If you’re planning your winter vacation and just don’t want to know about going to the mountains in the cold, here’s a place to discover paradise (where it’s always warm). We are talking about an archipelago in the French Antilles located in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of five main islands: Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade.
The butterfly-shaped island to discover.
The main island is shaped like a butterfly, with two distinct parts: Grande-Terre, characterized by rolling hills and plains planted with sugar cane, and Basse-Terre, which is more mountainous, covered with lush rainforest and home to the active volcano La Soufrière, which reaches an altitude of 1467 meters. This place is ideal for those who love nature and beach life.
Guadeloupe is famous for its black and white sand beaches, crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes such as waterfalls and forests. If you are thinking of a relaxing but not boring vacation, it is the ideal destination. You can enjoy Creole cuisine: accras (fish fritters), boudin creole (savory sausage), Farcis crabs, Goulou (local sandwich stuffed with various ingredients).
When to go.
The climate is tropical, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C, ideal for year-round visits, and Guadeloupe also serves as a strategic base for exploring other Caribbean paradise islands.
The best time to visit is from December to April, to avoid sweltering temperatures, rain and risk of hurricanes. Generally the peak season, so when it is most crowded, is Easter.
How to get there from Rome?
One can reach Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport, on the island of Grande-Terre, and then travel by local ferries to the other islands. The trip by plane can take 12 to 13 hours, including a stopover.