Martinique Guide

In the heart of the Antilles, Martinique is an island that enchants its visitors with the beauty of its landscapes and its traditions.
Martinique is a French island region located in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. This tourist island forms the Windward Islands along with countries such as Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, and the Grenadines.

Martinique borders the islands of Dominica, Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. It is located in the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc.

Martinique covers an area of ​​1,128 km2. Its capital is Fort-de-France. It is made up of several municipalities popular with tourists and vacationers, such as Sainte-Luce, Lamentin, Saint-Joseph, La Trinité, Gros-Morne, Le Marin, etc.

Martinique: the pearl of the Caribbean
Martinique amazes tourists and vacationers with its typical Caribbean landscapes filled with greenery and its 46,273 hectares of Martinique forests . All of this is complemented by sublime beaches with turquoise waters. Take advantage of the many hiking trails in the heart of nature, particularly in the Grand’Rivière, Prêcheur, Vauclin and Diamant.

Martinique: a natural tourist destination
Honeymoon in Martinique
For your romantic getaway to a paradise, choose a honeymoon in Martinique.

To strengthen your love, you can opt for beach getaways . Enjoy swimming and sunbathing together in the tropics. You can visit picturesque beaches like Anse Macabou, Anse Trabaud, Grande Anse des Salines, Anse Couleuvre, Grande Anse du Diamant, etc.

Also enjoy water sports that are done for two, such as catamaran sailing, jet skiing, boat or canoe trips, etc.

Hiking in Martinique
Hiking is a great way to explore Martinique’s tourist attractions. For example, you can choose a hike to explore Chevalet Island.

Also, don’t miss a pleasant and unforgettable hike on the Caravelle peninsula.

It is possible to opt for a guided getaway to the forests and mangroves in the north of Martinique . This is an opportunity to discover incredible vegetation. Also discover animals such as the Egagre goat, the Indian mongoose, the Martinique raccoon, the gray wolf…

A short description of Martinique
Capital : Fort-de-France
Status : Overseas department and region
Geographic location : Caribbean archipelago
Area : 1,128 km2
Official language : French, Creole
Currency : Euro
Gentilé : Martinican, Martiniquaise

Why visit Martinique?
Seaside Pleasures in the Caribbean
Beautiful white sand beaches abound in Martinique, such as Salines Beach and the beach on the Chevalier Islet in Sainte-Anne.

You can enjoy water sports like surfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing. This island has sites and spots suitable for scuba diving such as Diamond Rock on the south coast , Saint-Pierre Bay, the Prêcheur Gardens, Cape Salomon, Cape Enragé, etc.

Diving allows you to appreciate aquatic fauna made up of moray eels, Cassiopeia jellyfish, leatherback turtles, hammerhead sharks, tropical fish, dolphins, etc.

Cultural tourism on the island of flowers
Martinique isn’t just for sun and sea vacations. It’s also a popular destination for archaeologists, historians, and cultural tourism enthusiasts.

During your stay in Martinique , you can explore natural and historical sites such as the Franck-A.-Perret Museum in Saint-Pierre, the Pointe Figuier Ecomuseum, etc.

You can enjoy the island’s historic rum distilleries as well as the poignant remains bearing witness to the time of slavery.

Activities to do in Martinique
Martinique is a tourist destination conducive to discoveries and enjoyable and enriching cultural activities. Here are some of the sites to visit and activities to do during a stay on the island of flowers . 

Swimming and relaxing at Salines beach
Salines Beach is a must-see during a stay in Martinique. Head to the far south of the island, to the town of Sainte-Anne, to access this magnificent white sand beach.

Salines Beach is approximately 1.2 km long with fine sand. This beach is made up of three distinct parts, namely the Grande Anse des Salines , the Petite Anse des Salines and the Grande Terre des Salines.

You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing under the palm and coconut trees. Walks around this beach also guarantee relaxation and a boost of vitality.
Scuba diving at the Dead Tree site
Are you a diving or snorkeling enthusiast? Head to the town of Anses-d’Arlet and visit the famous Arbre Mort dive site. This spot is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It allows for diving down to 25 meters.

Dead Tree is a dive site consisting primarily of rock scree and coral reefs. The clear waters of this spot guarantee good visibility during the dive. It’s an opportunity to admire splendid marine animals such as gorgonians, leatherback turtles, moray eels, feathered trevally, eagle rays, and more.

Visit to the Martinique Regional Natural Park
A visit to the Martinique Regional Natural Park is a must during your vacation in this tropical country. This picturesque park encompasses 32 municipalities in Martinique and covers an area of ​​630 km2.

Visiting the Martinique Regional Natural Park means discovering attractive sites within the complex, such as the Sainte-Anne islets reserve, the Caravelle peninsula, the hilltop village of Morne-Vert and splendid hiking trails…

A tour of this park requires the accompaniment of a qualified guide. During the visit, you can admire various plants such as aloe vera, bougainvillea, white gum tree, anthurium, atoumou, etc.

A visit to this park also allows you to discover splendid animals such as the green iguana, the trigonocephalic snake, the manikous or the mongoose.

Stay in the town of Fort-de-France
Fort-de-France is well worth a visit during a trip to Martinique. Located in the western part of the island, this town covers an area of ​​approximately 44 km2.

The urban setting is attractive. During your stay in the capital of Martinique , you can visit the Balata Church, which is a smaller replica of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre in Paris. You can also visit the War Memorial, the Camille-Darsières cultural space, the Gueydon bridge and fountain, the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography of Martinique, etc.

For relaxation and rejuvenation, stroll through green spaces such as the Balata Garden, the Martinique Regional Natural Park…

Visit to the town of Sainte-Marie
Sainte-Marie is a commune located in the northeast of Martinique. Its total area is approximately 44.5 km². It is a popular destination for cultural and seaside tourism enthusiasts.

During a stay in Sainte-Marie, you can explore sites such as the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church with its baroque-inspired architecture, the island’s famous banana museum , the war memorial, etc.

Also discover the tombolo or sandbank created by the sea currents, the Saint-James distillery and the Rum Museum as well as the Maison du Bèlè which is an unmissable cultural site.

Sunbathers can also visit the large beach of Sainte-Marie and the beach of Anse Azérot.

Hike to the summit of Mount Pelée
To satisfy your desire for adventure and thrills, it might be worth hiking to the peaks of Mount Pelée. This volcano is located in the commune of Saint-Pierre, in the northern part of Martinique. It rises to 1,395 meters and is the highest peak on the island.

There is already a marked route for safely reaching the summit of the Pelée volcano . The shelters or refuges planned during the hike include the heights of Morne Rouge, the Plateau des Palmistes, and the summit of Chinois. The starting point of the hike is at the Aileron car park.

This hike allows you to discover lush vegetation made up of large trees, ferns, bromeliads, etc. It also allows you to discover typical elements of an active volcano such as lava domes, fumaroles, lahars, the impressive crater at the summit of the volcano, etc.

Exciting Road Trip in Martinique
Martinique is brimming with tourist attractions and sites worth a visit. To ensure you don’t miss out on the wonders of this Lesser Antilles island, you can opt for a ten-day road trip to explore it better.

For example, take a trip to Grande Anse de Diamant beach in southern Martinique. This is an opportunity to enjoy swimming and water sports in this heavenly spot. Take advantage of this visit to discover the famous Cap 110 memorial erected at Anse Caffard. This monument, depicting unfortunate and powerless people, bears witness to the evils of slavery.

The Road Trip also takes you to discover picturesque sites such as the beaches of Anse Noire and Anse Dufour, the Savane des esclaves in Trois-îlets, the Caravelle nature reserve, etc.

Gastronomic tourism in Martinique
Between sightseeing and exploring, enjoy Martinique’s culinary specialties. You can savor dishes like crab matoutou, Creole blood sausage, cod fritters, chicken or pork colombo, and more.

Enjoy delicious desserts like coconut blancmange, love torment, etc.

Enjoy the famous Martinique rums with their original flavors and aromas.

Restaurants abound in Martinique. Finding a pleasant, quiet spot for lunch is easy. Choose a restaurant that uses local produce and offers typical Martinique dishes and delicacies.
How to visit Martinique?
Plane trip to Martinique
Air travel is the preferred mode of transportation for your trip to Martinique . The flight distance between Paris and Martinique is approximately 6,850 km. Expect an 8-hour flight to reach your destination.

It’s always recommended to book your flight several weeks in advance. Do the same for booking your accommodation. This allows you to travel with complete peace of mind. There’s no need to worry about any unpleasant surprises once you arrive at your destination: hotels being full, or not having a return ticket, etc.

Dream cruise in Martinique
For a pleasant and memorable getaway to the Lesser Antilles, you can opt for a cruise to discover the tourist wonders of Martinique. Opt for a tailor-made cruise lasting one or two weeks. This allows you to travel by boat on the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, gradually discovering the wonders of Martinique’s coastline and towns.

Plan stops in towns like Sainte-Anne, Vauclin, Trinité, Basse-Pointe, Carbet, Les Anses-d’Arlets, etc.

Travel budget for Martinique
The cost of living in Martinique is quite high due to its insularity. Expenses can be significant for activities such as hiking, paying for beaches, restaurants, cruises, etc.

Climate and weather in Martinique
It is necessary to take into account the climate and weather before traveling to Martinique . This is to be able to fully enjoy the radiant sun of the country. It is also to enjoy the nightlife in the Casino Batelière Plazza, the Casino des Trois-Ilets, the City Kfé, the Club 23, the Club Viva and Baila la Salsa, etc.

Martinique enjoys a tropical climate due to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. This also comes from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the various beaches for which it is famous.

Hot and dry season in Martinique
The warm season runs from December to June . Nights are short during this period. The sun shines brightly during the day. This is an opportunity to enjoy hiking, swimming, and water sports.

The average temperature is 28°C. It can reach 30 to 31°C in the middle of the day, especially from February to April.

Wet season on the flower island
The wet season runs from July to November. The trade wind blows regularly during this period, bringing showers and rain. The average temperature is 25°C. It can drop to 22°C at night.

Furthermore, cyclones and hurricanes are to be feared during the wet or winter season in Martinique.

When to go to Martinique?
The best time to visit Martinique is from December to June. This way, you can enjoy the country’s radiant and captivating sunshine. You can go swimming, relaxing, scuba diving, and more.

There is no shortage of beaches and spots suitable for water sports in this tropical destination: the village beach at Anses-d’Arlet, Anse Figuier in Rivière-Pilote, etc.

What luggage should I take on a trip to Martinique?
Staying in Martinique during the warm season allows you to travel light. You can easily get by with a medium-sized suitcase and a backpack for this getaway.

Clothing and footwear are essential items for a leisure trip to a tropical country . Opt for lightweight clothing, including t-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, and Bermuda shorts. You may want to bring a sweater or two in case the temperature drops or there are showers and rain.

Bring a water bottle to keep you hydrated while hiking and visiting tourist sites. Also, consider bringing a travel hat or cap for extra protection from the sun.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and water sports gear.

Good to know
During your excursions and hikes in Martinique, avoid touching the poisonous Manchineel tree . The sap of this tree can cause serious burns.
Avoid straying from the designated trails when climbing Mount Pelée . It is for your well-being and safety.
Martinique is relatively poorly served by public transportation. To get around the country easily and comfortably, renting a car is an excellent idea.