Martinique is a French-Caribbean island that blends:
- French culture & cuisine
- Dramatic landscapes
- Volcano hikes
- Botanical gardens
- Black & white sand beaches
- Rum plantations & historic towns
It’s a great destination for:
- beach lovers
- nature + hiking travelers
- food lovers
- photographers
- culture explorers
Most tourists travel around by rental car and explore multiple regions of the island.
How to Get to Martinique
- Airport: FDF (Fort-de-France / Aimé Césaire International Airport)
- Direct flights from:
- Paris
- Miami
- New York (seasonal)
- Montreal (seasonal)
- Caribbean regional flights
Ferry Connections:
- Martinique → Guadeloupe
- Martinique → Dominica
- Martinique → St. Lucia
Where to Stay — Best Areas
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Trois-Îlets | Tourist area, beaches, restaurants | First-timers |
| Les Anses-d’Arlet | Calm coves + snorkeling | Beach lovers |
| Fort-de-France | City, culture, museums | Short stays |
| Saint-Pierre | Volcano views, history | Hikers + explorers |
| Le Diamant | Scenic + quiet | Couples |
Budget Tiers
- $ Guesthouses + gîtes (rental homes)
- $$ Boutique hotels
- $$$ Luxury beachfront resorts
Tip: Split stay South (beaches) + North (volcano & rainforest)
Best Beaches in Martinique
| 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 side by side | Sea turtles common |
| Anse Mitan | Easy access | Restaurants + sunsets |
| Les Salines (Sainte-Anne) | Caribbean classic | Palm arches & calm water |
Top Things to Do in Martinique
1) Mount Pelée Volcano
- Famous volcano with viewpoint trails
- Guided or independent hike options
- Cooler climate at summit → bring layers
2) Balata Botanical Garden
- Rainforest bridges
- Exotic plants & birdlife
- Amazing elevated walkways
3) Saint-Pierre
Historic town destroyed in 1902 eruption
Volcano Museum + old ruins
4) Rum Distilleries
Try:
- Habitation Clément
- Depaz
- Saint James
5) Anse d’Arlet Snorkeling
Sea turtles, reefs, calm water
6) Diamond Rock Viewpoint
Iconic photo stop
7) Fort-de-France
Local markets, food, waterfront
Food & Drinks
Try:
- Accras (salt cod fritters)
- Colombo chicken
- Local creole dishes
- Fresh seafood
- Rum cocktails (Ti’ Punch)
- French pastries & bakeries
Transportation
- Renting a car is essential
- Roads are mountainous but safe
- Parking easy at beaches & towns
- Gas stations well distributed
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Anse d’Arlet + snorkeling
Day 2: Balata Garden + Fort-de-France
Day 3: Les Salines + sunset dinner
5 Days
Day 1: Beaches
Day 2: Mount Pelée
Day 3: Saint-Pierre history
Day 4: Rum tour + Diamond Rock
Day 5: Boat day in Anse d’Arlet
7 Days
Add:
- Split stay north & south
- Extra hikes + waterfalls
- Ferry day trip to Dominica or St. Lucia
Safety & Practical Notes
- Very safe island
- French language common (English understood in tourist areas)
- Euro used as currency
- Reef-safe sunscreen required
- Driving is left-hand side? → Right side (like mainland France)
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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