La Désirade, about 10km (6mi) off the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, is the archipelago's least developed and least visited island. It has a long history of isolation, having been a leper colony for over 200 years (the leprosarium closed in the 1950s). These days, islanders engage mainly in fishing, boatbuilding, agriculture and raising sheep, though there are some rustic tourist facilities available. Looking somewhat like an overturned boat when viewed from Guadeloupe, La Désirade is 11km (7mi) long and 2km (1mi) wide, with desert-like terrain, coconut and sea grape trees along the coast and a large cactus garden at the eastern end. The uninhabited northern side of the island has a rocky coastline with rough open seas, while the southern side has sandy beaches and reef-protected waters. La Désirade's harbor and airport are on the southwestern side of the island in Grande Anse (also called Le Bourg), the main village. There are smaller settlements at Le Souffleur and Baie Mahault. All three villages have good beaches.