Guadeloupe Holidays

Good to Know About Guadeloupe Holidays

Guadeloupe, a breathtaking archipelago in the Caribbean, blends French influence with Caribbean flair, offering lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and pristine beaches.

How to Reach Guadeloupe

• Flight Time: Direct flights to Guadeloupe from the UK typically involve a layover in Europe, with total travel time ranging from 12 to 15 hours depending on connections.

• Transfer Time: From Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport to the city centre, the transfer time is approximately 15-20 minutes.

• Transport Options: Options include taxis, car rentals, and bus services. Taxi fare to the city centre can cost around €20-€30, while car rentals are widely available for those looking to explore at their own pace.

Best Time to Visit Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe's tropical climate means warm weather year-round, with some variations:

• Dry Season (December to May): High season with temperatures averaging 24°C to 30°C, less rainfall, and more tourists.

• Wet Season (June to November): Lower temperatures (22°C to 28°C), higher humidity, and risk of hurricanes. Fewer tourists make for a quieter visit.

Practical Information

• Spoken Languages: French is the official language, with Creole widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas.

• Local Habits and Customs: Greetings are important; a simple "Bonjour" can go a long way. Casual, relaxed attire is common, but beachwear is for the beach only.

• Tips: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Around 10% is customary in restaurants if service charge isn’t included.

• Security: Guadeloupe is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, take standard precautions against petty crime.

• Health: No specific vaccinations are required, but protection against mosquitoes is recommended due to the risk of dengue fever and Zika virus.

• Currency: Euro (€) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting Around: Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the islands. Public buses are available but less reliable for tourists.

• Electricity/Plugs: The standard voltage is 230V with European standard plugs (type C and E). Travellers from the UK will need an adaptor.

Armed with these essentials, you’re well on your way to enjoying a hassle-free holiday in Guadeloupe, where the blend of cultures, stunning natural beauty, and warm island hospitality promises an unforgettable experience.

Unveiling Guadeloupe's Pristine Beaches

Guadeloupe's islands are fringed with some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, from bustling shores with ample amenities to secluded coves offering peace and tranquility.

The Best Beaches in Guadeloupe

• Public Beaches: Grande Anse in Deshaies is one of the largest and most popular beaches, known for its golden sands and palm-lined coast. Sainte-Anne Beach in Grande-Terre dazzles with its white sands and turquoise waters.

• Private Beaches with Charges: For a more exclusive beach experience, some hotels on La Caravelle beach offer private sections where guests can enjoy sunbeds, umbrellas, and bar service for a fee.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Plage de la Datcha in Le Gosier offers not just sunbeds and shades but also night-time illumination for evening swims. It’s equipped with showers and nearby eateries.

• Hidden Gems: For those seeking solitude, Anse Tarare offers Guadeloupe’s only naturist beach, secluded and serene. Anse de la Perle, also in Deshaies, is a less frequented beach with stunning views, ideal for a quiet day under the sun.

• Beaches for Water Sports:

  • Snorkeling and Diving: The Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve near Pigeon Island is a haven for marine life exploration.

  • Surfing: Helleux in Sainte-Anne and Anse Bertrand offer great waves for surfing enthusiasts.

  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding among mangroves and islets.

Nearest Beaches to Major Cities

• Pointe-à-Pitre: The nearest and most accessible beach is Plage de la Datcha in Le Gosier, just a short drive away, offering vibrant nightlife and clear waters.

• Basse-Terre: Grande Anse near Deshaies on the Basse-Terre island is a must-visit, combining lush green backdrops with the azure sea, easily reachable by car for a scenic day out.

Guadeloupe's beaches offer something for every type of beachgoer, from those looking to relax on sandy shores and soak up the Caribbean sun to adventurers eager to explore underwater wonders or catch the perfect wave. Each beach, with its unique charm, contributes to the unforgettable experience of Guadeloupe holidays.

Savouring Guadeloupe: A Culinary Journey

Guadeloupe's cuisine is a delightful fusion of French, African, and Caribbean flavours, offering an array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From street food to traditional beverages, here's what to indulge in during your Guadeloupe holidays.

Local Dishes in Guadeloupe

• Colombo: A fragrant, curry-like dish made with chicken, goat, or fish, mixed with vegetables and seasoned with a unique blend of spices.

• Bokit: The Guadeloupean answer to a sandwich, this deep-fried dough is filled with savoury ingredients like saltfish, chicken, or ham and cheese.

• Accras de Morue: These crispy, spicy cod fritters are a popular snack and appetizer, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lime.

Street Food Delights

• Agoulou: A substantial street food sandwich, packed with meats, salad, and sauces, perfect for a hearty meal on the go.

• Sorbet Coco: Fresh coconut sorbet is a refreshing treat, commonly sold by beachside vendors and at local markets.

Typical Drinks of Guadeloupe

• Ti' Punch: A potent cocktail made with local rhum agricole, lime, and cane syrup, serving as the island's signature drink.

• Planteur: A fruity rum punch, mixing rhum agricole with various juices and spices, embodying the tropical essence of the Caribbean.

Food Markets to Explore

• Pointe-à-Pitre Spice Market: Wander through this vibrant market where you'll find an array of local spices, fruits, and delicacies, offering a sensory overload of colours, smells, and tastes.

• Sainte-Anne Night Market: As the sun sets, this market comes alive, offering a chance to sample a wide variety of Guadeloupean street food and local specialties.

Guadeloupe's culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from spicy, flavour-packed dishes to sweet, refreshing treats. Diving into the local cuisine is an adventure in itself, providing a delicious insight into the island's rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're dining at a beachside shack, exploring the bustling food markets, or sipping on a Ti' Punch as the sun goes down, the flavours of Guadeloupe promise to make your holiday experience even more memorable.

Embracing Sports in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe's vibrant sports scene and lush landscapes offer a myriad of activities for enthusiasts and athletes alike. From local events to the plethora of sports facilities, here's how you can immerse yourself in the island's active lifestyle.

Local Sports Events and How to Experience Them

• Local Matches: Football is a passionately followed sport in Guadeloupe. Experience the local fervour at a match in Stade René Serge Nabajoth in Les Abymes.

• Stadiums and Arenas: This stadium not only hosts football matches but also athletic events, offering a glimpse into the island's sporting culture.

• Watch a Match: Join the locals at a beach volleyball game or a street basketball match in public courts and beaches for a true Guadeloupean sports experience.

Sports Facilities for Travellers

• Swimming Pools: Many hotels and resorts in Guadeloupe feature outdoor pools, perfect for a leisurely swim.

• Yoga: Beachfront yoga sessions are common, with several resorts offering classes to help you unwind.

• Fitness, Dancing, Tennis: Fitness centres and tennis courts are available in larger hotels and local clubs, often offering day passes for visitors.

Cycling Across Guadeloupe

• Bike Rental: Explore Guadeloupe at your own pace by renting a bike from local shops in major towns.

• Popular Cycling Routes: The route around Grande-Terre offers stunning coastal views, while the challenging terrain of Basse-Terre provides thrilling rides through rainforests and mountains.

Hiking Through Paradise

• Popular Hiking Routes: The hike to the top of La Soufrière volcano is a must-do for breathtaking views. The trails of Guadeloupe National Park in Basse-Terre offer lush scenery and encounters with waterfalls and hot springs.

Water Sports Galore

• Snorkelling and Diving: The Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve is a world-renowned spot for marine exploration.

• Sailing and Kayaking: The calm waters and steady winds make Guadeloupe an ideal location for sailing and kayaking, with rentals available at major beaches.

• Surfing: The Helleux spot in Sainte-Anne is popular among surfers for its consistent waves.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): This has become increasingly popular, with calm waters in many bays providing perfect conditions.

Golfing in Guadeloupe

• Golf Courses: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole course at Golf International de Saint-François, combining the sport with stunning views of the island.

Whether you're a spectator or participant, Guadeloupe offers a diverse range of sports and activities to keep you engaged and active throughout your holiday. From serene yoga sessions on the beach to adrenaline-pumping hikes and water sports, Guadeloupe caters to all levels of interest and expertise, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Exploring Guadeloupe: A Treasure Trove of Activities

Guadeloupe offers a diverse array of activities, catering to adventurers, families, and those seeking relaxation alike. Here’s a roundup of the top things to do in this Caribbean paradise.

Captivating Views and Vibrant Districts

• Viewpoints and Panoramas: The La Soufrière volcano offers breathtaking views from its summit, while the cliffs of Pointe des Châteaux provide dramatic ocean vistas.

• The Best Districts: Pointe-à-Pitre, the island's bustling capital, is known for its vibrant markets and colonial architecture. Basse-Terre boasts lush landscapes and historical sites.

• Parks and Gardens: The Deshaies Botanical Garden showcases tropical flora in a stunning setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Family Fun in Guadeloupe

• Swimming Pools: Many resorts in Guadeloupe feature kid-friendly pools. Le Jardin Malanga and La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa are favourites among families.

• Playgrounds: The Place de la Victoire in Pointe-à-Pitre offers a playground amidst its historic setting.

• Aquariums & Zoos: The Aquarium of Guadeloupe in Gosier is an educational outing for the whole family, featuring marine life from the Caribbean Sea.

Enjoy Guadeloupe Without Spending a Franc

• Free Events/Museums: Fort Fleur d'Épée in Gosier often hosts free cultural events and exhibitions.

• Explore by Public Transport: Utilise the local buses to explore different parts of the island at a low cost.

• Free Guided Tours: Check with the local tourist office for free walking tours in major towns to learn about the rich history and culture of Guadeloupe.

Wellness and Relaxation

• Spas & Thermal Baths: The Ravine Chaude in Lamentin offers natural thermal baths amidst a lush forest setting, ideal for relaxation.

• Traditional Body Care: Many local spas use products made from local natural ingredients such as coconut, cocoa, and aloe vera for a truly Guadeloupean wellness experience.

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

• Hiking: The trails of the Guadeloupe National Park lead through tropical forests to waterfalls and the active La Soufrière volcano.

• Outdoor Activities: From paragliding over the islands to ziplining in the rainforest and stand-up paddleboarding in the clear waters, Guadeloupe is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

Day Trips from Guadeloupe

• Towns Close to Guadeloupe: A ferry ride to Les Saintes offers a perfect day trip, with quaint villages, beautiful beaches, and snorkelling spots. Marie-Galante and La Désirade are also within easy reach for day explorers, offering sugar cane fields, rum distilleries, and unspoiled beaches.

Things to Do in Guadeloupe's Cherished Destinations

• Wander through the lush Deshaies Botanical Garden, a haven of tropical plants and wildlife. Relax on the golden sands of Grande Anse Beach or embark on a snorkelling adventure in the clear blue waters to explore the rich marine life.

• Soak up the sun at Plage du Souffleur, Port-Louis's famous powder-white beach. Discover the local history and culture at the Port-Louis Musée de la Canne and take a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront, enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

• Dive into the charm of Saint-Louis on Marie-Galante, with its rum distilleries offering insights into the island's sugarcane heritage. Explore the serene beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation or water sports.

Guadeloupe, with its mix of French and Caribbean influences, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, offers endless possibilities for discovery and adventure. Whether you’re trekking through the lush rainforest, soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, or exploring the island's vibrant culture, Guadeloupe holidays promise unforgettable experiences for every traveller.