13 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit the Guadeloupe Islands

From white-sand beaches and breathtaking volcanoes to picturesque botanical gardens and fresh open-air markets, explore this beautiful, butterfly-shaped archipelago in the Caribbean.

By: Ben Breslerman

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Les Saintes Bay

With pure-white sand and azure-blue water, it’s easy to see why Baie des Saintes was voted one of the most beautiful bays in the world by UNESCO. Located in the northwest coast off the island of Terre-de-Haut, taking out a small canoe or fishing boat during the day is highly recommended.

La Cascade aux Ecrevisses

Looking for an adventure? Well then, look no further than the Ecrevisses waterfall. Just a short 10-minute romp through the “jungle,” Ecrevisses offers a fun, fresh-water experience with a great swimming hole for relaxing and rock faces to leap from.

Plage du Vieux Fort a Marie Galante

From sailing to canoeing, if you’re looking for a beach that offers ample opportunity to enjoy water sports, then Plage du Vieux Fort is for you. Want to enjoy the stars from the comfort of your own canoe? A sunset tour through the mangrove trees is the ideal way to enjoy relaxation in the Caribbean.

La Grande Soufriere

La Soufriere volcano emitting steam in Guadeloupe with views towards La Basse Terre and La Grande Terre in the background.

Plage de la Perle

One of the finer family beaches in Guadeloupe, Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) is protected by coral reef and offers lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes in a mountainous backdrop. Pearl beach is also known for their blonde sand, horseback riding and strong waves, making it the perfect place to partake in water activities.

Sainte-Anne Market

These straw hats are sold at the market at Sainte-Anne, which is a city in the southern part of Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe. They say location is everything, and if that’s true, Sainte-Anne Market is definitely winning … by a lot. Positioned along the beach and smack-dab in the center of the city, visitors flock to this open-air market on a daily basis, 365-days a year. As well as selling fresh produce and spices, vendors also sell keepsakes and clothing.

Goyave

Located on Basse-Terre island, Goyave, a commune in the city of Pointe-a-Pitre is known for their vast knowledge of agriculture, and in particular the cultivation of the tropical fruit guava.

Pain de Sucre Beach

Known by locals as the hidden gem of Terre-de-Haut Island, Pain de Sucre was named because of its similarities to the famed Sugarloaf Beach in Rio de Janeiro. A mainly residential destination, Pain de Sucre beach is also one of the most romantic beaches in Guadeloupe.

Jardin Botanique de Deshaies

Containing over 1,000 various plant species from all over the world, Guadeloupe’s premiere botanical garden, The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies also plays home to several indigenous animals including flamingos, parakeets and parrots.

Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul

Located in Pointe-a-Pitre and nicknamed the Iron Cathedral, this traditional church is architecturally exquisite both inside and out.

Pointe de la Grande Vigie

The northernmost point of Guadeloupe, Pointe de la Grande Vigie is a rock-filled peninsula with large, vertical cliffs reaching up to heights of almost 260 feet. If you stand in the right spot, you can catch a glimpse of Montserrat, Antigua and La Desirade, 3 other beautiful Caribbean islands.

Sainte-Anne Beach

One of the most tourist-laden places in all of Guadeloupe, Sainte-Anne is a beautiful beach city comprised mainly of 4 different beaches -- Bois Jolan, Saint Anne, Caravelle and Gros Sable. Although still heavily reliant on their agriculture, its crystal-blue water and pristine-white sand offer visitors plenty of options to enjoy the warm Caribbean weather.

Bassin Bleu

Bassin Bleu, or more commonly known as "Blue Pool," is a must-see diving pool located within the tropical rainforest on Basse-Terre. Easily accessible by foot, this electric blue pool is engulfed by an amazing landscape and includes a waterfall and natural slide.

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13 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit the Guadeloupe Islands

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Les Saintes Bay

La Cascade aux Ecrevisses

Plage du Vieux Fort a Marie Galante

La Grande Soufriere

Plage de la Perle

Sainte-Anne Market

Goyave

Pain de Sucre Beach

Jardin Botanique de Deshaies

Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul

Pointe de la Grande Vigie

Sainte-Anne Beach

Bassin Bleu