A Hidden Caribbean Island Is Known As The 'Land Of The Best Rums In The World'

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.

The Caribbean is synonymous with rum, and Marie-Galante has built an enviable reputation for producing some of the best spirits of its kind in the world. This is partly due to the relative lack of tourism, which has allowed the historic cultivation of sugar cane to go about its business unhindered by the development of resorts, with around 20% of the entire landscape dedicated to plantations that supply the island's distilleries.

The oldest is La Père Labat, first established in 1726 as a sugar mill. This small working distillery still cuts all its sugar cane by hand and produces four different types of rum. The island's most picturesque distillery is Domaine de Bellevue, also one of Marie-Galante's largest producers of rum. Known for its iconic windmill, the site dates back to the 17th century but only started distilling spirits in 1821. The historic setting belies the business's modern approach: It is an eco-friendly distillery with the Caribbean's first solar farm and produces award-winning organic rums from locally grown sugar cane. The third major distillery is Bielle, one of the island's primary tourist hot spots despite its rather industrial appearance. First established in 1769, it has been producing top-notch rum since 1910 and offers tours exploring the manufacturing process. All three distilleries are open to visitors, giving you a chance to sample their wares and buy a few bottles to take home.

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.