What Are The Top Must-Do’s In Guadeloupe?
What to eat
Our cuisine is rich with traditions and flavors from France, Africa, the Caribbean and Southern Asian, reflecting the history of the islands. Be sure to try the Ti-nain morue, a popular dish that includes dried cod, green plantains, and spices. If you get out to Les Saintes, a Tourment d’amour is a must! This pastry, unique to Les Saintes, looks like a height-challenged cupcake. It’s flavored with coconut or other tropical fruits and is absolutely addictive!
Where to party
Our music, Zouk, literally means “to party.” When you hear it, you just have to get up and move! Local clubs also feature European dance music, salsa, reggae, soca and American pop music. The most popular hot spots are DB9 and Five O’Clock in Gosier. In Marie-Galante, Touloulou and Le Sombrero are also quite good.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Off Pigeon Island at the Cousteau Reserve, you’ll find one of the best diving sites in the world! The experience is radiant with the explosion of colors from the dense population of coral and marine creatures. In Marie-Galante, with its unspoiled beaches, you can enjoy an equally enchanting snorkeling experience in a less crowded setting. Anse-Canot beach on the west coast is a small inlet between two hills, perfectly secluded and off the beaten path. Grand-Bourg and Plage de la Feuillère, both protected by coral reefs, are also great for snorkeling enthusiasts, though Anse Taliseronde is generally seen as the best.
Hiking
At 4,800 feet, Guadeloupe’s La Soufriere volcano is the highest peak in the Eastern Antilles. You can hike all the way to the top, or admire the summit from afar from the many great look-out points throughout the Guadeloupe National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Basse-Terre. Another option, the island of La Desirade, is a limestone plateau in the shape of an upturned boat that can be explored by foot, bicycle or scooter along its single road. Then there’s the Grand-Savane trail, a 75-minute off beaten path trek leading to La Pointe du Grand-Abaque and Le Morne du Souffleur with beautiful views of La Desirade, the ocean, and Grande-Terre.
That’s already a lot of great info, but it only scratches the surface on everything Sandra shared with me! Look out for a follow-up post next week on a few of the choicest spots to eat in Guadeloupe, as well as recommendations on must-buys to bring back home to ensure you never forget this very special place.