Guadeloupe: Unique nature, beaches and culinary experiences

Guadeloupe is an archipelago of six islands, each offering unique experiences. While Basse-Terre impresses with its lush nature and volcanic landscapes, Grand-Terre attracts visitors with its white sandy beaches and water sports. The smaller islands, including Marie-Galante and La Désirade, offer authentic insights into the culture and traditions of the Caribbean. In addition to the diverse landscape, gastronomy is also a central part of the region, characterized by exotic flavours and French influences.

Guadeloupe National Park - Basse-Terre: rainforest, volcano and tropical gardens

Basse-Terre is the greenest island in Guadeloupe and a paradise for nature lovers. The active volcano La Soufrière towers majestically over the landscape and offers spectacular hiking routes. Dense rainforests, waterfalls and the nature reserve of the national park invite you to explore. There are several botanical gardens in Petit-Bourg with an impressive variety of tropical plants. Those interested in local flavors can take part in workshops dedicated to the production of chocolate, coffee and vanilla - products that are deeply rooted in Guadeloupe's history.

Grand-Terre: beaches, water sports and Creole culture

In contrast to Basse-Terre, Grand-Terre is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise sea. The coastal resorts offer perfect conditions for water sports such as surfing, kite surfing and diving. Sailing trips along the coast open up a new perspective on the picturesque landscape. The architecture of Grand-Terre reflects its colonial past, while the lively markets and restaurants serve traditional Creole specialties.

Authentic experiences on the smaller islands

Each of Guadeloupe's smaller islands has its own character. Marie-Galante is known for its strong rum, which has an alcohol content of up to 59%. La Désirade is quieter - here visitors can explore the island by bike and enjoy secluded beaches. Les Saintes boasts picturesque fishing villages and the famous "Tourment d'Amour" cake.

Culinary highlights on every island

Guadeloupe offers culinary diversity across all the islands. On Marie-Galante, "Bébélé", a hearty soup with vegetables, is particularly popular. In Les Saintes, the sweet "Tourments d'Amour" are a local specialty. La Désirade is known for its fresh seafood, while Grande-Terre serves the spicy "Colombo de Cabri". In Basse-Terre, "La Kassav", a traditional manioc bread, is prepared - a staple food with a long tradition.

Sustainability and convenient arrival

Guadeloupe is committed to sustainable tourism. Numerous activities make it possible to discover the islands in an environmentally friendly way. Getting there is easy and convenient thanks to direct flights from Germany via Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This makes Guadeloupe an ideal destination for families, nature lovers and anyone who wants to experience the diversity of the Caribbean in an authentic way.

Where is Guadeloupe located?

Guadeloupe is a French overseas territory in the Caribbean and is part of the Lesser Antilles. The archipelago is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Geographically, Guadeloupe is located between Antigua and Dominica, around 600 kilometers north of South America. The special thing about Guadeloupe is its shape: The two main islands of Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre are only separated by a narrow inlet, the Rivière Salée, and resemble a butterfly from the air. In addition to these main islands, the archipelago also includes the smaller islands of Marie-Galante, La Désirade and Les Saintes. Due to its location in the tropics, the climate here is warm with pleasant temperatures all year round, making Guadeloupe an attractive travel destination.

Places to visit in Guadeloupe: the highlights of the archipelago

Guadeloupe vacations offer an impressive mix of nature, culture and history. Here are the most important places you should have seen when traveling to the islands:

1. The volcano La Soufrière (Basse-Terre)
   The highest mountain in the Lesser Antilles is an active volcano and a must for hiking enthusiasts. Spectacular views of the island open up on the way to the summit. Sulphur springs and steaming craters bear witness to the volcanic activity.


2. The National Park of Guadeloupe
   This UNESCO biosphere reserve includes lush rainforest, waterfalls such as the Chutes du Carbet and numerous hiking trails. Particularly impressive is the Cascade aux Écrevisses, an easily accessible waterfall in the middle of the jungle.


3. The Îles des Saintes (Les Saintes)
   This small group of islands to the south of Basse-Terre boasts picturesque bays, crystal-clear water and the charming fishing village of Terre-de-Haut. The Baie des Saintes bay is one of the most beautiful in the world.


4. The beaches of Grand-Terre
   Grand-Terre offers numerous dream beaches for beach lovers:
   • Plage de la Caravelle - one of the most beautiful beaches with fine sand and turquoise blue water.
   • Plage de Bois Jolan - a quiet beach lined with palm trees.
   • Plage de la Datcha - popular for sunsets and the Îlet du Gosier off the coast.


5. The rum distilleries of Marie-Galante
   Marie-Galante is known for its high-quality rum. The distilleries Distillerie Poisson, Bielle and Bellevue offer insights into traditional rum production - with tastings of the strong, regional varieties.


6. The market of Pointe-à-Pitre
   The bustling center of Guadeloupe invites you to explore its colorful market. Here you can find exotic fruits, spices and handmade works of art. The colonial architecture and the Memorial ACTe, a museum dedicated to the history of slavery, are also worth a visit.


7. The cave of La Désirade (La Désirade)
   On the tranquil island of La Désirade, the Grotte du Morne Pavillon impresses with ancient rock carvings of the Caribs. The island is an insider tip for anyone looking for unspoiled landscapes and pristine beaches.


8. The gardens of Deshaies (Basse-Terre)
   The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies is a tropical paradise with exotic plants, colorful birds and idyllic waterfalls. The gardens once belonged to the French comedian Coluche and are now one of the most beautiful gardens in the Caribbean.


9. The lagoon of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
   A huge nature reserve with mangrove forests and an impressive underwater world stretches between Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre. Boat tours and kayak trips offer the opportunity to explore this unique landscape.


10. The historic fortress of Fort Napoléon (Les Saintes)
    Situated on a hill, the fort not only offers insights into the history of Guadeloupe, but also a panoramic view of the islands of the Saintes.

These places reflect the diversity of Guadeloupe - from wild volcanic landscapes to idyllic beaches and historic sites. A visit to the archipelago is a journey through nature, culture and the Caribbean lifestyle.