Explore the inhabited islands of Guadeloupe

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It is an archipelago made up of nine inhabited islands, some of them are Basse-Terre, Marie Galante, Les Saintes, La Desirade and Grand Terre as the capital, with a total land area of 1, 628 kilometers and has a population of 403,750.

The island has been a French territory since 1635. The official language is French, but locals also speak Antillean Creole.

Location

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It is located on the Leeward Islands in the eastern part of the Caribbean Islands.

It consists of two main islands namely Grand- Terre to the east and Basse-Terre to the west, which is separated by a channel called the Salee River.

Climate

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Guadeloupe has a tropical climate with two seasons- the dry season or locally known as Creole Lent from December to April and the rainy season from July to September.

Although it is part of the Caribbean islands hurricane occurs occasionally.

Transportation

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Getting to Guadeloupe can be done through air and sea. Several countries such as France, Canada and United States offer several flights per week to the island; travelers can also go by ship from October to December on the European seas.

The best way to go around the island is by renting a car but public transportation is also recommended such as bus and coach to encounter the life of the locals in Guadeloupe.

What to see

Guadeloupe National Park

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A 74,100 acre rainforest filled with walking trails is located in Basse-Terre mountain landscape. Along the trail magnificent waterfalls, luscious foliage and the summit of La Soufrière volcano can be seen.

Before hiking, pick first a Guide to National Park from Guadeloupe Tourism Office, it is also recommended to wear proper hiking gear and pack an insect repellant and snacks because the park is being kept very natural and hiking can be tiring.

Plage Carvalle

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It is a perfect spot for those who want to snorkel and get a tan because of its calm, turquoise water and white sand.

Nearby resort called Club Med offers day passes to those who wants to use their equipments.

Pointe-à-Pitre

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This place is perfect for shoppers who want to get discounted French goodies, perfumes and scarves, also known as Guadeloupe’s fashion hub and Grand-Terre’s biggest city. It is advicsable to go early because of its narrow road and to avoid the shopping rush with fellow shoppers.

Tourists who are also interested in French architecture can visit the Cathedral of St. Pierre and St. Paul it shows elaborate metal buttresses that looks like it came from the Eiffel Tower.

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