Martinique has about 117 sandy beaches. The southern beaches are the most popular. They offer a breathtaking panorama combining huge coconut trees, white sand and turquoise water. Among the most popular: Anse Dufour in Anses d'Arlet, Les Salines in Sainte-Anne, Anse Mitan Beach in front of the hotel. On the north side, the beaches are marked by black sand of volcanic origin. They keep a more natural look. We can mention the Anse Couleuvre in Prêcheur, the Anse Bonneville, also known as the surfers' beach, in Tartane. In addition to the beaches, the landscape also allows you to enjoy the white bottoms called cays, accessible only by boat.
Martinique has just over 250 km of hiking trails spread across the island. It is therefore the perfect place for lovers of outdoors walking. The most beautiful hikes are Montagne Pelée in Saint-Pierre, the Savane des Pétrifications in Sainte-Anne, the Trace des Jésuites in Morne-Rouge, the Presqu'île de la Caravelle in Trinité or the Morne Larcher in Le Diamant for its panoramic view on arrival.
Do you dream of swimming with a turtle, seeing dolphins waving and admiring the fish underwater ? Martinique will satisfy you! Many companies organize excursions by motorboat, catamaran, glass-bottom boats, paddle board or directly underwater with a diving club. It is also possible to rent boats and jet skis with or without a license or to participate in a fishing trip on the high seas.
To cool off, in addition to the sea, there are also rivers. The island has 161 rivers in the heart of the tropical forest. They flow mainly in the middle and north of Martinique. Some of them have spectacular waterfalls, accessible from the road or even after a short walk. The temperature of river water is around 20 degrees Celsius, which gives bathing relaxing properties.
Martinique is full of splendid natural sites. The best are the Jardin deBalata and its 1001 species in Fort-de-France, Habitation Céron (Céron House) and its majestic three-hundred-year-old tree the Zamana in Le Prêcheur, the Foret Vatable and its mangroves in Trois-Ilets and the Trace des Jesuitest in Le Morne-Rouge, which is home to incredible tropical biodiversity.
There are many remarkable sites in Martinique. the Rocher du Diamant is certainly the most impressive one of all. Followed by the postcard view of the Anses d'Arlet dock, the view point at Trois Illets. A local organization Valorisation Martinique, built instapoint for taking Instagram photos. For example the swings at Anse Caritan, Le Marin and Le Diamant or the nest perched above the beach of Anse Michel.
Martinique recognized worldwide for its exceptional agricultural rum. An integral part of the island's history, in addition to being an economic resource, rum is a real heritage. Eleven distilleries throughout the island allow you to discover this ancestral manufacturing process. Some of them have their own museum, garden and art space.They can be reached by a small train. Free rum tastings are organized at the end of the tour.
Martinique is marked by its painful past linked to slavery. Several places bear witness to this period. This is the case of La Savane des Esclaves located in Trois-Ilets which traces the history of the island from Carribean Native life to the arrival of slaves from Africa. Gilbert, the owner, is a passionate person who takes pleasure in passing on his knowledge. Cap 110, a monumental work that pays tribute to African captives who perished in Le Diamant Bay.
The town of Trois-Ilets is one of the most popular towns on the island for its beaches, its cultural and historical sites such as the Village de la Poterie, the Domaine de la Pagerie, the Musée de la Canne and the Church Notre Dame de la Bonne Délivrance. On weekends, the village square welcome a local market.
In just 20 minutes by shuttle boat, you can discover the island's capital and enjoy the typical local atmosphere. On the program: visit of the public market, the famous Bibliothèque Victor Schoelcher, the majestic Saint-Louis Cathedral or the Aimé Césaire museum. Don't forget to meet the candy sellers on the Fort de France streets.
Nicknamed “the Paris of the Caribbean”, Sainte-Pierre was the former capital of the island before the eruption of the Montagnet Pelée, and is a historic town not to be missed. The ruins of the volcanic disaster can still be seen all over town. The Musée Franck Perret was erected in memory of this tragedy that occurred over 100 years ago.
Martinique and Canada share a common past. It was from 1756 that nearly 250 deported Acadians arrived on the island in the town of Carbet. They established a real community there in the heart of another town called Morne-Rouge, at the foot of Montagne Pelée. “Petite Cadie” became their refuge, where they stayed for 4 years. In 2018, a stone was affixed in honour of their passage and their contribution to the richness of Martinique's heritage.
Martinique is famous for its spicy dishes. African, Indian and European roots offer the island a culinary mix. Among the emblematic dishes, we find Colombo meat or fish dishes, close to curry but stronger, seafood such as lobster, chatrou (octopus) and conch prepared grilled or in fricassee (in sauce), fresh fish cooked in court bouillon, grilled or in blaff and the staple chicken boucané served with its Creole sauce. You will not fail to taste some good cod fritters and Creole black sausages. Also taste local fruits such as pineapple, mango and passion fruit, sorbets, coconut flan and local cakes like Robinson.