A Secret Caribbean Island Dubbed ‘Home to the World’s Finest Rums’

You don’t need us to tell you that the Caribbean makes for a fantastic vacation packed with destinations that everyone should visit at least once. Millions of tourists flock to the islands each year, savoring everything from the sparkling sands of St. Lucia to the exciting culinary scene in Kingston, Jamaica. Indeed, destinations like the Bahamas, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic are so well-known that you’d be forgiven for thinking that there is little new to discover in the region. But then there is the small island of Marie-Galante, not only a hidden gem but a source of some of the best rum in the world.

With a population of around 10,000 people, Marie-Galante is one of three dependencies of Guadeloupe, a French territory beloved as the most friendly destination in the Caribbean. Accessible only by ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe’s capital), it is a relatively remote paradise that is far less touristy than some of the more well-traveled islands. As such, it is laid-back and welcoming, stunning visitors with its diverse coastline of unspoiled beaches and rugged limestone cliffs. Getting there can be pretty cheap, with flights from the U.S. to Guadeloupe running as low as $246 in the off-peak season. The average cost of a three-star hotel runs about $116 per night, and prices are fairly reasonable, with a three-course meal for two averaging around $60. Let’s take a look at the region’s highlights, starting with Marie-Galante’s famous rum.

Aside from the chance to enjoy world-class rum direct from the source, Marie-Galante’s main attraction is its many gorgeous beaches. As one of the Caribbean’s lesser-known islands, it is much less crowded than more tourist-heavy destinations, although some top sunbathing spots can still get a little busy. Due to Marie-Galante’s location in the Leeward Islands, the beaches on the east coast facing out to the Atlantic can get a little wild and windy with choppy seas, but that also makes conditions good for kite-surfing. On the more protected western side toward the Caribbean Sea, beaches are generally calmer and more suitable for families with younger children. The island’s clear blue waters are also perfect for snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles — visit between June and October for a chance to see hatchlings making their way to the surf.

If you plan to explore the island fully, renting a car is recommended. One must-see sight is Gueule Grand Gouffre, a spectacular natural archway and cave carved into the rock by the sea. Visitors can also kayak through the beautiful mangroves of Vieux-Fort and check out the island’s plantation history at historic sites like the Roussel-Trianon House and the picturesque ruins of Château Murat. Along the way, you’ll also see why Marie-Galante is nicknamed the island of 100 windmills. If you prefer an old-fashioned method of transportation, you can also take an ox-cart ride, the traditional method of transporting sugar cane.