So many things to do in Guadeloupe, in the French Caribbean. Some of the attractions are wonderful, including visiting the beaches, seeing the waterfalls, and don’t forget to taste the Creole dishes and some rum produced in the region.
If you are planning something like a Caribbean getaway and want your trip to be really fun, here are some places to visit as well as the means of transportation we suggest.
Where is Guadeloupe located?
Indeed, Guadeloupe is also an island in the middle of the Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean. It is an archipelago composed of 6 islands, the two most important being “Grande-Terre” and “Basse-Terre.”
Car rental in Guadeloupe?
Indeed, you need to rent a car in Guadeloupe because it is the best way to get around the island and it’s an excellent way to stay mobile and not miss opportunities to visit unique places. For example, we recommend a car rental agency in Guadeloupe. The safest way, obviously, is to go through an agency because that way, you only have to organize your trip and pick up the rental car keys once you arrive.
What to visit in Guadeloupe?
Here are some unique places you absolutely must not miss:
Grande-Terre
Grande-Terre, which is really more modest than Basse-Terre, is the coastal part of Guadeloupe, with a drier landscape and lots of light. It is where a large part of the seaside hotels are located, especially around Le Gosier. There are many protected coves with calm waters for cruising and swimming, and plenty of white sand to relax with a book.
So, assuming you are looking for a sunny retreat by the Caribbean Sea, this is the place to visit. In any case, if you travel east or north to Grande-Terre, you will see its less developed side, with small towns, a wild and rugged coast, and great surfing around Le Moule.
Relax in Sainte-Anne
Sainte-Anne has one of the island’s most famous seaside areas, with exemplary Caribbean-style palm trees and fine sand. The southern shore of Grande-Terre is protected by an offshore reef, so the water is calm and clear there.
One kilometer from the town, Caravelle Beach hosts a Club Med accommodation, but the ocean side is also open to non-residents. Sainte-Anne also has its small waterfront, with a market along the waterfront where you can buy handicrafts, flavors, local specialties, punch with rum made from pineapple, guava, or exceptionally renowned organic energy products.
Take in the view at Pointe des Châteaux
At the far southeast of Grande-Terre, Pointe des Châteaux is a landmass where sandy shores meet crashing waves and spectacular rocks. Ocean currents make swimming risky, but you can walk along the shore – keep an eye out for fossilized shells in the stones.
Pointe des Châteaux means Castle Point, but there is a clear absence of palaces. There is still a 10-meter-high cross at the highest point of a slope, which will take you 15 minutes to reach. From the summit, you can look across the islands and at the adjacent La Désirade.
The little car rental tips by MAAF is to organize your trip by booking in advance the attractions you would like to do, then the car will be available for you when you arrive at Guadeloupe Pointe-à-Pitre airport. Moreover, it is better to visit Guadeloupe with a rented car because often, the destinations and tourist sites are far from each other.
