Guadeloupe: Tourist & Vacation Guide

Country's codes

International phone code for Guadeloupe: +590

Standard ISO 3166-1:

3 letters: GLP

2 letters (internet domain): .GP

Digital country code 312

Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 340–349 (France/overseas)

Olympic designation: FRA (as a French territory)

FIFA code: GLP (regional competitions)

🇬🇵 Guadeloupe Travel Guide

Guadeloupe Caribbean beaches and mountains

🇬🇵 Guadeloupe is a tropical French Caribbean archipelago known for its turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, Creole culture, and lush rainforest. From the beaches of Grande‑Terre to the waterfalls of Basse‑Terre, it blends island charm with French elegance.

🌍 RegionCaribbean (Lesser Antilles)

⭐ Famous forBeaches, volcanoes, rum, Creole culture

📅 Best time to visitDecember – April (dry season)

💰 CurrencyEuro (EUR)

  ✨ Why visit Guadeloupe?

  Guadeloupe offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Hike an active volcano, swim in warm Caribbean waters, explore Creole markets, and enjoy French‑Caribbean cuisine. Its diverse landscapes — from coral reefs to rainforest — make it one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding destinations.

Top Attractions in Guadeloupe

🌋 La Soufrière Volcano

The highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, offering dramatic hikes and panoramic views over Basse‑Terre.

🏖️ Grande‑Terre Beaches

Home to Guadeloupe’s most beautiful white‑sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lively seaside towns.

🌿 Guadeloupe National Park

A lush rainforest with waterfalls, hot springs, and the famous Carbet Falls.

🐢 Pigeon Islands (Cousteau Reserve)

A world‑class snorkeling and diving site with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Best Places to Visit

🏙️ Pointe‑à‑Pitre – Colorful markets, museums, and Creole culture.
🌋 Basse‑Terre – Volcano hikes, rainforest, and waterfalls.
🏖️ Sainte‑Anne – One of the island’s most beautiful beach towns.
🐠 Bouillante – Diving and snorkeling in the Cousteau Reserve.
🌴 Les Saintes – A postcard‑perfect island group with crystal‑clear waters.

  💡 Travel Tip: Renting a car is the best way to explore both main islands — public transport is limited, especially in Basse‑Terre.

Things to Do in Guadeloupe

Hike to the summit of La Soufrière volcano.
Snorkel or dive in the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve.
Relax on Sainte‑Anne’s white‑sand beaches.
Explore the waterfalls and rainforest trails of Basse‑Terre.
Visit rum distilleries and taste local agricole rum.

🍽️ Local Experience: Try bokit (fried Creole sandwich), accras (salt‑cod fritters), Colombo curry, and fresh tropical fruits. Don’t miss local rhum agricole and sorbet coco on the beach.

Travel Tips for Visitors

🌞 Dry season (Dec–Apr) offers the best weather; rainy season brings short tropical showers.
🚗 A rental car is highly recommended for exploring both islands.
💳 Euro is used everywhere; cards widely accepted.
🌴 Beaches are beautiful but some have strong currents — follow local safety signs.

📌 Useful Country Information

Quick Facts

Total area: 629 sq mi (1,628 sq km)

Population (2023 est.): ~395,000

Capital: Basse‑Terre (~11,000)

Basse-Terre – Capital City of Guadeloupe

🇬🇵 Basse‑Terre: Capital City Profile

Other major cities: Pointe‑à‑Pitre, Le Gosier, Sainte‑Anne, Baie‑Mahault

Currency: Euro (EUR)

CurrencyRate

National status: French overseas department & region

Language: French (official); Guadeloupean Creole widely spoken

Ethnicity/race: African/Creole, European, Indian, mixed heritage

Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, folk/Creole traditions

National Holiday: July 14 (French National Day); May 27 (Abolition of Slavery Day in Guadeloupe).

Background

🇬🇵 Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France located in the Caribbean. Its two main islands — Grande‑Terre and Basse‑Terre — form a butterfly shape, connected by bridges.
🌋 Basse‑Terre is mountainous and volcanic, home to La Soufrière and lush rainforest, while Grande‑Terre offers beaches, lagoons, and lively coastal towns.
🌴 The culture blends French, African, Indian, and Caribbean influences, reflected in its music, cuisine, and festivals.
🇪🇺 As part of France and the EU, Guadeloupe uses the euro and benefits from European infrastructure and services.