The 17 things to do in Guadeloupe

Are you planning your trip to Guadeloupe? Here are the best things to do and to see on the island with beautiful waters!

Set like a butterfly in the middle of the Caribbean, the Archipelago of Guadeloupe is a flagship destination for a holiday in the sun. With its diversified and extraordinary landscapes and a culture of absolute wealth, the island with beautiful waters is ideal for an unforgettable stopover.

From the Bass-Terre to the Grande-Terre, without forgetting the Saintes or Marie-Galante, go to the discovery of places full of magic and filled with History. Dive along its palm-lined coastline, immerse yourself in the heart of an abundant nature in the discovery of local flora and fauna and simply let yourself be enveloped by the sweetness of ambient life that you will soon no longer want to leave.

Enjoy adventure, taste, smell, live and discover the 17 things to do in Guadeloupe!

1. Pointe-à-Pitre

Chef-lieu de la Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre is one of the first cities that you will see when you arrive on site and it reserves you many surprises if you take the time to discover it.

La Place de la Victoire

During your visit to Guadeloupe, start with a mandatory stop on the warm Place de la Victoire . Lined with colourful houses dating from the colonial era and cafés, it is built as the central point of the city. Dressed in front of the sea and spreading over almost a hectare, it is a welcoming place throughout the year of concerts, shows and other cultural events.

Monuments and museums

If Pointe-à-Pitre may be picturesque and jovial, it is also a city of History and Culture that unfolds through its monuments and museums. Discover the former infantry barracks listed as a historic monument, admire the famous yellow front of the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church dating from 1807 and do not miss visiting memorial ACTe tracing the long and painful history of the archipelago with slavery.

Markets

And how to talk about Pointe-à-Pitre without mentioning its famous markets? Dive into a whirlpool of colours, flavors and scents, walking through the various stalls of these famous traditional places throughout the archipelago. There, in the middle of a pleasant effervescence, no doubt that you will find your happiness.

Walk between handicrafts, spices, punches and local fruit in markets Saint-Antoine and The Darse . Choose to virevolt between the petals and flower market or let yourself be tempted by other local markets.

2. Dream beaches

When we talk about things that must be done in Guadeloupe, it is difficult not to think of its dream beaches. With palm trees, golden or black sand, they offer you a postcard frame that you are not ready to forget.

And, if the original name of the archipelago is Karukera , “Island with beautiful waters”, it’s not for nothing! You will certainly not resist the call of its clear and warm waters.

With family, with friends, with two or even alone, enjoy the joys of these expanses of heavenly sand during your visit to Guadeloupe. Let the sun caress your skin, nap in the shade of a tree or succumb to the delicious odors of the food-truck offering a variety of perfect dishes to accompany an afternoon by the sea.

At the end of the day, watch beautiful sunsets from the shore or sitting at the table of one of the best beach bars in Guadeloupe.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most beautiful beaches where to put your towels on your holiday:

• Anse du Souffleur- Port-Louis;
• Caravelle beach- Sainte-Anne;
• Anse Bertrand- Port-Louis;
• Raisins Clair Beach- Saint-François;
• Petit-Havre beach- the Gosier;
• Caribbean- Pointe-Noire;
• Bois-Jolan Beach- Sainte-Anne;
• Datcha beach- The Gosier.

3. The Archaeological Park of engraved rocks

Located in the commune of Trois-Rivières, the Archaeological Park of the Gravated Rocks — classified as a historic monument since 1974 — is a fabulous footprint left by the first inhabitants of the archipelago: the Arawaks Indians. Through the visit of a tropical garden, between calebassiers, rucou or sugar canes, you will have the chance to observe more than 230 engravings called "petroglyphs".

Dating more than 1,500 years, the latter make it possible to better understand the way of life of the Amerindian civilization. Accompanied by a guide, you will learn both the meaning of each of these engraved rocks and the usefulness of the different plants constituting the lush landscape surrounding you.

4. The Botanical Garden of Deshaies

Discover a rich Caribbean flora and a surprising fauna by visiting the magnificent Botanical Garden of Deshaies . Nestled on the old property of Coluche and extending over nearly 7 hectares, this park — divided into several thematic areas — promises to marvel at small and large.

Walk between the tropical trees and contemplate beautiful flowers such as porcelain roses, hibiscus or orchids by accompanying you with the singing of the birds.

Throughout the course, you can cross hummingbirds, blue aras, loriquets, pink flamingos or goats.

5. The visits of Distilleries

Known for its landscapes of all beauty and its coastline with crystal clear waters, the butterfly island is also known for its sugar cane cultivation and rums exported worldwide. During your stay, don’t hesitate to set the course on one of its immanquable rheueries where you can discover the backstage of this nectar so appreciated.

That's it. Distillerie Damoiseau in Grande-Terre, Distillerie Bologna in the Netherlands or Distillerie Bielle To Marie-Galante, learn more about the manufacture of this alcohol and its history.

At the end of your visit, you will be delighted to participate in the tasting of the white or amber rum, dry or flavored. But don’t forget: alcohol is to drink with moderation!

6. The Holy

Located between Guadeloupe and Dominica , archipelago of the Holy is a small corner of paradise that you must absolutely visit during your stay. Composed of two small islands — Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas — as well as 7 unoccupied islands, it offers exceptional views to visitors.

Between its enchanting beaches, colourful fishing villages and incredible views such as the Morne Chameau No doubt you'll be conquered. Don’t miss to pass through the botanical garden where you can observe the iguanas and discover the history of Fort Napoleon in the middle.

7. The authentic Marie-Galante

It is southeast of the mainland Guadeloupe that you will find the amazing and ravishing Marie-Galante . There, as frozen in time, it transports you into an authentic universe preserved from the tourist tumult. Enjoy your visit to Guadeloupe to make a getaway!

Take a look at its rural and wild decors, lizard on one of its sublime beaches, attend a traditional beef competition, visit the ecomusée retracing the history of the local sugar industry or go to the search for what remains of the many mills that earned it the nickname of “the island with the hundred mills”.

8. A boat ride

If you would like to visit the well-known “island with beautiful waters” in a slightly different way, the best thing is to borrow the way to the sea. Amaze yourself in the face of its heavenly coasts and lagoons with translucent waters, explore its wild islands and let yourself be charmed by its exceptional seabed. In sailboat, catamaran or speedboat, prepare yourself for sensational moments. And, who knows, maybe even you'll want to rent a boat in Guadeloupe to be your own captain.

From Point-à-Pitre, for example, you can navigate to the Saintes Islands to discover the Baie de Pont Pierre, a natural site classified with a lagoon protected from the winds. You can also put the veils in the direction of the islands of the Grand Cul-de-sac marine, and make a stop at the Îlet la Biche, a small fishermen’s sanctuary away from everything. But there is also many other walks to discover “the island with beautiful waters” from the sea.

If you don’t own the boat permit or you’re not comfortable at the bar, you can use the services of a skipper who will unveil you the most beautiful corners of the island. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

9. The Soufrière

Beautifully placed in the commune of Saint-Claude, Soufrière is an active volcano that has imposed itself a long time ago as a real must-see in Guadeloupe. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts, the one that surnames the Old Lady is rich in surprises.

Between its hot springs, its mud baths, its vapours from breaches and its steep slopes, you may have the breath cut off. But no panic, once you reach the top, your efforts will be rewarded with a fantastic 360° view that requires only to be immortalized. So, ready to climb on the "small Caribbean roof"?

10. The most beautiful hikes

From the Bass-Terre to the Grande-Terre, the Caribbean Butterfly offers many natural sites that everyone enjoys to discover. Beyond its famous Soufrière you will discover many paths that promise to put your eyes full.

Whether it's in the hollow of the lush landscapes of his National Park or along its coastline with crystal clear waters, organize beautiful hikes immersing you in an incredible environment full of contrasts. Dry or wet forests, mangroves, seaside and other spectacular views are waiting for you. Surely one of the best things to do in Guadeloupe!

11. The Route de la Traversée

If you want to visit Guadeloupe and discover exceptional sites without getting tired of walking for hours, Route de la Traversée — also known as the Mamelles Road — is an excellent alternative.

Connecting Pointe-Noire to Petit-Bourg, this route near 35 kilometres train you in the heart of a wild nature by allowing you to cross the Guadalupean National Park. If you can ride a milking while watching the green hills, you also have the opportunity to score several stops:

• the stunt at the Screws for a refreshing swim;
• La Maison de la Forêt to discover the local fauna and flora;
• the Zoo at the Parc des Mamelles to rejoice small and great.

12. Dive

Looking for what to do in Guadeloupe during your holidays? Why don't you let yourself be tempted by diving? With a multitude of submarine exploration sites spread around the island, no doubts that you will find the one that best fits your expectations.

From Reservation at Grand Cul-de-sac marine , passing through the island Gosier or even lagon de Saint-François , you can swim in coral gardens and amaze yourself in the face of a marine fauna and flora without like.

13. Other outdoor activities

In addition to subaquatic diving, the Guadalupian archipelago is a place for many other outdoor activities. Whether you want to make the full of strong sensations or playfully discover the environment around you, you will not miss a choice. On land or at sea, here are some ideas of activities outdoor during your visit to Guadeloupe:

• a walk ;
• an excursion ;
• one shot ;
• a tower ;
• an exit ;
• an initiation to .

14. Overfly the island by helicopter

Opt for an original visit to Guadeloupe by taking your flight! Experience an unforgettable experience by landing with an experienced pilot who will take you to admire the sensational views of the sky.

What better to realize the various wonders that make up this incredible archipelago? Fly, contemplate and exclaim face to so much beauty.

15. The Gate of Hell

Located at the Anse Bertrand, la Gate of Hell is a remarkable place if you are looking for what to visit in Guadeloupe. Although its name may give some chills to some, this natural site has rather small corners of paradise.

With dizzy cliffs flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and a blue water leaving the seabed to be seen, you will not be disappointed with the trip. After attending this grandiose show, you will be able to continue on your way by 15 minutes to the cave Tou a Man Koko ("Madam Coco Trou") in French or ending with a bath in the lagoon below.

16. Morne-à-l’Eau Cemetery

If you find that a cemetery is not the ideal place to walk during your holidays, that of Morne-à-l’Eau is nevertheless internationally renowned and visited every year by thousands of travellers. And because of that, he's very unique.

With its amphitheatre on the hillside and its multitude of tombs with black and white damiers, it is considered one of the most amazing cemeteries in the French Antilles. But it is in the Toussaint that it fascinates even more, when families come to illuminate the tombs with countless candles. Want to push your curiosity?

17. Discover local gastronomy

It is impossible to make a stopover in Guadeloupe without interest in its local gastronomy. Uncontournable among the must-sees, she takes you on a colorful journey full of flavors. Raised, tasteful and sometimes surprising, its various recipes will not leave you indifferent.

Whether at the table of a restaurant or in a snack on the beach, don’t miss to taste the famous Accra , these tasty spicy cod donuts. Then let yourself be tempted by the famous Chicken , usually accompanied by rice.

If you prefer to eat under the thumb, no doubt that you will be seduced by the local sandwich star: the bokit . To finish on a note full of softness, treat your taste buds with a delicious fruity sorbet.

How to get to Guadeloupe?

How to get to Guadeloupe?

Are you going to visit Guadeloupe? We find flights from here France to Pointe-à-Pitre every day. Think about using a flight comparison such as Ulysses to find the best offer.

How to get around in Guadeloupe?

On site and especially when you stay on the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, it is best to rent a car to ensure greater freedom and waste less time. There are many things to do in Guadeloupe and time is precious!

Where to sleep in Guadeloupe?

To stay in Guadeloupe, it is not the choices that are missing. From the villa to the bungalow, to the uncontourable hotel room, there are for all tastes. In order to find the offer that corresponds to both your budget and your criteria, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels . It is also possible to opt for one of the many Airbnb available on the archipelago, to stay like a local!