The 10 Places Not to Be Missed in the Islands of Guadeloupe

A favorite destination for French people looking for a vacation in the sun, the Islands of Guadeloupe always make travelers dream. In the shape of a butterfly seen from the sky, the archipelago with its sandy beaches, coconut trees and turquoise lagoon offers many things to discover and enjoy.

But more personal aspects, places of memory and history, incredible culture, and breathtaking natural abundance are also important. From Basse-Terre to Grand-Terre, discover the essential things to do to make your future trip to the islands of Guadeloupe unforgettable.

1- Pointe-à-Pitre: a visit to the capital

Pointe-à-Pitre is an essential place when vacationing in the islands of Guadeloupe. The economic center of the archipelago is located on the island of Grande-Terre, a vibrant and colorful city with varied activities all year round. Place Victoire is the central point of Pointe-à-Pitre. Surrounded by palm trees, mango trees, and beautiful colonial homes, this park extends to the ocean and hosts shows, events, and concerts. It is a very friendly place.

In Pointe-à-Pitre, enjoy shopping on Saint John Perse Street, a lively street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. The Pointe-à-Pitre market is also one of the must-see places in the Islands of Guadeloupe. The stalls are filled with a thousand colors to whet your appetite.

2- The dream beaches: fine sand and coconut trees

When we talk about the main things to do in the Islands of Guadeloupe, it's hard not to think of dream beaches. Surrounded by palm trees and golden or black sand, the beaches of the islands of Guadeloupe offer a postcard setting. You won't be able to resist the call of warm, crystal-clear water. Enjoy the pleasure of these paradisiacal sandy beaches with family, friends, as a couple or alone during your visit to the islands of Guadeloupe.

Let the sun's rays touch your skin, take a nap in the shade of a tree or soak up the delicious aromas of a food truck offering varied dishes perfect for an afternoon by the sea. At the end of the day, you can watch the beautiful sunset from the shore or sit down at a table in one of the best beach bars in Guadeloupe.

3- The Archaeological Park of Engraved Rocks: a place to return to the origins

The archaeological park of engraved rocks in the city of Trois-Rivières has been classified as a historic monument since 1974. It is a wonderful symbol of the Arawak Indians, the first inhabitants of the archipelago. As you pass through the tropical garden, you can see more than 230 sculptures known as petroglyphs.

These date back over 1,500 years and will allow you to better understand the way of life of Native American civilizations. With your guide, you'll learn both the meaning of each of these etched rocks and the usefulness of the various plants that make up the surrounding lush landscape.

4- The Gates of Hell: a trip to paradise

Located at Anse Bertrand, the Porte d'Enfer is a must if you are looking for what to do in Guadeloupe. The name may sound creepy, but this natural place feels like a small piece of paradise. With vertiginous cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean and blue waters offering views of the seabed, you won't be disappointed with this discovery. After seeing this stunning sight, you can head to Tou a Man Koko Cave or finish with a swim in the lagoon below.

5- Take a boat trip in Guadeloupe: break at sea

If you want to spend a relaxing day at sea, we recommend choosing a boat trip. For a VIP experience for couples and families, you can book a private boat trip. The best way to make the most of it is to rent a boat with a captain who will take you to the most beautiful swimming spots. Motor boats, yachts or even a catamaran, it's up to you to choose the boat adapted to your dream day.

6- Sainte-Anne: village with multiple activities

Sainte-Anne is another village not to be missed during your trip to the Islands of Guadeloupe. It is one of the main seaside resorts on the island, with beautiful beaches lined with coconut trees, such as Caravelle. It is also one of the most touristy places on the island. In addition to swimming, you can practice various water sports, and even try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding.

Remember to go and discover the permanent market adjacent to the beach. Spices, handmade products, fruits and vegetables offer a wide choice. For souvenir shopping, visit the Sainte-Anne Artisanal Village, just a 5-minute walk from the beach.

7- The ruins of the former Petit Canal prison: memory of Guadeloupe

The former prison on the Petit Canal is a place conducive to strolling and reflection. A strong symbol of freedom, a place where history lives on. A visit is a must, even if there are only ruins left. Located 200 meters from the Slave March, it is a beautiful place. With an uncertain history and no explanatory panels, let your imagination run wild with a fantastic mix of ancient stones and plants, including a cheese maker and a giant fig tree spread among the remains of a building.

Nature has taken back its rights. Indeed, the big roots intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere. Walk through the ruins, look through the screened windows, and imagine what the cells looked like. You can take beautiful photos in this magical place. To recover from all these emotions, you can take a boat trip through the mangrove and surrounding islands.

8- La Désirade: to be alone in the world

La Désirade offers complete isolation and a trip to the end of the world. This small island in the Antilles, off the coast of Saint-François, is the best kept secret of the Islands of Guadeloupe. It is home to natural and wild beauty, pristine beaches and lagoons. La Désirade is classified as a nature reserve thanks to its terrestrial and marine fauna. Lizards, iguanas, green turtles, lemon sharks and many others find refuge in this small piece of land in the Caribbean.

9- Saint-François: luxury and pleasure

Saint François has a large marina and a port, golf courses, a casino and an airfield, Saint-François likes to call itself the small Saint-Tropez of the islands of Guadeloupe. Of course, don't forget to mention Raisins-Clairs Beach, which is just a stone's throw from the city center. On the other side of Saint-François, you will also find Anse à la Gourde. Saint-François offers numerous nautical activities and is also an excellent starting point for boat trips to Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade.

10- Visit a rum distillery: all the secrets of the local specialty

Whether you are a rum lover or not, visiting an authentic Guadeloupe rum distillery is a fun activity. There are many, but one of the most interesting is the Damoiseau distillery to the east of Grande-Terre. Enjoy the best white rums in the world and a wide range of amber rums.

A family tradition, opened by Roger Damostreau in 1942 and now managed by Hervé Damoiseau. You can learn everything about the process of fermenting and distilling pure sugar cane juice to make agricultural rum, and also discover a very beautiful windmill from the 18th century.

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