Best Places to Visit in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a beautiful location to visit because of its evocative blend of lush natural beauty and rich Creole and French culture. The archipelago is a French overseas territory, and Guadeloupe's cuisine, language, and culture reflect this close relationship.

On a map of Guadeloupe, the main landmass resembles a butterfly, with two main islands: Grande-Terre to the east and Basse-Terre to the west, divided by the Rivière Salée, a thin mangrove waterway.

The coastline is surrounded by palm-fringed beaches, while the interior is lush and mountainous, with waterfalls, hot springs, and an active volcano. The golden coasts of these main islands are home to the majority of Guadeloupe's hotels and resorts, as well as many of the islands' tourist attractions, while Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's largest city and cruise port, is located on the southern side of Grande-Terre.

The smaller islands of La Desirade, Les Saintes (also known as Îles des Saintes), and Marie-Galante are all part of Guadeloupe and provide gorgeous beaches and charming communities. Birding, photography, hiking, and water sports such as snorkeling, swimming, and diving are all popular on Guadeloupe's islands. Guadeloupe also hosts a number of vibrant carnivals and events, such as the five-day Mardi Gras Carnival, which concludes on Ash Wednesday.

Wondering about the best places to visit on your trip? Consult our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Guadeloupe.