Guadeloupe, known as “the island of beautiful waters“It has the most unique shape of all the islands in the Caribbean chain. The butterfly shape developed from the geographical movement of two separate islands, which brought them together, with only a narrow river dividing them. Instead of an island, they could be considered as two, since they are quite different.
Located in the French West Indies, Guadeloupe It has three sets of islands off the coast, offering the opportunity to jump from island to island. Apart from the opportunity to visit several islands for the price of one, Guadeloupe offers first-class beach resorts, some of the best open-air markets in the Caribbean, French and Creole gastronomy, rainforests, volcanoes, numerous waterfalls, a variety of beaches and a variety of exotic flowers and plants.
That’s more than enough for a vacation, but the more adventurous can easily continue their trip by catamaran or ferry to the neighboring islands of French Martinique, Dominica and St. Lucia.
The culture of the island is definitely FrenchHowever, most of the locals speak Creole and French. In general, the culture of France, Africa, Antillean and Hindu makes a fascinating mix.
The people of Guadeloupe believe strongly in their form of culture, and many would like to be independent from France. However, the financial support of France It provides the island with a high standard of living, so the drive for independence remains more talk than action.
Lowlands It is the larger of the two, with a rugged coastline, mountainous terrain, and an active volcano. The rich highlands of the west coast offer a panoramic view of lush rainforests, banana plantations and a waterfall at every corner. As you enter the rainforest, your visual senses are overwhelmed by the fusion of colors, the shapes of orchids, flowering trees with exotic flower baskets, and the ever-present dwarf palm trees. Strange metallic sounds echo through the forest, and I was surprised to discover the strange noise the huge Hercules beetles. I never saw them, nor did I have any desire to do so after hearing their metallic sound.
After leaving the rainforest, I traveled to La Soufriere, an active volcano that is around 4,800 feet and has steam constantly rising from its top. As I looked at my map, it seemed that the Transcoastal Highway was the best route to the volcano, however one of the locals pointed me a route to the south.
As I drove through endless fields of banana, coffee, and cocoa plantations, I wished I had paid the local for his advice. Guides indicate that views of the volcano are often cloudy, but on this day the sky was crystal clear. At times like this, I wish I had brought a travel companion to take the wheel, so I could fully enjoy the beauty of La Soufriere. Upon arrival, he was not prepared for the roar of this huge volcano, or the taste of sulfur in the air, or the heat of the ground. I was so uncomfortable that I couldn’t stay longer, and I hastily took my pictures of this magnificent monument and then headed to my favorite place, the beach.
After reaching the beach, he was not satisfied with the brown sand of the countryside on this side of the island; I prefer the sand on my beach to be soft and white or pink. After meeting several visitors on the beach, they told me that my favorite beach sand was further east. Before leaving, I took the opportunity to take a dip in the blue water of the Caribbean to remove the smell of sulfur from my body and have some of the best. Creole Stuffed crabs I’ve ever had in a little beach bar. Now, I was completely ready for my trip to the east.
Big land, the smaller of the two island masses is found on the eastern coast and is considered the lowlands. I loved seeing beautiful white sand beaches, clear water, and pristine coral reefs. This side of the island is an oasis for tropical birds such as pelicans, egrets, pigeons, and shorebirds. While the western coast is home to lush rainforests, the eastern coast has countless rows of sugar cane fields and mangroves.
As I drive towards Pointe-a-Pitre, the metropolitan area, I was a bit surprised by the city’s lack of Caribbean charm. Apart from French architecture, this area is more like suburban America with skyscrapers, shopping centers and highways.
I had heard of open-air markets in travel literature, so I had to pay a visit. Oh, such a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to compete with the best of American Produces. The saleswomen wear brightly colored scarves, love to discuss pricing, and give the most animated descriptions you’ve ever heard of their products.
An hour later, I came out loaded with fresh French bread, butter, and lots of veggies and fruits. Whenever I return to Guadeloupe, I will definitely visit the market, but in general the city is too commercial, very noisy and the traffic reminded me too much of the U.SSo after loading the car, I set out in search of the perfect white sand beach.
To the east from Pointe-a-Pitre, there are 20 miles of the most exquisite beaches that any lover of soft white sand beaches could hope to find. The further you get from the capital, the beaches become less crowded.
I finally settled in the small town of Throat it has the perfect soft white sand beaches, many small bars, shops and cafes, bread and breakfast inns, as well as large hotels.
Throat is on the coast, and rises up into the hills where you can see the outer islands of Marie-Galante and The Saints. As the idea of visiting these islands occurred to me, I knew instinctively that my short time in Guadeloupe would be spent right there in Throat on the beach. After three wonderful days, I returned to the beautiful island of St. Lucia, where my island hopping journey had begun.
Too many islands, too little time.
