Martinique
Country: Martinique · Region: Southern Caribbean · Currency: Euro
Martinique is a French Caribbean island known for its volcanic landscape, including the infamous Mount Pelée, with beautiful beaches in the south and rainforests in the north. It combines French culture with Caribbean charm and offers diverse attractions from historical sites to outdoor adventures.
Top sights
Mount Pelée, Saint-Pierre ruins, Jardin de Balata, Diamond Rock, Presqu'île de la Caravelle lighthouse, Gorges de la Falaise
Things to do
- Mount Pelée
- Dominates the island at 1,397 m elevation and erupted in 1902, destroying Saint-Pierre and killing 30,000 people; designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
- Saint-Pierre
- Former capital destroyed by the 1902 Mount Pelée eruption, with many historic remains visible to visitors.
- Jardin de Balata
- A serene garden with thousands of tropical plants located in the town of Balata.
- Gorges de la Falaise
- A 200-metre canyon near Ajoupa-Bouillon where visitors can hike and swim through a river gorge carved 10 metres deep.
Beaches
- Les salines
- The most famous white sand beach in the south near Sainte-Anne, though it is crowded.
- Anse Noire
- A beautiful black sand beach on the way to Anse d'Arlet with palletuvier trees.
Where to eat
- Fort-de-France Spice Market
- Offers stalls with local flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices.
- Beachside food merchants
- Serve traditional Creole foods including accras, boudin, fruit juices, and coconut milk.
Bars and nightlife
- Fort-de-France seaside promenade
- The capital's waterfront area features bars and restaurants in a typically French atmosphere.
Forecast for Martinique
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Getting around
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island; taxis are available from the cruise pier but are expensive, and public buses (Taxi Collectifs) are limited and unreliable.
What to eat
Martinique offers a unique blend of French and Creole cuisine, with dining options ranging from beachside food merchants serving accras and boudin to upscale French restaurants.
Tips
Book a car rental in advance to maximize your exploration of the island's diverse landscapes and avoid missing top attractions.
Best for
Beaches, Hiking, History, Creole Culture
More ports in Southern Caribbean
Amber Cove · Aruba · Barbados · Bonaire · Curacao · Dominica · Grenada · Guadeloupe · La Romana · Labadee · St. Lucia · St. Vincent