Guadeloupe attractions offer a variety of different experiences for travelers. A vibrant artistic culture, traditional song and dance, as well as innovative modern music formed from the fusion of Guadeloupe's melting pot of cultures, are all part of what Guadeloupe tourism has to offer. Travelers will be able to find plenty of things to do in Guadeloupe, including club-hopping, climbing the volcanic mountains, and relaxing at one of the beach resorts.

Pointe-a-Pitre

The center of Guadeloupe and the place most travelers will fly into the country is the city of Pointe-a-Pitre. Although the capital of the country is Basse Terre, Pointe-a-Pitre is the economic center of the archipelago and ideally situated in the center between the two main islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, which together form Guadeloupe proper. Pointe-a-Pitre offers some Guadeloupe attractions, though most tourists will spend only a day or two shopping and seeing the sights of the town. Some old colonial buildings remain scattered about within the modern town, and there is a lively morning market down by the waterfront. Tourists may want to check out the Iron Cathedral; it features iron girders, protection against hurricanes and earthquakes. Shopping in Pointe-a-Pitre is one of the popular things to do in Guadeloupe—as an overseas department of France, Guadeloupe benefits from ample access to French perfumes and other brand name goods, all of which can be paid for in Euros.

Guadeloupe Map

Fort Fleur d’Epe

On your way out of Pointe-a-Pitre towards the nearby town of Gosier, don't miss Fort Fleur d'Epe, an eighteenth-century French garrison on the top of a hill. Flowering shrubs and old cannon make it a scenic place with views of the ocean. Nearby in Gosier, the Aquarium de la Guadeloupe is the best aquarium in the archipelago, with thousands of fish, sea turtles, and other intriguing sea animals.

Gosier

Gosier itself is just a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Pointe-a-Pitre, and one of the most popular things to do in Guadeloupe is to go clubbing, bar-hopping, or gambling in the casinos there. Gosier also has some of the prime Guadeloupe attractions: beaches. Dozens of beach resorts and hotels are located along the cost of Gosier, and the density of tourists is quite intense. For a more secluded beach, take a boat out to the Ilet de Gosier, though this beach is close to the town, it is relatively quiet, and its waters are excellent for snorkeling.

Beaches

The beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are the highlight of Guadeloupe tourism, and are renowned for the clarity of their waters and for the range of colors the sand takes throughout the islands. Sands white as sugar, as well as pink, red and black, all feature on Guadeloupe's beach circuit. On the southern coast of Grande-Terre, the beaches face the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. This is also where the beaches are the most crowded and the beach resorts most dominant. On the north side of the island facing the Atlantic, beaches tend to have stronger waves, excellent for surfing, such as at Anse Bertrand in the north. For a relatively secluded but excellent beach, check out Grande Anse to the Northwest on Basse-Terre. The sand is copper, and there are some charming inns and hotels in the town of Deshaies nearby.

Guadeloupe National Park

Last but not least, one of the crowning jewels of Guadeloupe tourism is Guadeloupe National Park, encompassing much of the tropical forest and volcanic terrain of Basse-Terre. Explore the trails leading through the lush greenery, and be charmed by the cascades and waterfalls before climbing up to the peak of La Soufriere, an active volcano.