What to see in Guadeloupe: 10 must-sees

Climb the sulfur trail to the 1,467-meter summit of the active volcano that towers over Basse-Terre, the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. Step among fumaroles exhaling yellow vapor, listen to the bubbling of the hot springs, and take in the Atlantic and the Caribbean at once from the crest. It's the most demanding—and most rewarding—hike in the archipelago.

Take the national park's scenic trail up to the first Carbet fall, a 110-meter drop in three veils of water over the rainforest—the tallest in the archipelago. Then head down to the third fall and its natural swimming pool, surrounded by heliconias and bamboo. It's Basse-Terre's classic family freshwater hike.

Take the 45-minute ferry to the island that is the stronghold of sugarcane: five distilleries, wild beaches, Creole houses, and the most authentic rural Guadeloupe. Visit the Bielle distillery with its windmill, swim at Feuillère beach, climb up to the Murat and Beaufond windmills, and sample a local ti'punch. It's the archipelago's journey back in time.

Dive into the marine heart that Cousteau rated among the best in the world: the Pigeon Islets, surrounded by coral, green turtles, barracudas, and schools of chacha in 27°C water. Snorkel from Malendure Beach or take a guided dive down to the black sponges, then head up to the viewpoint on the Trace de la Corniche. This is Guadeloupe's flagship dive, just 20 minutes by boat.

Cross the lush tropical rainforest that covers 20% of the archipelago, from the Mets et Donders forest to the Carbet Falls and the bwa dom area where the endemic orchid blooms. Walk among tree ferns, listen for hummingbirds and thrashers, climb the two Carbet falls, and discover the Maison de la Forêt. It's the green lung of the French Caribbean.

Stretch out on Grande-Anse's kilometer of golden sand and coconut palms, the longest beach in Basse-Terre, with a gently sloping seabed and sunsets straight over the Caribbean. Walk to the Petit Bas Vent rock at dusk, have dinner at the roadside lolos, and watch for turtles nesting between May and September. It's the classic Guadeloupe postcard, untouched by development.

Explore the commercial capital of the archipelago: the colorful spice and fruit market at Place de la Victoire, the ACTe Memorial on the history of slavery in the Caribbean, and the stone basilica of Saint-Pierre. Cross the Darse canal among sailboats and ferries, admire the Creole mansions with wooden balconies, and try the bokités from the market. This is the urban and memorial heart of Guadeloupe.

Take advantage of the steady trade winds on Grande-Terre's Atlantic coast at Le Moule's historic kitesurfing spot, with a turquoise lagoon, clean waves, and schools offering gear rental. Head out with the east wind among turtles and local riders, or watch from Damelia beach as the sun goes down. This is the island's signature water sport.