IslandGuide — Guadeloupe
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Where to stay in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped archipelago in the eastern Caribbean, with two main wings joined by a narrow bridge. Grande-Terre (east) is the flatter, drier half, lined with white-sand beaches and the resort towns of Sainte-Anne, Saint-Francois and Le Gosier. Basse-Terre (west) is volcanic, mountainous and densely forested, dominated by the active La Soufriere volcano and the Guadeloupe National Park. Pointe-a-Pitre is the commercial capital between the two. Most international flights arrive at Pole Caraibes Airport (PTP) just outside Pointe-a-Pitre. Smaller islands — Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Desirade — are reached by ferry as day trips or overnight stays.

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Beach & Family

Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre's south coast has Guadeloupe's most family-friendly beach: a long crescent of white sand inside a protected lagoon, with calm shallow water ideal for children. The town itself has a busy market square, sidewalk restaurants and a row of mid-range hotels right on the beach. Le Gosier, just east of Pointe-a-Pitre, is similar but more developed, with an offshore islet you can snorkel to.

Marina & Upscale

Saint-Francois on the eastern tip of Grande-Terre is the chic option: an 18-hole golf course, a yacht marina, and a row of upscale resorts and villas along the lagoon. The town centre has higher-end restaurants and a Sunday market famous for its sea-grape stalls. The road continues to the rugged Pointe des Chateaux peninsula. This is the best base for ferry trips to La Desirade and Marie-Galante.

Adventure & Nature

Basse-Terre is the rainforest, waterfall and volcano half of Guadeloupe. Bouillante and Trois-Rivieres on the Caribbean coast give you direct access to the Guadeloupe National Park, the Carbet Falls and the Soufriere volcano hike. Bouillante has the famous Pigeon Islands marine reserve (Cousteau Reserve) for snorkelling. Eco-lodges and small hotels in the hills are common. Drives are scenic but slow: factor in winding roads.

Boutique & Quiet

Deshaies, on Basse-Terre's northwest coast, is the most charming small-town base: a fishing village set in a narrow bay with rocky headlands, a long beach (Grande Anse) just to the north, and the Botanical Garden made famous by the BBC's "Death in Paradise" series. Boutique guesthouses, beach restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite for couples. It is far from the airport (90 min drive) so plan a longer stay.

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