Guadeloupe: Why This Butterfly-Shaped Island is a Must-See
Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped silhouette is more than a map quirk—it’s a practical divide between two distinct experiences. The western wing, Basse-Terre, rises into rainforest and an active volcano, while the eastern wing, Grande-Terre, flattens into white-sand beaches and limestone cliffs. With a population of about 375,000, this French overseas department packs a surprising amount of variety into a relatively small footprint. This guide covers the practical realities of moving between the islands, where to find the best beaches and hikes, and the logistical quirks that catch most first-time visitors off guard. I’ll point out where the crowds gather, where the