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Index
- Travel informed: useful information
- Where is it and how to get there
- When to go
Info on climate and best time - What to see in Martinique: attractions and places of interest
- Saint Pierre
- Diamond Rock
- Balata Garden
- Grand River
- Saint Anne
- Trail Road
- Fort of France
- Carbet
- Caravelle
- The most beautiful beaches of Martinique
- Anse Meunier o Moustique, Sainte Anne
- Grande Anse des Salines, Sainte Anne
- Anse Trabaud, Sainte-Anne
- Anse Figuier, Pilot River
- Large Grapes, Sainte Luce
- Point Faula, Le Vauclin
- Anse Grosse Roche, Le Vauclin
- Sinai Beach, Grand Riviere
- Grand Anse du Diamant, The Diamond
- Anse Michel Cap Chevalier, Sainte-Anne
- Point of the End
- What to do in Martinique: excursions and tours
- Request a personalized quote
A volcanic island characterized by waterfalls, streams, mountains and endless stretches of white sand bathed by a turquoise sea, Martinique belongs to the French Lesser Antilles and was baptized with this name by Columbus, who wanted to dedicate this place to San Martino. However, its inhabitants mostly of indigenous Caribbean origins, call it Madinina, which means island of flowers, due to the presence of the luxuriant nature.
Here is a guide to Martinique , Lesser Antilles (Caribbean): where it is, when to go and what to see!
Travel informed: useful information
- Population : 410,000
- Capital : Fort-de-France
- Languages : French and Creole
- Local currency : euro (€)
- Climate : tropical, hot and humid all year round, with a drier season from January to mid-April, and a hot, muggy and rainy season from June to November
- Time zone : GMT-4 (-5h compared to Italy)
- Vaccinations : no vaccinations required
- Entry requirements : passport or identity card valid for expatriation; belonging to France, a visa is not required for European citizens
- Distance from Italy : 7,567 km (12 h 30 min flight) from Rome to Fort de France
- Information on safety : visit the official website of the Farnesina
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where it is and how to get there
Martinique belongs to the Windward Islands or Lesser Antilles and is located 14 ° 40 ‘north of the Equator and 61 ° west of the Greenwich Meridian. Of volcanic origin , with a 1,397 m high volcano that erupted in 1902 destroying the ancient capital of Saint Pierre, and bathed to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and to the west by the Caribbean Sea.
From Italy there are no direct flights to Martinique. Air France in partnership with Alitalia makes connections from Milan or Rome to Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport with a stopover in Paris (average duration 14 h, compare flights).
When to go
Info on climate and best time
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January 21/28 ° 17 days / 105 mm
February 21/28 ° 12 days / 80 mm
March 22/29 ° 13 days / 65 mm
April 22/30 ° 13 day / 90 mm
May 23/30 ° 15 days / 130 mm
June 24/30 ° 18 days / 180 mm
July 24/30 ° 22 days / 255 mm
August 24/31 ° 21 days / 230 mm
September 23/31 ° 19 gg / 255 mm
October 23/31 ° 18 days / 225 mm
November 23/30 ° 18 days / 205 mm
December 22/29 ° 17 days / 135 mm
- Climate : tropical, hot and humid all year round with a slightly cooler and less rainy season from January to mid-April called “careme”, in which the north-east trade winds blow and a hot one, and a sultry and rainy one from mid-June to mid-November called “Hivernage”. Between these two seasons there are two transition periods (mid-November-early January and mid-April-mid-June) which prepare for the driest and wettest moments. The sea water has a more or less constant temperature ranging between 27 ° and 29 °
- Best period : from November to mid-June, preferably from February to April, the least rainy period of the year
- Period to avoid : from July to November, the hottest, rainy period with the possibility of tropical storms
- Hurricane / cyclone risks : the period to be avoided is from June to November, although hurricanes are more likely from August to October. The last tropical storm was Hurricane Dorian, on August 27, 2019, which had a maximum intensity, with winds of 295 km / h.
What to see in Martinique: attractions and places of interest
1 – Saint Pierre
Photo by Jean & Nathalie. Former capital of Martinique until 1902, when it was destroyed by the eruption of the volcano, it is one of the most important cities on the island. Also called the Paris of the Caribbean, today it is a modern center where, next to the shops and tourist streets, it is possible to stroll among the fascinating historical ruins.
2 – Diamond Rock
Photo of Apmarles. One of the major attractions of Martinique, this rock gets its name from its shape similar to that of the famous gemstone. It is a small uninhabited island used as a fortress during the Napoleonic wars.
3 – Jardin de Balata
Photo from www.sklepik-maja.com. One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, it is owned by a passionate horticulturist. Featuring tropical plants, ponds filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and even a famous viewpoint.
4 – Grand Riviere
Photo of JLXP. Small fishing village tucked away in the cliffs of the Martinique coast, and a picturesque and lonely place with a beautiful beach and great fish.
5 – Saint Anne
Photo of Grimaudj. Characteristic town in the south of Martinique with several tourist facilities, and also a very nice place where you can relax on the beach of Les Salines, a long stretch of white sand lapped by turquoise waters.
6 – Route de la Trace
Road that leads from Fort de France to Morne Rouge, and an ancient scenic route that crosses a dense tropical forest. As you walk along it you will be out of the chaos and tourist areas of the island and you will feel like you are the only ones.
7 – Fort de France
Capital of Martinique and main port, it is located on the west coast of the island. Here you can visit several palaces and monuments, some beautiful parks and museums. Ideal as a base for exploring the whole island, also thanks to an authentic tour of the south of Martinique or an Authentic North Tour.
8 – Carbet
Photo of Guerinf. In the north-western part of Martinique, it is the place where Christopher Columbus apparently landed in June 1502 and the place where Gauguin lived four centuries later. Don’t miss the rum distillery, a shipwreck, gardens and some beaches.
9 – Caravelle
Photo of Lechatsylvestre. In the southern part of Martinique, a protected land where it is possible to admire a wide range of landscapes ranging from savannah to mangrove forest. Here, trekking enthusiasts can also find paths to discover and admire the magnificent landscape and views
. The most beautiful beaches of Martinique
1 – Anse Meunier or Moustique, Sainte Anne
Photo by Herve NICOLAS. Long clear beach bathed by a turquoise sea, ideal for swimming and relaxation, ea place without restaurants and bars , therefore it is necessary to have water and food with you but this makes it a less crowded place.
Fringed by palm trees that allow you to shelter from the sun, and yet a bit challenging to reach since from where you leave the car you need to walk about 1 km of dirt road; therefore it is not suitable for everyone.
It is located on the southern tip of the island, not far from the Plage de Salines (by car 3.6 km, 11 min; on foot 2.1 km, 25 min by footpath along the coast, passing by the Petite Anse des Salines beach. ); You can reach it by car from Sainte Anne (6.7 km, 20 min – Get directions).
2 – Grande Anse des Salines, Sainte Anne
Photo of Herve NICOLAS. Consideredone of the most beautiful beaches due to its length, the calm turquoise sea and the white sand , on windy days it turns into a surfer’s paradise .
Divided into three parts : Grande Anse des Salines, the most famous of all; Petite Anse des Salines to the west; and, to the east, the Grande Terre des Salines. They are all worth a visit and you can also find restaurants, street vendors and bazaars , so you don’t need to bring your own food.
It is located on the southeastern tip of the island, accessible by car from Sainte Anne (7.8 km, 17 min). Walkable to Anse Meunier beach (2.1 km, 25 min – Get directions).
3 – Anse Trabaud, Sainte Anne
Photo by Patrice78500. Caribbean beach with clear sand and a beautiful turquoise sea, famous for its serene and cheerful climate , it is certainly not chosen for those who want to remain in silence and solitude,
Due to its particular conformation it has an area of ​​calm sea and one with waves , therefore and perfect for both those who want to swim and for those who love surfing. Here there are no equipped beaches and it is necessary to bring everything you need with you .
It is located on the south-east coast, 4 km from Sainte Anne; reachable by car (3.8 km, 20 min, pay attention to the road, rather bumpy – Get directions).
4 – Anse Figuier, Riviere Pilote
Photo by Patrice78500. A sandy beach that flows into a crystalline sea, bordered by coconut palms and a short distance from the villages of Sainte-Luce and Marin, Anse Figuier offers tourists tranquility and wonderful backdrops .
The ideal is to have a mask and rock shoes with you because in some places there are rocks where colonies of hedgehogs live . Nearby there are picnic areas and restaurants.
It is located on the south west coast, 4 km from Riviere Pilote (6 min drive) and 14.3 km from Sainte Anne (23 min drive – Get directions).
5 – Gros Raisins, Sainte Luce
Beautiful beach in Martinique a few kilometers from St. Luce, Gros Raisin is ideal for those seeking tranquility and peace. Featuring coconut palms that provide shade in the hottest hours, soft sand and turquoise water, it features restaurants and bars.
Nearby is Trois Rivieres, a historic rum distillery with a windmill with 350 years of history behind it. If you are in this area we absolutely recommend a visit (Mon-Sat 9: 00-17: 30, tour € 5.00 per person, all the info on the official website).
It is located on the south west coast, 7 km from Sainte Luce (12 min by car) and 6 km from Riviere Pilote (11 min by car). Gros Raisin or Corps de Garde car park available, then continue on foot (2 min – Get directions).
6 – Pointe Faula, Le Vauclin
Photo by Olivier.jarfas. This long beach characterized by immaculate sand and fun waves, is also ideal for those who love to take beautiful walks on the sand or for those who want to dedicate themselves to wind surfing .
Not only that, Pointe Faula is a peaceful and delightful place with numerous coconut palms ideal for those who want to relax in the shade. Also behind the beach there are several restaurants and banquets .
It is located on the south-east coast, 1 km from Le Vauclin, reachable on foot (15 min) or by car (10 min). It is also 12 miles from Sainte Anne (33 mins) and 9 miles from Riviere Pilote (25 mins – Get directions).
7 – Anse Grosse Roche, Le Vauclin
A beach that is still not very popularand away from tourists, Anse Grosse Roche offers its visitors one of the most heavenly places they have ever seen .
Characterized by white sand, surrounded by rocks of volcanic origin, it has a particular heart-shaped cavity that makes it a romantic place. To reach it, it is necessary to walk for 15 minutes through a splendid forest that passes through Cap Macre .
Located on the south east coast, it can only be accessed on foot in about 20 min from the Grand Macabou (7.5 km from La Vauclin, 18 min by car; 16 km from Sainte Anne, 30 min by car – Get directions).
8 – Plage Sinai, Grand Riviere
At the foot of Mount Pelee, north of the island of Martinique, is the village of Grand Riviere with the particular beach of Sinai. Characterized by volcanic black sand , it is located in an isolated position where you can swim and where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Easy to reach by car or on foot , it is located immediately after the fishing port of Grand Riviere and has a large parking lot.
It is located at the north end of the island; 1 km from the port of Grand Riviere (14 min walk, 5 min drive – Get directions).
9 – Grand Anse du Diamant, Le Diamant
Photo of G21designz. Another beach very famous for its beauty and accessibility is the Plage du Diamant, ideal for therelaxing on its soft white sand and for long swims in the Caribbean sea.
Over 3 km long, with the rock in front and bordered by coconut palms, it is also used with umbrellas and deck chairs and it is possible to try sports such as snorkeling and surfing. Beware of currents which can be strong!
It is located on the southwest coast, in the locality of Le Diamant (3 km), reachable from the town by car (8 min) or on foot (40 min – Get directions).
10 – Anse Michel Cap Chevalier, Sainte-Anne
Another beautiful beach with a coral reef just 500m from the shore and Cap Chevalier, a place characterized by white sand that stretches over a kilometer and bordered by coconut palms.
Its calm and crystalline waters make it the suitable place for families and children , although sometimes there can be annoying algae on the shore or in the water; moreover and to be avoided on weekends because it is also besieged by locals as well as tourists.
It is located on the southeast coast of the island, 3 km from Sainte Anne, reachable by car (13 min) or on foot (36 min). Adjacent to the beach is convenient free parking – Get directions
11 – Point du Bout
Beach located on the small peninsula of Les Trois Illets, overlooking the bay of Fort de France. It is a group of small beaches characterized by white sand, palm trees and various tourist facilities. Ideal for relaxing, playing sports and admiring the view
What to do in Martinique: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in Martinique cost
Prices, offers and advice
Martinique is an island that offers the possibility of holidays of all kinds : here you will find luxurious 5-star all-inclusive resorts but also comfortable accommodation cheap as b & b, apartments or rooms for rent. It is possible to spend a night with breakfast from a minimum of € 35.00 up to figures around € 500.00.
As for eating , those who want to save money can choose the simple markets or beach huts, which almost always offer dishes of the day for around € 10.00. Obviously, however, there are panoramic and luxurious restaurants on the island where you can eat lobster and drink champagne.
In the end,if you intend to get around the island we advise you to rent a car (from € 25.00 / day) which will allow you to be autonomous and turn between beaches and towns. Alternatively, you can base in Fort de France and take part in several organized tours with transport included to discover the island, such as the Authentic North Tour, which focuses on the northern part, or the authentic South Martinique tour. , to discover the beauties of the southern part.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers
- Flight + hotel: Round trip flight + 9 days / 7 nights from € 1.450,00 per person – see the offers
- Custom quote : click here to request a custom quote
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