GUADELOUPE ISLAND INFORMATION AND HISTORY

Pointe-à-Pitre, on the southwest coast of Grand-Terre, is the Caribbean in double time. This city of some 100,000 people -- a maze of narrow streets, traffic pileups, and honking horns -- moves at a faster pace than probably any other in the Caribbean. A survivor of various hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters (the last being Hurricane Hugo in 1989), the city has paid its dues over the years. Some French colonial structures still remain, but downtown has been renovated recently, and the new cruise terminal called Centre St. John Perse has brought a lively commercial feel with its numerous boutiques and restaurants.

Guadeloupe is justifiably proud of its spectacular beaches, most of which are well sheltered and wonderful for swimming. The natural beaches, all beautiful to behold, range from the surf-brushed dark sands of western Basse-Terre to the long white stretches encircling Grande-Terre. A picnic on any one of them can turn into a lifetime memory. Public beaches are free, though some may charge for parking. Unlike hotel beaches, they have few facilities. Hotels welcome non-guests but charge for changing facilities, beach chairs and towels. 

 

Plage Tarare and the southern end of Caravelle Beach are designated clothing-optional. As is true with clothing-optional beaches everywhere, women should not arrive alone. Topless sunning and swimming is more common at hotels than on village beaches. Take your cue from how the locals are dressed.