Americas · Caribbean
Guadeloupe
🏛️ Capital
Basse-Terre
👥 Population
378,561
📐 Area
1,628 km²
💱 Currency
euro (€)
🗣️ Languages
French
📞 Calling Code
+590
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-04:00
🌐 Region
Americas / Caribbean
About Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago of stunning Caribbean islands that forms an overseas region of France, offering visitors the rare combination of European sophistication and tropical paradise. Shaped like a butterfly, the main island consists of two distinct landmasses connected by a narrow bridge: the lush, volcanic Basse-Terre to the west and the flatter, sugarcane-covered Grande-Terre to the east. You'll find that this French Caribbean gem delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in the region.
When you arrive in Guadeloupe, you're stepping into a world where Creole culture, French elegance, and Caribbean warmth blend seamlessly. The air carries the scent of frangipani and vanilla, while the waters shift between deep sapphire blue offshore and crystal turquoise in the shallows. The island's cuisine, music, and architecture reflect centuries of cultural fusion that make every corner worth exploring.
Whether you're drawn to the dramatic waterfalls of Basse-Terre's rainforest, the white-sand beaches of Saint-François, or the vibrant markets of Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe rewards curious travelers at every turn. Offshore, the tiny islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante offer even more tranquil escapes, each with their own distinct personality and charm. You'll leave with sun-kissed memories and a craving to return.
When you arrive in Guadeloupe, you're stepping into a world where Creole culture, French elegance, and Caribbean warmth blend seamlessly. The air carries the scent of frangipani and vanilla, while the waters shift between deep sapphire blue offshore and crystal turquoise in the shallows. The island's cuisine, music, and architecture reflect centuries of cultural fusion that make every corner worth exploring.
Whether you're drawn to the dramatic waterfalls of Basse-Terre's rainforest, the white-sand beaches of Saint-François, or the vibrant markets of Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe rewards curious travelers at every turn. Offshore, the tiny islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante offer even more tranquil escapes, each with their own distinct personality and charm. You'll leave with sun-kissed memories and a craving to return.
History & Background
Guadeloupe was originally inhabited by the Arawak people, followed by the more warlike Caribs who called the island Karukera, meaning "Island of Beautiful Waters." Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, naming it after the Spanish monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe. France claimed the islands in 1635, and after a brief period of British occupation, Guadeloupe became a permanent French possession. Sugar cultivation using enslaved African labor transformed the island's economy and demographics over the following centuries.
The abolition of slavery in 1848, championed by Victor Schoelcher, marked a turning point in Guadeloupean history. In 1946, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, granting its residents full French citizenship. The island has since navigated questions of identity and autonomy, with significant independence movements emerging in the latter half of the twentieth century. Today, Guadeloupe remains an integral part of France and the European Union while maintaining its distinct Creole cultural identity.
The abolition of slavery in 1848, championed by Victor Schoelcher, marked a turning point in Guadeloupean history. In 1946, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, granting its residents full French citizenship. The island has since navigated questions of identity and autonomy, with significant independence movements emerging in the latter half of the twentieth century. Today, Guadeloupe remains an integral part of France and the European Union while maintaining its distinct Creole cultural identity.
Culture & People
Guadeloupean culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from African, French, East Indian, and indigenous Amerindian influences. The majority of the population descends from enslaved Africans brought to work the sugar plantations, and this heritage permeates daily life through the Creole language, music, dance, and religious practices. You'll encounter a society that takes great pride in its unique identity, distinct from metropolitan France yet deeply connected to it.
The Gwo Ka drum tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, lies at the heart of Guadeloupean identity. During festivals and ceremonies, rhythmic drumming and call-and-response singing fill the air, connecting communities to their ancestral roots. Carnival in Guadeloupe is legendary, featuring elaborate costumes, street dancing, and days of celebration that bring the entire island together in a joyful expression of Creole culture.
The Gwo Ka drum tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, lies at the heart of Guadeloupean identity. During festivals and ceremonies, rhythmic drumming and call-and-response singing fill the air, connecting communities to their ancestral roots. Carnival in Guadeloupe is legendary, featuring elaborate costumes, street dancing, and days of celebration that bring the entire island together in a joyful expression of Creole culture.
Food & Cuisine
Guadeloupean cuisine is a celebration of Creole cooking traditions, blending African techniques, French refinement, and tropical ingredients into dishes of remarkable depth and flavor. Colombo, the island's signature curry made with chicken, lamb, or goat, reflects the culinary influence of South Asian indentured workers who arrived after emancipation. You'll also encounter accras, crispy fritters made from salt cod or vegetables, typically served as appetizers with a cold glass of local rum punch.
Seafood reigns supreme given the island's geography, with freshly caught fish grilled over open flames, lobster prepared in Creole sauce, and lambi (conch) stewed with tomatoes and peppers. The local markets overflow with exotic tropical fruits including soursop, passion fruit, and breadfruit. No visit is complete without sampling the legendary aged rums from the island's historic distilleries, particularly the highly regarded Rhum Agricole made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, which carries a protected designation of origin.
Seafood reigns supreme given the island's geography, with freshly caught fish grilled over open flames, lobster prepared in Creole sauce, and lambi (conch) stewed with tomatoes and peppers. The local markets overflow with exotic tropical fruits including soursop, passion fruit, and breadfruit. No visit is complete without sampling the legendary aged rums from the island's historic distilleries, particularly the highly regarded Rhum Agricole made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, which carries a protected designation of origin.
Top Attractions
- La Soufrière Volcano — The highest peak in the Lesser Antilles at 1,467 metres, offering dramatic hiking trails through cloud forest with fumaroles, sulfur vents, and panoramic views when skies clear.
- Chutes du Carbet — Three spectacular waterfalls cascading down the flanks of La Soufrière, accessible via well-marked jungle trails that pass through lush tropical vegetation.
- Les Saintes Archipelago — A cluster of tiny islands just south of Basse-Terre, renowned for their exceptional beauty, calm anchorages, and the charming village of Terre-de-Haut with its French Creole architecture.
- Pointe-à-Pitre Market — The bustling covered market at the heart of Guadeloupe's largest city, where vendors sell tropical fruits, spices, Creole street food, and local crafts in a riot of color and noise.
- Plage de la Caravelle — One of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, a long crescent of white sand near Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre, with calm turquoise waters and excellent facilities.
- Mémorial ACTe — A powerful and architecturally striking museum in Pointe-à-Pitre dedicated to the history of slavery and the Atlantic slave trade, essential context for understanding Guadeloupean identity.
Practical Travel Tips
- Euros are the official currency since Guadeloupe is part of France — credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for local markets and smaller vendors.
- French is the official language, but Creole is widely spoken; learning a few French phrases will be warmly appreciated by locals.
- Renting a car is highly recommended to explore both Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre at your own pace — roads are well-maintained and driving is on the right.
- Book ferry tickets to Les Saintes or Marie-Galante in advance during peak season; day trips are possible but overnight stays reveal the islands' true character.
- Pack insect repellent for rainforest hikes on Basse-Terre, especially around the Carbet Falls and La Soufrière volcano trail.
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Guadeloupe, a significant advantage over many Caribbean destinations.
- European Union roaming rules apply for EU mobile subscribers; visitors from outside the EU should check international data rates before arriving.
Visa Overview
As an overseas region of France and a full member of the European Union, Guadeloupe follows French and EU immigration rules. Citizens of EU and Schengen Area countries can enter with just a national identity card and stay indefinitely. Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen agreement. Travelers from countries that require a visa for France will need the same visa to enter Guadeloupe. There is no separate entry requirement beyond what applies for metropolitan France.
Getting Around
Renting a car is by far the most practical way to explore Guadeloupe's diverse landscapes. International rental agencies operate from Pointe-à-Pitre's Le Raizet Airport and in major towns. Local buses called "jardins" connect urban areas on Grande-Terre but are less frequent in rural areas. Ferries run regularly between the main island and the outer islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade, with several crossings daily. Water taxis also serve some inter-island routes. Taxis are metered and readily available at the airport and in Pointe-à-Pitre, though they can be expensive for longer journeys.
Safety Notes
Guadeloupe is generally safe for tourists, though like any destination it requires basic precautions. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in urban areas, particularly around Pointe-à-Pitre, so avoid displaying valuables and be alert in crowded market areas. The rainforest trails around La Soufrière require proper footwear and awareness of weather conditions, as paths can become slippery and visibility may drop suddenly. When swimming, always check for rip currents and observe posted flags at beaches. The active volcano La Soufrière is monitored continuously; always check current alert levels before hiking.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Guadeloupe.
euro (EUR) €
Updated: 2026-08-20
euro (EUR) €
Updated: 2026-08-20
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 13.498135 |
| AAVE | 0.012207 |
| ADA | 6.274808 |
| AED | 4.289988 |
| AFN | 76.455547 |
| AGIX | 20.529179 |
| AKT | 2.272266 |
| ALGO | 14.189848 |
| ALL | 92.685141 |
| AMD | 424.027941 |
| AMP | 3,045.105625 |
| ANG | 2.092390 |
| AOA | 1,072.800048 |
| APE | 9.083432 |
| APT | 2.088233 |
| AR | 0.628490 |
| ARB | 13.355611 |
| ARS | 1,748.796683 |
| ATOM | 0.782760 |
| ATS | 13.760300 |
| AUD | 1.643352 |
| AVAX | 0.172446 |
| AWG | 2.090968 |
| AXS | 1.295990 |
| AZM | 9,928.939944 |
| AZN | 1.985788 |
| BAKE | 1,679.319615 |
| BAM | 1.955830 |
| BAT | 18.681877 |
| BBD | 2.336277 |
| BCH | 0.005530 |
| BDT | 142.135736 |
| BEF | 40.339900 |
| BGN | 1.955830 |
| BHD | 0.439220 |
| BIF | 3,474.425125 |
| BMD | 1.168138 |
| BNB | 0.001869 |
| BND | 1.485327 |
| BOB | 13.417154 |
| BRL | 6.049165 |
| BSD | 1.168138 |
| BSV | 0.072958 |
| BSW | 3,223.258550 |
| BTC | 0.000017 |
| BTCB | 19.735463 |
| BTG | 2.662160 |
| BTN | 111.698989 |
| BTT | 4,293,633.870463 |
| BUSD | 1.167363 |
| BWP | 15.712392 |
| BYN | 3.531873 |
| BYR | 22,892.119768 |
| BZD | 2.346397 |
| CAD | 1.612335 |
| CAKE | 0.724865 |
| CDF | 2,677.850523 |
| CELO | 18.665735 |
| CFX | 26.670481 |
| CHF | 0.932977 |
| CHZ | 91.379841 |
| CLP | 1,076.533162 |
| CNH | 7.856221 |
| CNY | 7.856620 |
| COMP | 0.063387 |
| COP | 3,566.077193 |
| CRC | 525.908198 |
| CRO | 23.443031 |
| CRV | 4.477219 |
| CSPR | 437.376052 |
| CUC | 1.167965 |
| CUP | 30.951080 |
| CVE | 110.2700 |
| CVX | 0.722160 |
| CYP | 0.585274 |
| CZK | 24.169588 |
| DAI | 1.167995 |
| DASH | 0.036762 |
| DCR | 0.098876 |
| DEM | 1.955830 |
| DFI | 1,173.949573 |
| DJF | 207.474605 |
| DKK | 7.475781 |
| DOGE | 15.559342 |
| DOP | 68.222254 |
| DOT | 1.475899 |
| DYDX | 10.619105 |
| DZD | 155.028351 |
| EEK | 15.646640 |
| EGLD | 0.411187 |
| EGP | 59.168004 |
| ENJ | 46.163995 |
| EOS | 17.699426 |
| ERN | 17.522076 |
| ESP | 166.3860 |
| ETB | 189.840962 |
| ETC | 0.177060 |
| ETH | 0.000517 |
| EURC | 1.007090 |
| FEI | 1.166659 |
| FIL | 1.735227 |
| FIM | 5.945730 |
| FJD | 2.570325 |
| FKP | 0.858509 |
| FLOW | 40.402035 |
| FLR | 181.679512 |
| FRAX | 1.178113 |
| FRF | 6.559570 |
| FTT | 5.628028 |
| GALA | 810.679960 |
| GBP | 0.858509 |
| GEL | 3.043474 |
| GGP | 0.858509 |
| GHC | 129,258.080826 |
| GHS | 12.925808 |
| GIP | 0.858509 |
| GMD | 86.563737 |
| GMX | 0.171685 |
| GNF | 10,251.220328 |
| GNO | 0.009637 |
| GRD | 340.750000 |
| GRT | 83.486314 |
| GT | 0.167849 |
| GTQ | 8.891317 |
| GUSD | 1.170061 |
| GYD | 242.978961 |
| HBAR | 16.482536 |
| HKD | 9.160613 |
| HNL | 31.229263 |
| HNT | 6.739420 |
| HOT | 3,459.133937 |
| HRK | 7.534500 |
| HT | 10.285845 |
| HTG | 151.930830 |
| HUF | 363.912152 |
| ICP | 0.503691 |
| IDR | 20,795.129467 |
| IEP | 0.787564 |
| ILS | 3.479186 |
| IMP | 0.858509 |
| IMX | 11.165802 |
| INJ | 0.251490 |
| INR | 111.698989 |
| IQD | 1,521.432984 |
| IRR | 1,605,485.093482 |
| ISK | 142.210760 |
| ITL | 1,936.270000 |
| JEP | 0.858509 |
| JMD | 183.506639 |
| JOD | 0.828210 |
| JPY | 184.981804 |
| KAS | 43.807615 |
| KAVA | 28.379937 |
| KCS | 0.160141 |
| KDA | 248.775858 |
| KES | 151.206276 |
| KGS | 102.263782 |
| KHR | 4,704.545984 |
| KLAY | 47.524124 |
| KMF | 491.967750 |
| KNC | 11.038440 |
| KPW | 1,051.169108 |
| KRW | 1,627.923719 |
| KSM | 0.379386 |
| KWD | 0.360072 |
| KYD | 0.970366 |
| KZT | 538.830177 |
| LAK | 26,188.725142 |
| LBP | 104,412.210169 |
| LDO | 3.447439 |
| LEO | 0.125630 |
| LINK | 0.111452 |
| LKR | 384.367548 |
| LRC | 146.833407 |
| LRD | 211.504891 |
| LSL | 18.807871 |
| LTC | 0.024865 |
| LTL | 3.452800 |
| LUF | 40.339900 |
| LUNA | 26.419400 |
| LUNC | 23,121.482124 |
| LVL | 0.702800 |
| LYD | 7.391687 |
| MAD | 10.810712 |
| MANA | 17.424385 |
| MBX | 56.487447 |
| MDL | 20.024216 |
| MGA | 5,003.343056 |
| MGF | 25,016.715279 |
| MINA | 27.334818 |
| MKD | 61.674485 |
| MKR | 0.000804 |
| MMK | 2,452.453344 |
| MNT | 4,202.281258 |
| MOP | 9.435431 |
| MRO | 465.248150 |
| MRU | 46.524815 |
| MTL | 0.429300 |
| MUR | 54.867428 |
| MVR | 18.057908 |
| MWK | 2,016.268235 |
| MXN | 19.797147 |
| MXV | 2.259844 |
| MYR | 4.722522 |
| MZM | 74,543.965010 |
| MZN | 74.543965 |
| NAD | 18.807871 |
| NEAR | 0.670043 |
| NEO | 0.641778 |
| NEXO | 1.564265 |
| NFT | 4,147,709.312915 |
| NGN | 1,573.132375 |
| NIO | 42.861444 |
| NLG | 2.203710 |
| NOK | 10.896422 |
| NPR | 178.802157 |
| NZD | 1.965174 |
| OKB | 0.011409 |
| OMR | 0.449610 |
| ONE | 1,619.106291 |
| OP | 13.152159 |
| ORDI | 0.317301 |
| PAB | 1.168138 |
| PAXG | 0.000261 |
| PEN | 3.914147 |
| PEPE | 403,253.666827 |
| PGK | 5.244348 |
| PHP | 71.979185 |
| PI | 12.998716 |
| PKR | 322.928610 |
| PLN | 4.318860 |
| POL | 14.310295 |
| PTE | 200.482000 |
| PYG | 6,989.685768 |
| QAR | 4.252024 |
| QNT | 0.019769 |
| QTUM | 1.618321 |
| ROL | 52,463.807106 |
| RON | 5.246381 |
| RPL | 0.751167 |
| RSD | 117.347658 |
| RUB | 98.112485 |
| RUNE | 2.738814 |
| RVN | 448.100204 |
| RWF | 1,712.919923 |
| SAND | 28.281148 |
| SAR | 4.380519 |
| SBD | 9.345534 |
| SCR | 16.944618 |
| SDD | 70,107.285017 |
| SDG | 701.072850 |
| SEK | 11.024123 |
| SGD | 1.485327 |
| SHIB | 246,536.287597 |
| SHP | 0.858509 |
| SIT | 239.640000 |
| SKK | 30.1260 |
| SLE | 26.764891 |
| SLL | 26,764.891300 |
| SNX | 5.698820 |
| SOL | 0.013769 |
| SOS | 662.486214 |
| SPL | 0.194690 |
| SRD | 44.162051 |
| SRG | 44,162.051242 |
| SSP | 6,622.133568 |
| STD | 24,659.830261 |
| STN | 24.659830 |
| STX | 8.955080 |
| SUI | 1.655196 |
| SVC | 10.221211 |
| SYP | 15,185.884647 |
| SZL | 18.807871 |
| THB | 38.354550 |
| THETA | 7.772011 |
| TJS | 10.714711 |
| TMM | 20,438.152755 |
| TMT | 4.087631 |
| TND | 3.385351 |
| TOP | 2.782662 |
| TRL | 56,017,507.438721 |
| TRX | 3.497140 |
| TRY | 56.017507 |
| TTD | 7.896346 |
| TUSD | 1.169893 |
| TVD | 1.643352 |
| TWD | 37.189827 |
| TWT | 2.920863 |
| TZS | 3,091.766548 |
| UAH | 52.172341 |
| UGX | 4,340.252567 |
| UNI | 0.319007 |
| USD | 1.168138 |
| USDC | 1.167877 |
| USDD | 1.168659 |
| USDP | 1.169374 |
| USDT | 1.168573 |
| UYU | 46.737715 |
| UZS | 13,720.168830 |
| VAL | 1,936.270000 |
| VEB | 90,679,061,617.2383 |
| VED | 904.759628 |
| VEF | 90,475,962.821118 |
| VES | 904.759628 |
| VET | 240.660059 |
| VND | 30,514.748068 |
| VUV | 138.166522 |
| WAVES | 5.923568 |
| WEMIX | 6.035916 |
| WOO | 105.900228 |
| WST | 3.145984 |
| XAF | 655.957000 |
| XAG | 0.017462 |
| XAU | 0.000260 |
| XAUT | 0.000261 |
| XBT | 0.000017 |
| XCD | 3.162080 |
| XCG | 2.092390 |
| XCH | 0.824540 |
| XDC | 41.993825 |
| XDR | 0.853050 |
| XEC | 166,599.965148 |
| XEM | 2,495.030510 |
| XLM | 6.801196 |
| XMR | 0.002735 |
| XOF | 655.957000 |
| XPD | 0.000879 |
| XPF | 119.331742 |
| XPT | 0.000648 |
| XRP | 1.052739 |
| XTZ | 5.362280 |
| YER | 276.931742 |
| ZAR | 18.807871 |
| ZEC | 0.002081 |
| ZIL | 480.563218 |
| ZMK | 21,882.679521 |
| ZMW | 21.882680 |
| ZWD | 422.749282 |
| ZWG | 31.154616 |
| ZWL | 77,846.793734 |
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Cities in Guadeloupe 24
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Cities in Guadeloupe 24
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Guadeloupe needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Guadeloupe?
The capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre.
What currency does Guadeloupe use?
Guadeloupe uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Guadeloupe?
The official language(s) of Guadeloupe include French.
What is the population of Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe has a population of approximately 378,561 people.
What region is Guadeloupe in?
Guadeloupe is located in Americas, specifically in the Caribbean subregion.
What is the international calling code for Guadeloupe?
The international dialing code for Guadeloupe is +590.
What time zones does Guadeloupe observe?
Guadeloupe observes the following time zone(s): UTC-04:00.
What is the current time in Guadeloupe?
The local time in Guadeloupe is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe covers a total area of 1,628 km².
How many states or provinces does Guadeloupe have?
Guadeloupe is divided into 7 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Guadeloupe in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Guadeloupe in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Guadeloupe?
Visa requirements for citizens of Guadeloupe vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.