Guadeloupe Holiday Villas
Guadeloupe comprises the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre and the nearby smaller islands of La Desirade, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. The islands were colonized by the French and even today they retain their strong French influence, from the local flavours to the currency.
To the visitors, Guadeloupe offers lovely white sand beaches, wildlife-infested rainforest and beautiful landscapes comprising rough volcanic terrain, rolling hills, flat plains and lush mountainous areas with stunning and unspoiled tropical scenery. The islands are a divers' paradise and are considered as among the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Vacation rentals in Guadeloupe
Visitors looking for a more personalised experience on the islands can choose to stay in Guadeloupe vacation rentals. Comprising private villas, cottages, apartments and studios, these rentals are at any easy distance from beaches, activities and places of great natural beauty. Well equipped with all modern amenities, vacation rentals in Guadeloupe are furnished in a way to give you a true Caribbean experience. You can choose between self-catering apartments to vacation villas and cottages with staff to take care of the everyday necessities.
Things to see and do in Guadeloupe
Active volcano hike
Enjoy a hike to the top of La Soufrière, a still-active volcano which hasn't shown signs of erupting since 1976. The one-and-a-half-hour climb to the top is strenuous but worth it for the spectacular views.
Beaches
Guadeloupe's beaches are good for swimming and a host of other water activities.
The Festival of Women Cooks
This is one of Guadeloupe's most spectacular events featuring a banquet of Creole and French foods. Many of those attending come in traditional Creole costume.
French Fort
Located in the town of Basse-Terre, at the foot of La Soufrière, the fort was built in 1605. It has now been restored and converted into a historical museum.
Galion waterfalls
Hike to the Galion waterfalls and follow the trail leads downwards through the rainforest to the scintillating waterfalls.
Rock carvings
You can see some of the earliest evidence of man in the Caribbean at the Parc Archeologique des Roches Graves, near Trois Rivières on Basse-Terre. Rock carvings made by the Arawak Indians are believed to date back to AD300-400.
Nightlife in Guadeloupe
The island boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, with local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the Biguine, in which artists wear colourful and ornate Creole costumes. You can also enjoy the sounds of zouk - a style of music developed in the French Caribbean. There are two casinos on Guadeloupe, in Gosier and St François. You could also try the famous rum punch cocktails - rum with lime, bitter and syrup.
Dining in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe cuisine is a wonderful mix of French, Creole, African and South-East Asian influences. The food is often hot and spicy, with lots of fish specialities. Popular dishes include lobster, turtle, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. There are several options for casual and fine dining. The more formal restaurants have a formal dress code.
