Guadeloupe: A French Archipelago

This Spanish-claimed island was given the name “Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Extremadura” by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but is now known by the French spelling “Guadeloupe.” Guadeloupe is an archipelago that is the southernmost of the Leeward Islands, located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. Guadeloupe has a tropical climate with an average temperature range of about 70° to 90° Fahrenheit (21 to 32° C), yearly. Guadeloupe has over 270 ocean and lagoon beaches; many of the beaches are also close to coral reefs, accessible by snorkeling and diving. Guadeloupe has four nature reserves, 186 miles (300 km) of hiking trails, waterfalls and an active volcano.

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