Guadeloupe 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Grand-Terre Island

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café in Baie-Mahault.
    • Visit the Botanical Garden of Deshaies, home to numerous exotic plants and animals.
    • Head to the beautiful Pointe des Châteaux for panoramic views of the island.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy a traditional Creole lunch at one of the restaurants in Deshaies.
    • Visit the picturesque village of Saint-François, known for its colorful houses and charming atmosphere.
    • Spend the late afternoon relaxing on the sandy beaches of Grand-Anse or Carry-Gouffier.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at a restaurant in Baie-Mahault, sampling local dishes like Colombo, Grillades, and Griot.
    • Take a leisurely walk along the beach or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in local bars and clubs.

Day 2: Discovering Basse-Terre Island

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, take a ferry from Grand-Terre to Basse-Terre (ferries operate regularly throughout the day).
    • Visit the Volcano Trail in La Soufrière National Park. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have a picnic lunch at the park, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Visit the Rainbow Waterfall (La Chute de la Rousse) and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Grand-Terre and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Saint-François or Gourbeyre.
    • Explore the night market in Gourbeyre for local crafts, food, and music.

Day 3: Relaxation and Leisure

  • Morning:

    • Spend the morning relaxing on a beautiful beach. Plage de la Caravelle or La Grande Anse in Bouillante are great options.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy a Creole cooking class to learn about local cuisine and ingredients. Many restaurants offer this experience.
    • Visit the Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires to learn more about Guadeloupe’s history and culture.

  • Evening:

    • Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view, such as Le Soleil Levant in Bouillante or L’Oasis de la Pointe in Sainte-Anne.
    • Take a sunset cruise to end your trip on a memorable note.

Things to Know:

  1. Guadeloupe is part of France, so EU citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Other nationalities should check the French embassy’s website for visa requirements.
  2. The official language is French, but Creole is also widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas.
  3. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Car rental agencies are available throughout the island.
  4. Tip 10% at restaurants and for services like taxis.
  5. The local currency is the Euro, but US dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.
  6. Stay safe by avoiding deserted areas at night, particularly in larger cities.