Shopping
Overview
French imports such as perfume, wine, spirits and Lalique crystal are reasonably priced. Local rum, bamboo hats, straw items and voodoo dolls are popular souvenirs. If you pay with traveller’s cheques, you will sometimes receive a 20% discount. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Fri 08.30-18.00, Sat 08.30-13.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
Local music and dance are offered in numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The famous island dance Beguine is still danced in colorful and richly decorated Creole costumes.
Culinary
Overview
Most dishes are seafood prepared in Creole, African, Indian and Southeast Asian styles, although the French influence is unmistakable. Specialties are lobster, mussels and sea urchins. Other island specialties include stuffed crabs, sea snail soup, roast wild goat, hare pepper and roast pigeon. Drinks: French wine, sparkling wine, liqueurs and local rum are offered. Rum punch is a specialty (mixture of rum, lime, spices and syrup) that you should definitely try.
Accommodation
Hotels
There is a good selection of hotels on Guadeloupe, ranging from high-end hotels to friendly country inns. Accommodation on more remote islands is sometimes a pleasant surprise, but is often fairly basic. Hotel tax is normally included in the price, depending on the season 15-30% service tax will be added. Many hotels charge a standard fee. Most hotels offer different combinations: Full American Plan (FAP): Room with full board (including afternoon tea). American Plan (AP): Room with three meals. Modified American Plan (MAP): Room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea. Continental Plan (CP): bed and breakfast. European Plan (EP):
Camping
There is currently only one campsite in Guadeloupe. More information from the Office du Tourisme (see addresses).
Other accommodation options
Away from mass tourism, there is also the option of staying in a hostel (Gîte) on Guadeloupe. The tourist office also keeps a directory of hostels.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic (95%); Protestant minority (1%) and others.
Social Rules of Conduct
The atmosphere is calm and informal. Casual clothing is acceptable, but more elegant attire is expected for an evening out. Tip: 10%.
Climate
Best travel time
Warm all year round with temperatures between 24° and 30°C; at times muggy, rainy season from June to October. precipitation all year round.
Country data
Phone prefix
+590
Area (sq km)
1705
Population
400,124
Population density (per square km)
237
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
15
