Guadeloupe is a mini-archipelago of wide geographical contrasts. The outlying islands of Marie-Galante, La Desirade and Les Saintes are undeveloped, fill of reminders of their historic importance as sugar plantations. Their tranquil coves are especially valued for their privacy and proximity to breathtaking reefs. Photo by: jendayee

Guadeloupe is also know as ‘Butterfly’ and it eastern wing is a mostly flat, dry limestone plateau ideal for the tremendous sugar plantation. At its extreme eastern point, St Francois, you’ll come across to the Pte des Chateaux, an arrangement of cliff and tumbled rock that look like a series of castles and carefully hides the only nudist beach in Guadeloupe. Photo by: Rh.P

During the nights the beats and action transferto clubs and bars of Gosier, Abymes and Pointe-a-Pitre. The island’s heart is a national park of mountains covered with orchid-filled tropical rainforest. You can hike through jungle to the Cascade des Ecrevisses, one of many waterfalls on the island. Then go to the terrific nightlife on the coast. Photo by: Rh.P

When to go: Year-round. Come for the Fete des Cuisinieres in August, a culinary nirvana of French Creole celebration, with music and parades and spectacular food. Population: 453, 000 (2006). How to get there: By air from Paris or Miami to Pointe-a-Pitre; or via San Juan, Martinique or Barbados. By inter island ferry or by private boat-taxi, from all neighbouring islands. Photo by: Rh.P

Photo by: jpmiss