guadeloupe splendors
Island exploration will always be one of my favorite wanders. Particularly for the approach you can plan for. I cannot emphasize enough how much more you get out of rounding an entire island. And by that--I mean new stays along the way, not heading back to home base everyday. This way your stays become apart of each days new itinerary. City, beach, jungle hills etc. you can experience so much more for your coin and often save.
One such island that is ideal for this is Guadeloupe, its France in the Caribbean! My itinerary started with a rental car from the airport, drove and stayed in Trois Rivieres in an Airbnb. That night I had dinner on the deck to the sound of the jungle and jazz. I picked up some local food I picked up along the way. I stayed here because, bright and early, I made my way down the jungle road to the boat transfer over to Terre-de-Haut.
I arrived on fantasy island. Terre-de-Haut is that small island cove you've dreamt of. Low key, scooter only, fantastic seafood right on the gentle water and other small island hops. I could have really just made this my trip...but onward. As hard as it was, I caught the boat back early morning after a day for my jungle hike.
Back at my car now headed for the La Soufrière hike. In advance, if you are not familiar with challenging hikes, this is not for you. You can map something else out as you head north to the next stay at Grande-Anse Beach area. This is one of the most amazing beaches you'll ever find. And some great local restaurants just steps away in your leather slip ons.
Early morning again and some decent driving left. Next stop the northern most tip then back down south to stay on the water near the airport. On my way to the tip I stopped for lunch at Restaurante Loceane. A fantastic local experience. Now south. Now south to a good spot on the southern side, on the water, and relax before I headed home. Pointe-a-Pitre is the more "City" area so a whole-nother world to explore if you're up for it. Enjoy, its a wonderful island to explore.
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-buoyed