Guadeloupe

 

I’ve been asked so many times for a summary of things to do in Guadeloupe that I decided to turn it into a post 😊

This is a little guide to MY Guadeloupe, the one where I grew up until I was 15 and still return to from time to time to recharge.

First of all, you should know that Guadeloupe is made up of two main “islands”: Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Both have their own charm, and I strongly recommend splitting your stay between the two sides to fully experience the island.

 

Grande-Terre

 

 

This is the postcard version of Guadeloupe. Long turquoise beaches, white sand, and sunsets that honestly don’t look real.

And honestly… it’s also my Guadeloupe ❤️

I grew up in Sainte-Anne, surrounded by days spent at the beach, Floup popsicles enjoyed on the way home, and that slower pace of life that’s hard to forget once you’ve experienced it.

Even though most people come here for the beaches (and there are plenty), there are still lots of things to do.

A visit to Pointe des Châteaux, on the eastern tip of the island, is a must. It’s a short cliffside hike with absolutely stunning landscapes. Just be careful: swimming there is dangerous because of the currents.

There are also rum distilleries like Damoiseau to visit, along with several small local markets. I especially recommend the Thursday night market in Sainte-Anne, right near my old high school. It’s perfect for shopping local and picking up food for the week.

In my opinion, Saint-François and Sainte-Anne are the best places to rent a studio or apartment. Most of the island’s most beautiful beaches are in this area, and the vibe is perfect for discovering Guadeloupe at your own pace.

While in Sainte-Anne, don’t miss La Caravelle (the Club Med beach), which is absolutely beautiful.

 

 

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are also excursions to Petite-Terre, a protected natural reserve where you can swim with turtles and tons of tropical fish. The excursions aren’t cheap, but they usually include a locally prepared meal on site… and local rum 😅 Most departures leave early in the morning from Saint-François.

For a quieter beach, I really recommend Port-Louis. The area is a bit less touristy, usually more relaxed, and also happens to have a great surf spot. For surf lessons, I highly recommend Lalaya Surf with Ainhoa.

 

Basse-Terre

 

 

This is the more tropical and wild side of Guadeloupe. The side of the island where you explore rivers and lush rainforests while driving along the Route des Mamelles, a scenic road that cuts through the heart of the forest.

This is where you’ll find volcanoes, waterfalls, cliff-lined beaches, and nature that feels much denser than Grande-Terre.

In my opinion, the best area to stay is around Deshaies. There are several incredible beaches nearby, including Grande Anse, which has some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

There’s also the Deshaies Botanical Garden (a true little paradise), the hike up La Soufrière volcano, rivers accessible within about an hour’s drive, and amazing diving spots in the Cousteau Reserve.

 

 

For another botanical garden option, there’s also the Valombreuse Garden, which is definitely worth visiting, especially because of the little train kids absolutely love.

It’s also from Trois-Rivières that you can take the boat to Les Saintes (about a 15 to 20 minute crossing). It’s also possible to leave from Grande-Terre, but the ride is longer and usually more expensive.

Les Saintes

 

 

For complete peace and quiet ❤️

Honestly, Les Saintes is best experienced when you stay at least one or two nights. During the day, the island is very touristy, but at night everything slows down and you start living at the rhythm of the locals.

It’s home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and if you climb up to Fort Napoléon, the view is absolutely unreal.

People mostly come here to disconnect: beaches, scooters, fresh fish, and little roads winding through the hills.

I highly recommend renting a scooter while you’re there. The island is very hilly, and the quieter beaches are often farther away. It also lets you discover much more in a short amount of time.

You’ll also find golf cart rentals for a more family-friendly option, or even electric bikes, which are a really nice alternative to scooters… and much quieter 😄

For accommodations, there are lots of Airbnb options, but it’s best to book early.

And most importantly… this is where you eat fresh fish and tourments d’amour ❤️

 

Food

 

Everything is good. Seriously.

But here are MY essentials:

• Accras (the best ones usually come from small trucks near the beaches)
• Bokits, those completely decadent fried sandwiches
• Chicken colombo, probably THE dish that reminds me most of my childhood in Guadeloupe
• And of course… coconut sorbet

Coconut sorbet is basically an institution there. You’ll find little ladies everywhere selling it from handmade sorbet churns in the streets. And honestly, no two recipes are probably the same. The most famous one is said to be the one at Pointe des Châteaux.

 

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

 

What about the rain?

It rains often in Guadeloupe… and that’s totally normal 😄

The tropical showers (called “grains” there) usually come and go very quickly. A heavy tropical rainstorm can last 10 minutes and be followed immediately by sunshine. And with the heat, everything dries super fast.

But if you’re unlucky with the weather for a few days, there are still plenty of great things to do:

• The Guadeloupe Aquarium
• The Mémorial ACTe, a beautiful museum dedicated to the history of slavery and Caribbean memory
• Rum distilleries
• Creole restaurants
• Or simply… slowing down a little and enjoying the island’s rhythm 🌴

 

Transportation

In Guadeloupe, having a car is pretty much essential if you really want to explore the island properly.

Last time, we rented from Need Car Rental and were really happy with them. They pick you up at the airport and drop you off there again at the end of your stay, which is super convenient.

In Les Saintes, though, scooters are definitely the best option.

 

Accomodation

Airbnb is usually the easiest option, but places book up very quickly during the busier seasons. My mom also rents the apartment where I grew up in Sainte-Anne, right here 

 

The Slower Pace of Life

A little warning 😅 Guadeloupe runs on a different rhythm. And honestly, that’s part of its charm.

When you’re used to getting your sandwich ready in two minutes at Subway, it can feel strange waiting 30 minutes just to order something… even when you’re the only person in the restaurant 😄

But after a few days, you start slowing down too. And honestly, that’s probably one of the nicest things you bring back home with you afterward.