Best Beaches in Grande Terre

Actually two beaches – one to the left, which is nice and sheltered for swimmers and the other to the right, near the fishing port. Both have beautifully white sand and the surf conditions (forgiving left handers) make it a top spot for bodyboarders or beginner surfers.

A popular beach for locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why: a long stretch of light sand, clear waters and calm waves. Hog a spot of shade under a palm tree, buy a Sorbet coco and enjoy the view out to Gosier islet, which you can swim, kayak or get a boat ride out to.

White sand, grape trees and see-through sea are the makings of Saint-Felix, a beach much loved by locals for family lunches. The sea can get quite choppy with strong currents, which means this isn’t one of the best for swimmers, but if you like a good beach walk you’ll love it.

No white sands line this beach, nor to glimmering turquoise waters lap against the shore. It’s still a beauty and draws lots of visits – not for the kitesurf conditions or groovy beach shacks, but for its mud. The clay sediments here are famous for their healing properties and locals and tourists alike come for a therapeutic mud bath. The best thing to do is swim out 10 metres or so, where you can scoop up and slater on the good stuff.

Coconut trees, white sand, bright blue lagoon. Near the market and dotted with vendors selling snacks and swimwear. Pop down to the market for a rum punch.

Warm, shallow water lapping against pale sand – perfect for kids who can paddle to their hearts content. Good for windsurfing and kitesurfing too. Wear swim shoes to avoid sea urchins. Coconut trees providing shade. We love it here in the evenings, when you can swim as the sun sets.

Textbook Caribbean perfection: white sand, shallow, clear waters and coconut trees. Home to Club Med. In a protective cove, calm waters on one side, more wind on the other for sailors and windsurfers.

On the northwest coast, this beach is in one of the less touristy areas of the island. Line of trees provide shade - walking routes around the mangroves. Pale golden sand, calm waters. One of Guadeloupe’s finest beaches. If you’re staying into the evening, slap on some mozzie repellent.

Calm blue waters, white sands, no palms but instead lovely sea grapes. Near the town so popular with locals. Food shacks and restaurants selling local grub and the catch of the day. A slave cemetery was excavated here a few years back, serving as a reminder of the area’s history.

Pointe des Chateaux, an area of incredible natural beauty. And this beach is no exception – white sands, choppy sea and a view out to La Desirade. Waves and strong currents make this a non-swimming beach, but there are some terrific rockpools to explore.

The place to surf: being on the Atlantic side of the island, Le Moule gets some cracking and consistent left handers for experienced surfers thanks to a reef break. Damencourt is a legendary surf spot. The combination of pale sands, palm trees and choppy waves gives it a gorgeously wild and beautiful feel.