Best Time To Visit: Trade winds mean that temperatures are warm all year round with good sailing conditions.

Key Cruising Areas: Sitting in the heart of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is an ideal starting point to sail the Leeward Islands or further Antilles.

Don’t Miss: The incredible Cousteau Marine Park is part of the Guadeloupe National Park with underwater scenery and life that is amongst the best in the world. Incredible cliffs, coral gardens, thousands of fish and three wrecks make this a must-do for divers and snorkelers.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: As a part of France, you can be guaranteed of excellent food in Guadeloupe. Grand-Terre is known for its sophisticated dining, so is the place to go for a special night out. The ever-evolving menu of the l’Iguane is the perfect combination of Caribbean food with French accents, with locally sourced ingredients. Try the rillettes of marlin or lobster ravioli tinted with saffron.

Best Local Dish: Colombo powder, a mixture of spices, is a staple of Guadeloupe Creole’s. Chez Jeanne is renowned for the Creole, but phone ahead as they operate on Island Time!

Local Culture: Guadeloupe is a melting pot of cultures, and the country remains a strong French feel – you’re as likely to see the locals here enjoying champagne as a Caribbean rum punch. The Memorial ACTE Slavery Museum is an incredible place of remembrance, as well as an architecturally stunning building and collection of interesting artifacts.

Best Beach: The beaches of Guadeloupe range from tropical orange fringed with palm trees, to volcanic black sands, to sheltered coves facing the Atlantic Ocean. The famous La Caravelle is the quintessential tropical white beach, whereas locals recommend the Petit Havre. Sheltered in a beautiful cove the soft sands are ideal for strolling and beachcombing.

IYC recommends: Get back to nature hiking through the jungles of Guadeloupe. With over 100 km of hiking trails to choose from, you can embark on anything from a short stroll to a full-day hike. For an incredible view, hike through the tropical forests on the slopes of the volcano to find Carbet Falls. The tiered waterfall cutting through lush vegetation is a spectacular sight.