Getty Images/WaterFrame RM

Guadeloupe

An archipelago of over a dozen sun-kissed islands, Guadeloupe is a varied place to holiday, with everything from deserted beaches to jungle-wreathed mountains. The country's two main islands look like the wings of a butterfly and are joined together by just a couple of bridges and a mangrove swamp. Grande-Terre, the eastern of the two islands, has a string of beach towns that offer visitors world-class stretches of sand to laze on and plenty of activities. Mountainous Basse-Terre, the western island, is home to thick, lush Parc National de la Guadeloupe, replete with waterfalls and topped by the spectacular La Soufrière volcano.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Réserve Cousteau

Basse-Terre Island

Jacques Cousteau brought Pigeon Island to international attention by declaring it to be one of the world’s top dive areas, and the waters surrounding the…
Mémorial ACTe

Pointe-à-Pitre

Top billing in the French Antilles goes to this huge museum of slavery, opened by President Hollande in 2015. Housed in a spectacular silver-latticework…
Maison du Cacao

Basse-Terre Island

One of Basse-Terre's most enjoyable attractions, the Maison du Cacao is for anyone who loves their chocolate. Presentations in English take place at 10am,…
Zoo de Guadeloupe

Basse-Terre Island

One of Guadeloupe's must-sees, this excellent zoo, high in the mountains of Basse-Terre, combines animal enclosures with a jungle adventure. Follow the…
Plage de la Caravelle

Grande-Terre

This headland of white sand about 2km west of Ste-Anne's center is one of Guadeloupe's very finest beaches – it's the Caribbean you probably came to see…
Grande Anse

Deshaies

This superb golden-sand beach with no hotel development in sight is just 2km north of Deshaies. This is one of Basse-Terre's longest and prettiest…
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

Basse-Terre Island

This Unesco Biosphere Reserve just off the coast of Basse-Terre makes for an enjoyable day trip. A chain of coral islets sitting atop a 25km-long coral…
Baie de Pompierre

Terre-de-Haut

The horseshoe-shaped Baie de Pompierre is perhaps Terre-de-Haut's loveliest beach: a reef-protected golden strand with a splendid setting. There are even…