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Martinique
Martinique is an island located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, more precisely in the volcanic arc of the Lesser French Antilles, between the island of Dominica and the island of Saint Lucia.
Martinique, also called the island of flowers, is a French overseas department (DOM), which means that it is for all intents and purposes French territory.
This beautiful island harbours a paradisiacal landscape with golden beaches surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush nature with cliffs, botanical gardens, forests and waterfalls.
In addition, the island offers plenty of activities to be enjoyed alone, with family, friends or as a couple: trekking in the rainforest, relaxing on the most beautiful postcard-perfect beaches, surfing, snorkelling, diving in turquoise waters and all kinds of water sports.
Not forgetting the vibrant and colourful Caribbean culture, with its fragrant markets, fishing villages with colourful houses and small towns full of music and life.
Start your trip in Fort-de-France, the island’s lively capital. The Covered Market is a whirlwind of colours, scents and local flavours, where you can immerse yourself in the true essence of Martinique culture. Don’t miss the Schoelcher Library, an architectural masterpiece combining Byzantine and art nouveau styles. In the picturesque Savane district, you will admire the statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais and the majestic Saint-Louis Cathedral.
A few kilometres from the capital, the Balata Garden will amaze you with its extraordinary botanical collection. This green paradise is home to over 3000 species of tropical plants, with suspended walkways offering a breathtaking view of the rainforest.
Then head to Saint-Pierre, the former ‘Paris of the Caribbean’, where ruins still tell the dramatic story of the 1902 eruption of Mont Pelée. The local volcanological museum offers an interesting perspective on this historical event.
The Peninsula de la Caravelle is a natural jewel not to be missed, with the ruins of the Château Dubuc bearing witness to the island’s colonial past. Hiking trails through the nature reserve offer spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline.
In the picturesque village of Grand’Rivière, in the far north of the island, you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of rural Martinique. This fishing village, surrounded by lush nature, is the starting point for exciting excursions.
Les Anses-d’Arlet and Sainte-Anne are two gems in the south of the island, where traditional villages retain their Creole charm. Historic churches and colourful houses create a unique atmosphere.
Do not leave the island without visiting the Clement Distillery, not only a producer of premium rum but also an open-air museum of colonial heritage, with its magnificent botanical gardens and historic manor house.
A moment of reflection awaits you at the Mémorial Cap 110 – Anse Caffard Memorial. These impressive white statues facing the sea commemorate the sinking of a slave ship in 1830, representing a powerful memorial to the history of slavery.
For an authentic gastronomic experience, seek out the small lolos, local restaurants where you can sample specialities such as colombo (Caribbean curry) and crab gratin. Martinican cuisine is a perfect fusion of French, African and Creole influences, telling the rich multicultural history of the island through its flavours.
To learn more about each place of interest, read Things to do in Martinique.
Martinique is a true paradise for sea lovers, with over 350 kilometres of coastline that host some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Each bay has its own unique personality, from expanses of white sand to intimate hidden coves.
Les Salines, in the south of the island, is considered the queen of Martinique beaches. This kilometre-long stretch of white sand, bordered by swaying palm trees, offers crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. The seabed slopes gently, making it perfect for families.
For snorkelling enthusiasts, Anse Dufour and Anse Noire are unmissable twins. These small neighbouring bays present a fascinating contrast: the first with golden sand, the second with black volcanic sand. Their depths teem with tropical fish and occasional sea turtles can be spotted.
The Grande Anse des Salines, protected by a coral reef, is a natural amphitheatre of Caribbean beauty. Its calm waters and lush vegetation create the perfect setting for a relaxing day.
For those seeking tranquillity, Anse Couleuvre in the north offers a wilder experience. Reached by a short hike, this black sand beach framed by verdant cliffs offers an intimate and unspoilt atmosphere.
One cannot forget Anse Figuier, where the turquoise waters contrast with the golden sand. The sheltered bay makes it ideal for swimming, while the numerous palm groves provide natural shade for tropical picnics.
To see photos and discover the location of each beach, read Martinique’s most beautiful beaches.
The best time to visit Martinique depends on personal preference. However, the peak tourist season in Martinique is from December to April, when the climate is dry and sunny, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees.
However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher prices of the high season, you might consider going from May to June, when temperatures are still warm but accommodation prices are much more attractive if you are on a budget.
Beware, however, of July and August. These two months have a high rainfall rate. If you are interested in Carnival in February or March, be aware that it is a lively and colourful period, but also very crowded and therefore more expensive than usual.
Choosing where to stay in Martinique is crucial to making the most of your Caribbean holiday.
Les Trois-Îlets, on the west coast, is one of the most popular resorts for tourists. Located only 20 minutes by ferry from Fort-de-France, this area offers an excellent concentration of hotels, restaurants and activities. The Pointe du Bout area is particularly lively, with a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Les Anses-d’Arlet is an authentic jewel of the Caribbean coast. This fishing village, with its picturesque bell tower reflected in the sea, offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Here you will find delightful Creole guest houses and flats overlooking the bay, perfect for those seeking the true Martinique spirit. The area is renowned for its snorkelling and quiet beaches.
Sainte-Anne, in the south of the island, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Martinique and has many tourist facilities, from luxury resorts to sea-view flats. The area is ideal for families and couples.
Le Diamant offers a quieter and more authentic atmosphere. Dominated by the iconic Rocher du Diamant, it is ideal for those seeking a more intimate stay, with boutique hotels and private villas overlooking the ocean.
For nature lovers, Le Carbet and Saint-Pierre in the north-west are excellent choices. These historic resorts offer charming accommodation nestled between the sea and the mountains, perfect for exploring Mount Pelée and the rum distilleries.
Renting a car is practically indispensable for getting around Martinique. From the golden beaches of the south to the rainforests of the north, a car will give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, stopping at those little corners of paradise that organised tours often skip.
At the Fort-de-France airport you will find major international operators such as Europcar, Avis and Hertz, flanked by local companies such as Jumbo Car and Sixt Martinique.
Prices start at around EUR 40 per day for a basic hatchback, but can soar during carnival (February-March) and the high season (December-April).
Martinique’s road network is generally well maintained, especially in coastal areas. However, inland the roads become narrower and more winding, especially towards Mont Pelée or through the Trace des Jésuites. A crossover or compact SUV might be a sensible investment if you plan to explore these areas, although small cars fare well on most routes.
Being an overseas French department, in Martinique you drive on the right and the same road rules apply as in metropolitan France.
If you have decided to rent a car, we recommend that you use the form below which will allow you to compare the rates and availability of all car rental companies in real time and with a single search.
Reaching Martinique has become increasingly easy in recent years, thanks mainly to direct flights from France, Spain and the Netherlands.
There are direct flights from Europe, but the most frequent and regular connections are those with stopovers in Paris (Air France, Air Caraïbes), Madrid or Amsterdam (Air Europa, KLM).
Apart from the first leg to your stopover, the flight time from Europe to Martinique is approximately 8-9 hours.
The island is served by Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), located in Le Lamentin, about 10 km from Fort-de-France.
Since Martinique is to all intents and purposes French territory, it is not necessary to be in possession of a passport, but it is sufficient to show a valid identity card.
Once you have landed in Fort de France, we recommend renting a car to have maximum freedom of movement and to be able to access all of the island’s beaches.
Martinique is a French Overseas Department (DOM), so the same entry rules apply as in metropolitan France.
For EU/EEA citizens , a valid identity card or a valid passport is sufficient. The documents must of course be valid for the entire duration of the stay. No tourist visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
It is also advisable to carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC ) for health care and to take out travel insurance.
As Martinique is a French overseas department, the Euro is used.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist facilities and main shops, and ATMs are readily available in busy areas. However, it is advisable to carry cash with you at all times, especially useful for local markets, small shops and taxis.
Martinique uses the same European voltage (220V/50Hz) and sockets are of the European/French type. You will therefore not need to bring any adapters for your electronic devices.
The official language is French, supplemented by Martinican Creole in everyday life. In tourist areas, staff often also speak English, but some effort to communicate in French, even the most basic phrases, is appreciated.
Martinique is GMT-4 and is therefore 5 hours behind Great Britain during daylight saving time and 6 hours during standard time.
Telecommunications are well developed on the island. The telephone code is +596, and the main local operators are Orange, SFR and Digicel.
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation facilities and restaurants, and EU roaming is generally active (it is however advisable to check with your operator).
From a health point of view, Martinique offers European standards. Tap water is drinkable in most areas, but it is essential to protect yourself from intense sun with high-protection sun creams. Don’t forget to take good insect repellent with you.
The island’s tropical climate maintains pleasant temperatures all year round, ranging between 24°C and 30°C. The most suitable clothing is light and informal, with the indispensable addition of a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Caribbean sun.
To get around the island, there are several options. Collective taxis, called ‘taxi pays’, are a cheap way to move between the main cities. Buses are cheap but not always punctual.
For maximum freedom of movement, it is advisable to hire a car. Driving is on the right as in Europe, but remember to book in advance, especially in high season.
Shop hours follow the relaxed pace of the island. Most businesses open from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a long lunch break. On Sundays, many shops are closed, while supermarkets have extended hours. Local markets are particularly lively in the morning.
Martinique is located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, more precisely in the Lesser Antilles. It is a French overseas department (DOM), located between the island of Dominica to the north and the island of Saint Lucia to the south.
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