Iles des SaintesParadise off the coast of GuadeloupeIles des Saintes, also known as Les Saintes is a group of eight islands near the southern coast of Guadeloupe and are part of the French Caribbean Islands. These islands are certainly off the beaten track. The two main islands and six rocks are Terre-de-Haut, Terre-de-Bas, Ilet-à-Cabrit, La Coche, Les Augustins, Grand Ilet, Le Redonde, and Le Pâté. Only Terre-de-Haut and, to a lesser extent, Terre-de- attract visitors. Terre-de-Haut is the most interesting, and the only island with overnight accommodations.
One of the many beautiful bays near Guadeloupe island It has one of the most beautiful bays, trying to be a small Rio de Janeiro with a Sugar Loaf and all. Iles des Saintes was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was called “Los Santos”. Its history goes parallel to the history of Guadeloupe Island. Through history it was well fortified as a precious possession of Guadeloupe. The climate is dry and water is almost non existent on the islands. They now have desalination plants to supply the needs of the population. The population on the island is mostly descendants of Corsican pirates and therefore Caucasian in its majority. They are mostly fishermen and sailors. Some of the very skilled sailors maneuver some large boats called Saintois. If you want to be photographed with them, please ask them politely in French. Most visitors go to the islands for the day and mainly for Caribbean Snorkeling or Scuba Diving Caribbean. You may find there many reputable dive outfitters.
Spectacular view of Iles des Saintes and its Caribean Beaches
Part of the French Caribbean Islands
The Beaches Spectacular exotic beaches abound in Iles des Saintes. In Terre-de-Haut I’d like to mention a few Plage Pompiere is the most popular beach and sometimes too crowded. The waters are calm and it’s ideal for snorkeling Pain de Sucre or Sugar Loaf is also well known for swimming and snorkeling. Plage Crawen, near the Bois Joli Hôtel, was formerly an official clothing optional beach, but things have changed now due to local politics. Grande Anse or Big Cove near the airport runway is a magnificent arc of sand but is definitely not safe for swimming. On Terre-de-Bas, a second Grande Anse is considered one of the best beaches in Les Saintes. Les Saintes are perfect for the kind of traveler who looks for unspoiled tropical beauty and the serenity that comes from doing next to nothing on a vacation. While Guadeloupe's bustling epicenter, Pointe-à-Pitre, is just a l5-minute plane hop away, it seems continents apart from the eight pristine volcanic dots that comprise Les Saintes. Terre-de-Haut is only three miles long and about two miles wide. The five-minute walk from the airstrip to Bourg, the island's only village, takes you down a bougainvillea shaded lane. On Bourg's main street you still occasionally see some of the men in an odd kind of headgear, a flat straw or bamboo platter covered with cloth called a salako. It is patterned after one said to have been brought here ages and ages ago by a seafarer from China or Indonesia. Whatever its origin, the salako is unique to the Iles des Saintes. Les Saintes are dependency islands of Guadeloupe, which in turn is an Overseas Department and Region of France. A mayor and town council oversee the day to day operations of the island. Once in Guadeloupe Island don’t miss a visit to Les Saintes. You’ll be grateful you went.
Iles de Cabrits - Great Caribbean Beaches
Recommended Hotel Our charming hotel and restaurant await you in the magical island of Terre-de-Haut located in the beautiful archipelago of Les Saintes, just a few miles south of Guadeloupe Beaches. For your holidays, we offer bungalows, rooms with balconies and second class rooms. All of these options are air-conditioned and most include sea views. Our restaurant, bar, snack bar, swimming pool, beach, and souvenir shop are open every day of the year. The Hotel Bois Joli offers our guests the ultimate view of one of the three most beautiful bays in the world!
The famous Pain de Sucre or Sugar Loaf - Spectacular Exotic Beaches
Recommended Dive Shop La Dive Bouteille Caribbean Diving Delight When you arrive at the dive shop, you will be warmly welcomed by Sylvie and Luc .They will devise with you the dives you wish. With "la Dive Bouteille" relax dives, we take time to enjoy happiness who is within reach with our fins. You will appreciate the personal touch to service you. For better safety we welcome very few people at the same time and the dive shop will be yours.
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