Guadeloupe

There's no denying that Guadeloupe has a certain something special about it, a spark that sets it apart from other Caribbean islands. The majestic La Soufrière volcano is surrounded by green woods and sparkling white and black sand beaches that stretch into tranquil, cerulean seas. Visitors to centuries-old distilleries and distant sugar fields are welcomed by picturesque communities just a few miles south. Simply said, Guadeloupe has an untouched natural landscape that exudes rustic appeal. But this gorgeous group of islands has a lot more to offer. Where else can you inhale the delicious perfume of sugar and rum, eat exquisite French-Creole delicacies, and lay your towel down along undisturbed expanses of sandy bliss?

However, before you can enjoy the warmth and magnificence of Guadeloupe, you'll need to find your bearings. The "mainland" of Guadeloupe is made up of two different islands: Basse-Terre (the region's capital city) and Grande-Terre (the islands' opulent vacation paradise), which combined create the shape of a butterfly. The western wing is made up of Basse-Terre, while the eastern wing is made up of Grande-Terre. The outlying islands of Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes form a cluster around Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Each isle is isolated, beautiful, and well worth a day trip. If you're just there for a few days, don't pass up the opportunity to have a fiery Lambi (conch) meal or cruise around the islands' captivating archipelago.