Where is the best area to stay in Guadeloupe?
By Syeeda Derussy. december 09, 2022
If you plan to visit Guadeloupe, it’s important to know the best area to stay. This French Caribbean destination is an archipelago of more than six islands and islets including the largest twin islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre.
You could choose to stay in the busier southeast coast towns of Saint-François with its marina, shops, restaurants, and the island’s most popular coastline, or opt for vibrant Le Gosier with an Aquarium, lively night market, and easy access to the airport. The seaside town of Sainte-Anne has the best of everything - a laid-back resort with sandy beaches and restaurants. It’s located along the south coast and can be a base to explore Guadeloupe.
On the north-western shores of la Basse-Terre lies the picturesque fishing village of Deshaies. With its French-creole vibe, it offers couples and families a laid-back lifestyle with shops, restaurants, bars, and stunning beaches. Alternatively, on the east coast of Grande-Terre, Le Moule offers a wealth of history with rum distilleries, an archaeological museum, and heritage sites to explore. If you enjoy diving and nature experiences, Bouillante will suit your needs. The petite coastal village on Basse-Terre’s west coast is very popular with divers, hikers, and nature lovers.If you are interested in where to stay in Guadeloupe, you may also be interested in where to stay in St Maarten, where to stay in St Lucia and where to stay in Antigua.
Best places to stay in Guadeloupe
Saint-François
Popular Beaches / Sightseeing / Fabulous Coastline
Saint-François on the island of Grand-Terre is a popular choice with families, couples, and friends, with the iconic “Pointe des châteaux” coastline, art museums, and some of the most popular beaches in Guadeloupe. A bustling marina is sprinkled with boutiques and restaurants plus there are many craft shops and a colorful market where you can sample local fruits and specialties.
If you enjoy sports, Saint-François is perfect as it offers windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and cycling. It also showcases an international “18 Hole” golf course. From there you may fly a gyrocopter for breathtaking views of the region, take the ferry for a day trip to authentic Désirade, or sail to the sanctuary islands of Petite-Terre. After dark, there are shops, bars, restaurants, and one of the two casinos on the island to enjoy.
Hotels in Saint-François are 2,3 and 4-star accommodations, apartments, and villas to suit all needs.
Le Gosier
Turquoise Waters / Local Cuisine / Nightlife
Le Gosier is also in Grande-Terre, around a 15-minute drive from both the airport and ferry port. Popular with all ages, this sea town whose picturesque islet is one of Guadeloupe’s landmarks, offers many attractions including water sport activities or visits to the Fort Fleur d’épée, and the local marine life Aquarium. It is also a good base to visit the island’s top galleries and history museums, take the ferry to Marie-Galante and the Saints, and explore Guadeloupe.
All week-round, street vendors will treat you to specialties and on Friday nights there is a vibrant market where you can purchase local handcraft and fresh produce. Located in the busy “Pointe-à-Pitre area”, Gosier has some of the island’s best nightlife on its doorstep, with a marina, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and a casino.
Hotels in Le Gosier cater to all tastes and budgets with budget, mid-range, all-inclusive, and luxury hotels on offer.
Sainte-Anne
Shallow Beaches / Water Sports / Families
Sainte-Anne is on the south coast of Grand-Terre between Gosier and Saint-François. Its famous palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear blue waters make it a postcard-perfect destination. There you will enjoy lazy days soaking up the Caribbean sunshine on the beautiful “Caravelle” or the popular town center beaches. Or, you may choose to take advantage of local nautical and surf schools, have fun at local leisure parks, visit the handcraft village and local market, and dine on delicious island cuisine.
Later in the day, alongside a stretch of food trucks, bars, and restaurants playing music, the illuminated beach is a fun place for tourists, family gatherings, and beach sports. Sainte-Anne is also a great base if you wish to hire a car and explore Grande-Terre and visit other parts of the island.
Hotels are 2,3,4 and 5-star caliber, and there’s also a selection of bungalows, apartments, and villas for larger groups.
Le Moule
Pre-Colombian Archeology / Surf Spot / Cultural Tourism
If you love delving into local culture and history, Le Moule on the eastern coast of Grande-Terre is probably the place to stay. In the 17th and 18th centuries this Atlantic town was a booming sugar port, and today, the area still abounds with sugarcane plantations. You can look forward to visiting local distilleries, discovering a grand colonial house, and browsing the island’s archaeological park and museum dedicated to the Pre-Colombian era.
The “l’Autre Bord” beach and leisure centre is very popular with families while surfers will choose the “Bay”, the best-known spot on the island! At night you’ll be spoiled for choice of activity with a cinema-theatre, as well as shops and markets, food trucks, grill shacks, and restaurants to choose from.
It’s a popular choice for couples and families seeking a relaxing or exciting stay, offering a range of apartments, villas, and budget and luxury hotels.
Deshaies
Sunsets / Beach Bars / French-Creole Vibe
Deshaies’ sunsets are probably the most instagrammed on the island! The place is a peaceful village located on the northwest coast of volcanic Basse-Terre. With a hillside backdrop of verdant greenery, a French-Creole vibe, and some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, this quaint spot is an ideal choice both for couples who wish to get away from it all, and active families.
When in Deshaies, you should consider going to the coral islets of the “Cul-de-sac-Marin”, visiting the Botanical garden, walking or horse-riding along the northern coast, and even indulging in one of the island’s most exquisite spas. The place is the filming location for a popular BBC series and has a good choice of shops, fancy beach bars, and restaurants serving local cuisine.
Hotels and apartments in Deshaies tend to be small and friendly, but you can also find smart ecolodges and all-inclusive hotels with a laid-back atmosphere.
Bouillante
Nature / Authenticity / Hot Springs
Bouillante is on the west coast of la Basse-Terre. It’s an unspoilt location popular with couples, and families, seeking a Caribbean atmosphere. It’s home to the underwater Cousteau Reserve making it popular with divers and famous for its hot springs and black sand beaches.
Another favourite, “Malendure beach” showcases many activities: diving, kayaking, whale watching, sunset sailing, bottom glass boat cruising or canyoning, only a few minutes from the island’s legendary zoo. When in Bouillante you will experience nature: you can sit back and relax or go hiking, indulge in the island’s most beautiful rivers, climb up the volcano, and visit the rum and geothermal factories or museums dedicated to coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. Many restaurants serve Creole or fusion cuisine, and on weekends, some will have live music for everyone to enjoy.
Hotels and apartments in Bouillante are small, friendly, and comfortable and cater to all tastes and budgets.
Our recommended hotels in Guadeloupe
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in GuadeloupeNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
