The 11 essential things to do on the Island of the Holy

Visit the Île des Saintes: what are the best things to do and see for a stay in the heart of the Antilles!

In the Caribbean Sea, a few minutes from the Guadeloupe They are part of them, the Saintes group together several Caribbean islands. Only two are inhabited: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. The archipelago discovered by Christophe Colomb in 1493 concentrates many attractions. Here, the beaches are lined with palm trees, the turquoise waters are full of fish and the inhabitants warmly share their passion for the sea. Visit the Île des Saintes ensures you beautiful natural discoveries and a stay under the sign of relaxation.

Are you wondering what things to do on the Island of the Holy? Between walks in fishing villages, hikes and water activities, you will find what to enjoy. Here is our selection of 11 must-see places!

1. Terre-de-Haut

The most inhabited island of the Saintes is also the most lively. Its town focuses most of the homes, shops and events of all kinds. By landing at Terre-de-Haut by boat, we admire the splendid bay of the Saintes, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world by the Unsco . Coloured wooden houses and volcanic rock churches punctuate the landscape. At every corner of the street, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Grande Anse, Fort Napoleon or any idyllic beach.

In Terre-de-Haut, cars are banned. So, a board, rent a bike and enjoy this relaxing atmosphere while exploring the small creole boxes and large colonial houses. If you want to go around the island and test all its coves in the family, opt for a small electric cartte. Take advantage of it to buy love torments, these tasty cakes typical of the island.

2. A boat ride

How to visit the Île des Saintes without a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to sail on the crystal clear waters around the island while enjoying the beaches of dreams that are flooded in a paradisiacal setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed of the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

3. Fort Napoleon

Visiting the Island of the Holy is also the heart of the history of the West Indies. Fort Napoleon houses a museum that will allow you to learn more about the past of the archipelago. Although it has never been used as such, the fort built in the 19th century remains a flagship building on the island of Terre-de-Haut. Many tourists are looking for boat models, paintings and the botanical garden.

You will have the opportunity to discover many fat plants and to cross iguanas. The panorama on the bay of the Saintes is splendid. It is better to arrive early in the morning to fully enjoy the places before the crowd and the hottest hours of the day.

4. Beach of Pompierre

What to do in the Île des Saintes if it is not lizard on its idyllic beaches? Located in Terre-de-Haut, that of Pompierre is undoubtedly the most pleasant of the island. Its wooden carbets make it possible to shade for a nap or a picnic. You can also filter palms, mask and tuba to observe the pretty fish. For this, head to the right rocky part. Is it lunch time? We can only advise you to test one of the small restaurants on the way to the beach.

The local cabris may make you a little visit during your stay on the beach, what to do a fun photo-care. Only sargasses (brown seaweeds), present from time to time, could limit swimming opportunities. But, even without putting your feet in the water, the postcard landscape offered by the beach of Pompierre is really worth a visit!

5. Chameau Summit

It is the highest point of the Saintes, the ideal place for a small sports session. Arrived at its 304 meters high, the camel rewards you with a breathtaking view. This morn (colline) is located southwest of the island and is covered with forest. A watch tower dating from 1843 awaits you at its summit.

6. Sucre bread beach

If there is a characteristic beach in the West Indies, it is the one of the Sugar Bread. Dominated by the volcanic hill of the same name, it is of course one of the must-sees to visit on the Island of the Holy! Turquoise water and soft sand like flour invite so much to the farniente that you could stay there for hours.

The site is also perfect for a snorkeling session in the middle of colored corals and fish: blue surgeons and fish-peppers will have no secret for you! Finally, the beach is ideally exposed to admire the sunset.

7. Island Cabrit (or Cabris)

Are you looking for an experience to visit the Île des Saintes off the beaten paths? Take a shuttle or a canoe from Terre-de-Haut, direction the Îlet Cabrit – or a cabris island. A cult animal in Guadeloupe, the cabri holds an important place in Creole culture and especially in the St. The island combines vestiges of the past and wild nature. Thus, the ruins of the penitentiary cleave the coconut trees, and the iguanas mark your way.

On Îlet Cabrit, you can also make great dives, or opt for a kayak session. History enthusiasts will go to Fort Josephine. Located on the heights, the fort was a strategic place to defend the Saints at the time of Napoleon. It was also the entrance door of the bay. To make the most of this period, a guided tour is required.

8. Marigot Bay – Pointe de Zozio

This hiking trail is both easy to access and fast. The walk is pleasant and passes through beautiful landscapes on the heights of the bay of Saintes. It offers you views of Fort Napoleon and the bay through frangipaniers and cactus cierges.

She then continues to the tip of Zozio. The Pointe Morel is designed while the northernmost point of the archipelago opens on the Caribbean Sea, with Guadeloupe in line of sight.

9. Netherlands

Did you travel to Upper Land and ask what to do on the Island of the Holy? Head west to discover the Netherlands. Confidential and disappointing, it offers visitors wild trails in forests and paradise beaches. On the programme of your getaway: beach of Grande-Anse, remains of the old pottery, walks in the small village of Petite-Anse.

Eating grilled lobsters is also part of the experience. Here, the hospitality of the inhabitants and the calm that reigns in the places will show you a more authentic face of the archipelago. For nature lovers, many trails have been developed by the National Forest Office.

10. L’Anse Crawen

Are you visiting the Island of the Holy for its wild side? Then you will enjoy this beach of Terre-de-Haut. The calm and noise of the waves attract travelu·rs·ses and locals in search of relaxation. Here, the sand is gray and the seabed contains corals, multicolored sponges, gorgones and colored high fish.

In the case of rain, however, it will be necessary to be cautious because the sap of the mancenillar trees can cause violent burns.

11. Grande-Anse

Open on the Atlantic Ocean, the beach of Grande-Anse is exposed to strong currents. Swimming is forbidden, but its interest is not there. Long about a kilometre, it is ready for long contemplative walks with stunning views of Dominica and Marie Galante.

You can also practice kitesurfing, and between May and July, attend the bridge or the birth of the marine turtles!

How do I go to the Island of the Holy?

To be able to visit the Île des Saintes, you must first reach Guadeloupe. To do this, several companies offer Pointe-à-Pitre service from Metropolitan France. Air Caribbean, Air France and Corsair provide liaison. To find you there among the prices and schedules, the best is to compare the different flights on a comparison site such as Skyscanner .

Once in Guadeloupe, you can depart from the ports Pointe-à-pitre , Saint-Anne or Saint-François. The fastest crossing is however the one that starts in Trois-Rivières, on Basse-Terre. From the airport, transport companies provide the shuttle to the ferry terminal. If you have rented a car, you will have to leave it in the parking lot, because the archipelago of the Saintes prohibits them and there is no ferry to carry them.

Arriving on the Island of the Saintes, it is possible to book a bicycle or electric car to move you. However, most sites are accessible on foot. Finally, for the most in a hurry, minibuses with drivers offer guided tours of the archipelago.

Where to stay in the Île des Saintes?

Although the island is not very large, we really advise you to spend at least one night to imbue yourself with the atmosphere that reigns there, especially when the tourists leave the evening leaving room to an authentic atmosphere. The archipelago has a few hotels and many guest rooms.

Most of the hotel offer is located in Terre-de-Haut, but you can also find a good address in Terre-de-Bas to enjoy an even more wild atmosphere. The best for this is to lead you on a Compare hotels online. Rates, reviews, services... you will see in a glance the offers available on your dates. As an indication, the price of the rooms varies greatly according to the standard, from around 60 euros to over 150€.