Guadeloupe

The island group is a mélange of cultures and customs where the food and language are French; the music has African roots, and the madras clothing is tied to India.

Creole house in Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes, showcasing traditional bright colors. Photo: Patricia Guerin/Getty Images

Overview

More than a single island, the archipelago of Guadeloupe includes five islands. The mainland is butterfly-shaped with two distinct terrains. Basse-Terre is the mountainous and fertile wing with cascading waterfalls and a dramatic volcano. The centerpiece of the island is Parc National de la Guadeloupe, riddled with over 110 miles of hiking trails and includes La Soufrière Volcano, the highest peak at 4183 feet.

Grande-Terre touts white sand beaches backed by palms and charming seaside villages. French influences permeate; shops close for a long lunch, breakfast is a lingering meal of café au lait and freshly baked pastries and dinner is a multi-course affair with sauces and sautés that are savory and artfully displayed. More than 200 restaurants offer culinary influences from France, India and Africa. The sister isles are tranquil and off-the-beaten-path. La Desirade boasts white sand beaches, Marie Galante holds onto remnants of plantation life, and Les Saintes is a stop among yachties.