Guadeloupe isn’t just one island—it’s a lush French-Caribbean archipelago shaped like a butterfly. On one wing, you’ve got dramatic volcanoes and jungle waterfalls; on the other, white-sand beaches and slow-paced fishing towns. Together, they form a destination that’s wild, warm, and full of rhythm.
Though it's technically part of France, Guadeloupe dances to its own beat. The air smells like sugarcane and sea salt, the streets are alive with zouk music, and the food—oh, the food—is a rich blend of French finesse and Caribbean spice. Whether you're road-tripping through banana plantations or sipping ti’ punch by the water, Guadeloupe feels like freedom.
Why Go to Guadeloupe?
Because it offers the best of the Caribbean with a European twist—and without the crowds. Guadeloupe is still under the radar for many travelers, which means you’ll find plenty of space to explore, relax, and connect with the culture.
Hike to a crater on an active volcano, then cool off in a jungle waterfall. Sail between islands with completely different personalities—from the mountainous Basse-Terre to the beachy Grand-Terre, or the untouched charm of Les Saintes. And thanks to its French ties, Guadeloupe is one of the few places where you can end a tropical day with warm croissants and cold Champagne.
Must-See Attractions in Guadeloupe
La Soufrière Volcano
A cloud-capped volcano in Basse-Terre that you can actually hike. The trail is misty, lush, and ends at a steaming crater with panoramic views.
Deshaies
A sleepy coastal town known for its botanic garden and perfect beaches (yes, Death in Paradise is filmed here). Great base for day trips.
Les Saintes
A postcard-perfect cluster of islands with turquoise bays and red-roofed villages. Rent a scooter and explore at your own pace.
Plage de la Caravelle
One of the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe. Calm, clear, and ideal for swimming or just zoning out under a palm tree.
Carbet Falls (Les Chutes du Carbet)
Three jungle waterfalls in Basse-Terre National Park. The highest drops over 115 meters, and the trails are magical after a rain.
Pointe-à-Pitre
The main city and cultural hub. Shop for spices at the market, check out street art, or visit the Memorial ACTe—a powerful museum on the history of slavery.
What to Eat in Guadeloupe
Bokit
A deep-fried sandwich stuffed with fish, meat, or spicy vegetables. Street food at its best.
Colombo
A curried stew of chicken or goat with rice—Creole comfort food with Indian roots.
Accras de morue
Salt cod fritters served with spicy sauce. Crispy, savory, and addictive.
Grilled Lobster
Often served beachside, with garlic butter and fresh lime. Simple and perfect.
Ti’ Punch
Rum, lime, and cane sugar. That’s it. Stirred—not shaken—and always sipped slowly.
Essential Travel Tips for Guadeloupe
Best Time to Visit
December to May is dry and breezy—the ideal season.
June to November is hotter and wetter, with a risk of hurricanes.
Money & Payments
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Cards: Widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and gas stations.
Cash: Useful for small purchases, especially in markets and rural areas.
Tipping: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated.
Getting Around
Renting a car is highly recommended—public transport is limited.
Drive on the right, and be ready for narrow roads in the mountains.
Staying Safe
Guadeloupe is generally safe, especially in tourist areas.
Avoid leaving valuables in rental cars.
Respect local customs and island pace—things move slower here.
Staying Connected in Guadeloupe
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, but signal strength can vary—especially in more rural or mountainous areas. Mobile coverage is good overall, but roaming with your home SIM can lead to steep charges.
Buying a local SIM can be a hassle and often requires navigating French-language kiosks and ID registration.
JetSet eSIM makes it easy.
With the Guadeloupe JetSet eSIM, you can activate it before your trip and get data instantly when you land—no lines, no paperwork. Whether you’re booking a beach bungalow, mapping out a volcano hike, or uploading a sunset from Les Saintes, you’ll have fast, reliable coverage across the islands.
Keep your phone connected while you go off-grid.
