Martinique is a French-Caribbean island that blends French culture and cuisine with dramatic tropical landscapes — volcano hikes, botanical gardens, rum plantations, and both black and white sand beaches.
It’s one of the best Caribbean islands for travelers who want more than “just resort beaches.” Most visitors rent a car and explore multiple regions of the island — beaches in the south, rainforest and volcano views in the north, and culture in Fort-de-France and historic towns.
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Plan Martinique fast:
🏨 Hotels (Fort-de-France, Trois-Îlets, beach towns) 🏡 Gîtes & entire homes (best for split stays) 🚗 Car rentals (essential in Martinique) ⛵ Tours (volcano, gardens, boat days, rum tastings)
Quick Take
- Vibe: French-Caribbean culture + nature + beaches.
- Best for: Food lovers, hikers, photographers, and travelers who like exploring by car.
- Must-do: Mount Pelée + Balata Botanical Garden + a south-coast beach day.
- Signature flavors: Ti’ Punch, accras, colombo chicken, pastries.
- Best trip style: Split stay (South beaches + North volcano/rainforest).
How to Get to Martinique
Airport: FDF (Fort-de-France / Aimé Césaire International Airport)
Direct flights can include routes from Paris and some North American cities seasonally, plus Caribbean regional connections.
Ferry Connections (Island Hopping)
Martinique also works well for multi-island travelers, with ferry routes that can connect to:
- Guadeloupe
- Dominica
- St. Lucia
Where to Stay in Martinique (Best Areas)
Pick your base based on how you want the trip to feel. Martinique is easiest when you stay close to the region you’ll explore most.
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Trois-Îlets | Tourist-friendly, beaches, restaurants | First-timers |
| Les Anses-d’Arlet | Calm coves + snorkeling | Beach lovers |
| Fort-de-France | City + culture + markets | Short stays, museums |
| Saint-Pierre | Volcano views + history | Hikers, explorers |
| Le Diamant | Scenic + quieter coast | Couples |
Budget Tiers
- $ Guesthouses + gîtes (rental homes)
- $$ Boutique hotels
- $$$ Luxury beachfront resorts
Pro tip: If you have 5–7 days, do a split stay: South for beaches + food, North for Mount Pelée, rainforest, and history.
🏨 Browse Martinique hotels 🏡 Browse gîtes & entire homes
Best Beaches in Martinique
Martinique beaches vary a lot: calm white-sand coves in the south and southwest, plus dramatic long beaches with more wave energy in certain areas. Mix a couple types for the full experience.
| Beach | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anse d’Arlet | Calm white sand | Great snorkeling from shore |
| Grande Anse du Diamant | Scenic long beach | Waves + dramatic views |
| Anse Noire / Anse Dufour | Black + white sand | Sea turtles are common |
| Anse Mitan | Easy access beach | Restaurants + sunsets nearby |
| Les Salines (Sainte-Anne) | Caribbean classic | Palm arches + calm water |
Top Things to Do in Martinique
1) Mount Pelée Volcano (Hike)
Mount Pelée is Martinique’s signature adventure: a volcano with viewpoint trails and cooler air at the top. It’s one of the best hikes in the French Caribbean.
- Bring layers (the summit can feel much cooler)
- Start early for clearer skies and fewer crowds
- Guided hikes are a great choice if you want local context + weather judgment
2) Balata Botanical Garden (Jardin de Balata)
A lush garden experience with rainforest bridges and elevated walkways — amazing for photographers and anyone who loves plants, birds, and tropical landscapes.
3) Saint-Pierre (History + Volcano Ruins)
Saint-Pierre is a historic town tied to the 1902 eruption. Visit for museums, ruins, and volcano views — it adds real depth to a beach-focused trip.
4) Rum Distilleries (French-Caribbean Rum Culture)
Rum is part of Martinique’s identity. A tasting day is one of the best “culture + flavor” activities on the island.
- Habitation Clément
- Depaz
- Saint James
5) Snorkel in Les Anses-d’Arlet
Calm water and clear visibility make Anses-d’Arlet one of the best places for easy snorkeling — sea turtles are common in the right conditions.
6) Diamond Rock Viewpoint
A classic Martinique photo stop: dramatic rock offshore, big scenic coastline energy.
7) Fort-de-France (Markets + Waterfront)
For city culture: local markets, food spots, and a different pace from the beach towns.
Book Martinique experiences:
Volcano hikes, garden visits, rum tastings, and boat days. ⛵ Browse Martinique tours
Food & Drinks (French-Caribbean Flavor)
Martinique is a “eat well” island. You’ll feel the French influence in bakeries and desserts, while Creole dishes bring spice, seafood, and local comfort food.
Try:
- Accras (salt cod fritters)
- Colombo chicken
- Fresh seafood
- Ti’ Punch (rum cocktail)
- French pastries and bakeries (especially mornings)
Transportation (Car Rental Is Essential)
Most travelers explore Martinique by rental car — it’s the easiest way to reach beaches, towns, viewpoints, distilleries, and hiking trailheads.
- Roads are mountainous in places but generally safe
- Parking is usually easy at beaches and towns
- Gas stations are well distributed
- Driving is on the right (like mainland France)
🚗 Compare rentals: Search car rentals for Martinique
Martinique essentials (beaches + hiking):As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel set
- Light hiking daypack
- Insect repellent
- Quick-dry microfiber towel
- RFID money belt
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Anse d’Arlet + snorkeling
Day 2: Balata Botanical Garden + Fort-de-France
Day 3: Les Salines (Sainte-Anne) + sunset dinner
5 Days
Day 1: South beaches day
Day 2: Mount Pelée hike
Day 3: Saint-Pierre history + views
Day 4: Rum tour + Diamond Rock viewpoint
Day 5: Boat day in Anse d’Arlet
7 Days
Do a split stay north + south, add extra hikes and waterfalls, and consider a ferry day trip to Dominica or St. Lucia if you want island hopping.
Safety & Practical Notes
- Very safe island overall.
- French is the main language; English is understood in tourist areas.
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Reef-safe sunscreen recommended for snorkeling.
- Driving is on the right.
Ready to book Martinique?
🏨 Hotels 🏡 Gîtes & homes 🚗 Car rentals ⛵ Tours
Internal Links
- Guadeloupe
- Exuma
- Eleuthera
- Turks & Caicos
- Aruba / Curaçao / Bonaire
- Caribbean Ferry Routes
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Martinique combina playas hermosas, selva tropical, volcanes, y cultura francesa.
Es ideal para explorar en carro y descubrir playas diferentes cada día.
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