Where is the best area to stay in Guadeloupe?
If you plan to spend your holiday in Guadeloupe this year, it’s important to know the best area to stay. Guadeloupe is an archipelago consisting of five main islands in the Caribbean Sea, the largest islands are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. You could choose to stay in the busier south coast resorts of Saint-François with its marina, shops, restaurants and one of the best beaches on Guadeloupe, or opt for lively Le Gosier with an Aquarium, lively market and easy access to the airport and ferry port. The seaside town of Sainte-Anne has the best of everything - a laid-back resort with sandy beaches and restaurants. It’s centrally located along the south coast making a great base for those who wish to explore Guadeloupe.
On the north western shores of Basse-Terre island lies the picturesque fishing village of Deshaies. With a distinct Mediterranean vibe, it offers couples and families a laid-back lifestyle with craft shops, restaurants, bars and secluded beaches. Alternatively, on the east coast of Grande-Terre Le Moule offers a wealth of history with rum distilleries, archaeological sites and museums to explore. If you enjoy diving and nature experiences perhaps Bouillante will suit your needs. The petite coastal village on Basse-Terre’s west coast is popular with divers and nature lovers seeking a relaxing place to stay.
Saint-François on the island of Grand-Terre is a popular choice with families, couples and friends, with wild cliffs, historic sites and one of the most popular beaches in Guadeloupe – Raisins Clairs Beach. A bustling marina is sprinkled with shops and restaurants, plus there’s a colourful local market where you can stock up on fresh produce.
Le Gosier is also located on Grande-Terre close to the airport and ferry port which are both around 15 minutes’ drive. Popular with all ages, there are picturesque islets and stunning palm-fringed white sand beaches leading to aquamarine waters popular with snorkellers and divers. There’s an Aquarium which showcases native Caribbean marine life and on Friday nights the resort hosts a vibrant market where you can purchase local handicrafts and fresh produce.
Sainte-Anne is located between Le Gosier and Saint-François on the south coast of Grand-Terre, Guadeloupe. It’s a main tourist location, yet small than the other two resorts. You can enjoy lazy days soaking up the Caribbean sunshine on beautiful Anse à Jacques beach, visiting local churches and markets or dining on delicious island cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Deshaies is a peaceful resort on the north west coast of Basse-Terre island in the archipelago. With a hillside backdrop of verdant greenery, a chic Mediterranean vibe and some of the islands most beautiful beaches, this quaint fishing village is an ideal choice for couples who wish to get away from it all. The resort has been a popular film location for a TV series, and there is a good choice of craft shops and restaurants serving seafood and local cuisine.
If you love delving deep into local history, Le Moule on the eastern shores of Grande-Terre is the place to stay. During the 17th and 18th centuries the town was a booming sugar port, and today, the area is still abundant with sugarcane and banana plantations. If you choose Le Moule as your preferred resort to stay in, you can look forward to sampling Caribbean rum in local distilleries, discovering grand colonial buildings and browsing archaeological parks and museums.
Bouillante is on the west coast of Basse-Terre around an hour from the international airport. It’s an unspoilt, peaceful location popular with couples, families and families seeking a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. It’s home to the underwater Cousteau Reserve making it popular with scuba divers and snorkellers and famous for its hot springs and black sand beach.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?