La Soufrière Volcano
An active stratovolcano rising to 1,467 m — the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. The summit crater emits sulphurous fumaroles visible from the trail and, on clear mornings, offers panoramic views across both islands.
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About Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe rewards travellers who want more than a single beach scene. Basse-Terre rises to La Soufrière, an active stratovolcano at 1,467 m (4,813 ft), surrounded by a national park with waterfalls, hot springs, and emerald rainforest. Grande-Terre delivers the postcard Caribbean: turquoise lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches from Saint-François to Sainte-Anne, and the lively port city of Pointe-à-Pitre with its lively market and the award-winning MÉMORIAL ACTe museum on the history of slavery. Offshore, Les Saintes (Îles des Saintes) form a cluster of tiny islands with an almost Mediterranean feel — bougainvillea lanes, red-roofed cottages, and snorkelling over the Cousteau Marine Reserve near Malendure. Marie-Galante moves at a slower pace, with ox-cart sugar cane farms and three traditional rum distilleries still open for tasting visits. Rum is fundamental to the island identity: Guadeloupe's rhum agricole (made from fresh cane juice) carries an AOC designation, and producers like Bologne, Damoiseau, and Longueteau welcome visitors. Creole cuisine fuses French technique with African spice: accras de morue (salt-cod fritters), boudin créole, colombo de poulet (chicken curry), and fresh lobster grilled over coals. French is universal; Guadeloupean Creole is widely spoken and lends the islands a warm, musical cadence. As an integral French département, Guadeloupe uses the euro, operates under French law, and European health standards apply throughout. Roads are good, petrol stations numerous, and rental cars widely available at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP).
- Capital
- Basse-Terre
- Largest city
- Les Abymes
- Population
- 395,000
- Languages
- French (official), Guadeloupean Creole
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €)
- Time zone
- AST — Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4), no daylight saving
Explore Guadeloupe by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Guadeloupe
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
MÉMORIAL ACTe
The Caribbean Centre for the Expression and Memory of the Slave Trade and Slavery, opened in 2015. The striking building on Pointe-à-Pitre harbour houses multimedia exhibits telling the history of the transatlantic slave trade and resistance movements.
Les Saintes (Îles des Saintes)
A small volcanic archipelago of nine islets 15 km south of Guadeloupe. Terre-de-Haut, the main inhabited island, has pastel-painted fishing villages, spectacular Fort Napoléon, and one of the Caribbean's finest anchorages.
Grande Anse de Deshaies Beach
Widely considered Guadeloupe's most beautiful beach — a long arc of golden sand framed by palm trees and forest-covered hills, with calm turquoise water ideal for swimming.
Réserve Cousteau (Ilet Pigeon)
A protected marine park designated in honour of Jacques Cousteau, who called it 'one of the world's 10 best diving sites'. Vibrant coral reefs around Îlet Pigeon harbour sea turtles, parrotfish, moray eels, and nurse sharks.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Guadeloupe Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Guadeloupe, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Guadeloupe
- Days 1-2Guadeloupe city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Guadeloupe
- Days 1-3Guadeloupe comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Guadeloupe, departure
Where to stay in Guadeloupe
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €90–€120 (~$97–$130)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €150–€220 (~$162–$238)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €300–€600+ (~$324–$648+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
La Toubana Hotel & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comAuberge de la Vieille Tour
Check rates on Booking.comLa Créole Beach Hotel & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comMahogany Hôtel Résidence & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Guadeloupe
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Le Karacoli
La Canne à Sucre
Chez Yvette
Le Rocher de Malendure
Restaurant La Toubana
L'Amarante
Getting around Guadeloupe
Renting a car is essential for exploring Guadeloupe fully — the island road network is good on both Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Public buses (Karujet) run along main routes but schedules are irregular. The main airport is Pointe-à-Pitre International (PTP), also called Pôle Caraïbes, about 3 km from the city centre.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30–€60 (~$32–$65) | €80–€130 (~$86–$140) | €180–€400 (~$194–$432) |
| Food (per day) | €25–€40 (~$27–$43) | €40–€60 (~$43–$65) | €60–€100 (~$65–$108) |
| Transportation | €15–€25 (~$16–$27) | €20–€35 (~$22–$38) | €40–€80 (~$43–$86) |
| Activities | €10–€20 (~$11–$22) | €20–€40 (~$22–$43) | €40–€80 (~$43–$86) |
| Daily total | €90–€120 (~$97–$130) | €150–€220 (~$162–$238) | €300–€600+ (~$324–$648+) |
Best time to visit Guadeloupe
The dry season (carême) runs December–May with sunny skies and low humidity. June–November is the wet season (hivernage); heavy showers are common but usually pass quickly. Hurricane risk peaks August–October — purchase travel insurance that covers hurricane cancellations if visiting during this period.
Essential travel tips
- Guadeloupe uses the euro — ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) widely available in Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Sainte-Anne, Saint-François, and Basse-Terre; carry cash for smaller restaurants and market vendors
- Renting a car at Pointe-à-Pitre airport (Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Sixt from €40/day) is by far the best way to explore both islands — public bus coverage is limited
- The Karujet hydrofoil ferry connects Pointe-à-Pitre to Les Saintes (~45 min, €24 return) and Marie-Galante (~45 min, €26 return) multiple times daily; book at karujet.com
- La Soufrière summit trail (starting from Savane à Mulets parking, altitude 1,142 m) takes 2–3 hours return and requires no guide in dry weather; trail can be closed during eruption phases — check ONF at 0590-41-55-58
- Ferry companies: CTM Deher (+590 590 90 04 48), Jeans for Freedom (+590 590 91 11 05), Karujet (karujet.com, +590 590 68 29 20)
- Guadeloupe rum distilleries welcome visitors with free or low-cost tours: Distillerie Bologne in Basse-Terre open Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00; Domaine de Damoiseau in Le Moule open Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 09:00–12:00
- French is the official language; Creole is widely spoken — greetings in Creole (Bonjou, Mèsi) are warmly received
- Tipping is not obligatory (service is included under French law) but rounding up or leaving €1–2 is appreciated at restaurants
- Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, lower humidity, calm seas); avoid August–October peak hurricane risk
Safety information
Use DEET insect repellent — dengue fever is present year-round; no prophylaxis required but use repellent consistently
Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars, especially at trailheads on Basse-Terre
Swim only at supervised beaches during the day — Atlantic-facing beaches on Grande-Terre have strong rip currents
Monitor hurricane forecasts June through November via meteo.gp (Météo-France Guadeloupe) or weather.gov
Emergency: dial 15 (SAMU medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire/Pompiers), 112 (European emergency number)
The main hospital is CHU de Pointe-à-Pitre / Les Abymes: +590 590 89 10 10
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Guadeloupe
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Guadeloupe?
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is December to April.
Do I need a visa to visit Guadeloupe?
US citizens may enter visa-free for up to 90 days as Guadeloupe is an integral part of France and the EU. EU/Schengen passport holders enter freely. A valid passport is required; national ID cards accepted for EU citizens. No entry tax. Confirm return or onward flight at check-in. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Guadeloupe?
The currency in Guadeloupe is the Euro (EUR, €) (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Guadeloupe?
The main language(s) spoken in Guadeloupe: French (official), Guadeloupean Creole. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Guadeloupe?
The top attractions in Guadeloupe include La Soufrière Volcano, MÉMORIAL ACTe, Les Saintes (Îles des Saintes), Grande Anse de Deshaies Beach, and Réserve Cousteau (Ilet Pigeon). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.