Guadeloupe is shaped like a moth. A trip around this Antille is enough to understand why the population is governed by the motto Pas Ni Problem and raises the minimum of waves, despite the many setbacks.
Guadalupe
How to go
VISA AND PROCEDURES
If you have Portuguese citizenship, you only need a valid Citizen Card to enter Guadeloupe. Brazilian and CPLP citizens need to apply for a visa. Schengen visas are not valid, holders must apply for a specific visa. More information at Guadeloupe Visa
HEALTH CARE
French authorities do not require any particular vaccinations to allow visitors to enter Guadeloupe. There is no risk of malaria on the island, nor other health risks worthy of note. More information at FitForTravel
TRIP TO GUADALUPE
At the time of creation of this text, the Air France tel.: 707202800, flies several times a week from Lisbon to Pointe-a-Pitre, via Paris. The flight costs around 1100€, in economy, around 1800€ in Premium class.
Explore
CAR RENTAL
In Guadeloupe, as in neighboring Martinique, it is ideal to have a vehicle at your disposal, preferably 4WD if you plan to explore the most alternative corners of the island. The paved road network is good and comprehensive. Rental vehicle prices start at around €30 per day for rentals of some duration, eg a week.
BUSES
Although there are larger public buses, most of the transports you will come across are the taxis collectivs which, in addition to being identified with CT, have mentioned the destinations on the windshield. They stop at marked stops. Collectifs taxis charge significantly less, less than €4 for a 45-minute journey.
OTHER
Use taxis only if you are prepared for French-style or even higher prices, paid in euros.
When to go
Guadeloupe has a tropical climate. The dry season – and high in terms of tourism – runs from December to May. During this period, average temperatures remain around 25º to 30º during the day. The rainy season extends from June almost to the end of November but, as a rule, it brings heavy rain towards the end of the day. September and August are the rainiest months and also those when the island is most likely to be hit by hurricanes that form over the Atlantic Ocean, particularly over the Caribbean Sea.
Money and costs
Like most of the French overseas territories – including neighboring Martinique – Guadeloupe quickly proves to be an expensive destination, also because it uses the Euro. Most establishments, even many of the less sophisticated ones, allow payments with credit and debit cards. ATMs are abundant in the main towns.
ACCOMMODATION
Prices start at around €85 per double room in the most humble hotels. You're going to have a hard time finding something cheaper than this.
FOOD
Prices are high, even if you settle your meals with supermarket purchases. If you think that restaurants add inflated value to what they serve, dishes between €13 and €15 and the cost of meals in regular restaurants between €30 and €50 to start with are justified.
INTERNET
It is found more frequently, offered by hotels, bars and restaurants. Otherwise, it costs around €5 an hour at internet houses.