anne or Saint-François. The situation changes on Basse-Terre, where the roads that climb towards La Soufrière or through the National Park become more challenging. In these areas, a compact SUV can make all the difference.
Fill up whenever possible on Grande-Terre, where petrol stations are more numerous. On Basse-Terre, especially in the National Park area, petrol stations are rarer and often close early.
As a French department, Guadeloupe follows European road rules and drives on the right.
If you have decided to rent a car, we recommend that you use the form below which will allow you to compare the rates and availability of all car rental companies in real time and with a single search.
From Europe it is possible to reach the island either by direct flights or by making a stopover in Paris (Air Caraibes, Air France and Corsair), the most common option, or Madrid (Air Europa, KLM).
Guadeloupe’s main airport is Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, which handles all international flights.
Once you have landed, we recommend that you rent a car so that you can move around in total freedom and explore every area of this island, admiring it in all its facets.
Guadeloupe is a French Overseas Department (DOM), so it follows the same entry regulations as mainland France.
For EU/EEA citizens, therefore, entry is allowed with a simple identity card valid for foreign travel or a passport. In both cases, the documents must be valid for the entire duration of the stay on the island. For tourist stays of up to 90 days, no visa is required.
For the protection of your health during your stay, we recommend that you carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which guarantees health care, and take out travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies or inconveniences during your holiday.
As Guadeloupe is a French overseas department, the Euro is used. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist facilities and main shops, with ATMs readily available in tourist areas. However, it is advisable to have cash on you, which is particularly useful for local markets, small shops and taxis.
Guadeloupe uses the same European voltage (220V/50Hz) and sockets are of the European/French type. You will therefore not need to bring any adapters for your electronic devices.
The official language is French, supplemented by Guadalupian Creole in everyday life. In the tourist areas, especially in Le Gosier and Saint-François, staff often also speak English, but some effort to communicate in French, even the most basic phrases, is always appreciated.
Guadeloupe is 5 hours behind Great Britain.
Telecommunications are well developed on the island. The telephone code is +590, and the main local operators are Orange, SFR and Digicel.
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation and restaurants, and EU roaming is generally active (it is however advisable to check with your operator).
From a health point of view, Guadeloupe offers European standards. Tap water is drinkable in the main urban areas, but it is essential to protect yourself from the intense sun with high-protection sun creams. Don’t forget to take good insect repellent with you, which is particularly useful in areas near the mangroves.
The island’s tropical climate maintains pleasant temperatures all year round, ranging between 24 °C and 32 °C. The most suitable clothing is light and informal, with the indispensable addition of a hat and sunglasses to protect against the Caribbean sun. For hikes in the National Park and on the La Soufrière volcano, also include a k-way and appropriate shoes.
To get around the island, there are several options. Collective taxis are a cheap way to move between the main towns. Buses (called ‘Cars’) are cheap but not always punctual.
For maximum freedom of movement, it is advisable to hire a car. Driving is on the right as in Europe, but remember to book in advance, especially in high season.
Shop hours follow the relaxed pace of the island. Most businesses open from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a long lunch break. On Sundays, many shops are closed, while supermarkets in tourist areas have extended opening hours.
Guadeloupe is located in the French Antilles, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Antigua and Barbuda to the north and Dominica to the south.
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