Travel in Martinique

Discover Martinique: Between nature, culture, and private beaches



Fort-de-France: The vibrant heart of Martinique

Fort-de-France and its lively atmosphere

The capital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, is an essential stop for anyone wanting to explore the island. Built on what was once marshland, the city has evolved over the centuries into a dynamic urban center where history and modern life intertwine. Stroll through its bustling markets overflowing with tropical fruits, fragrant spices, local crafts, and vibrant flowers. Sample local specialties like accras de morue (salt cod fritters), Creole blood sausage, and the renowned Martinican rum, crafted at numerous distilleries across the island.
The Saint-Louis Cathedral, with its striking neo-Gothic architecture, and the Schoelcher Library, a colonial gem, bear witness to the city’s rich history. Don’t miss a walk along the waterfront, where you can watch colorful boats, admire the bay, and observe the lively rhythm of daily life.

The markets and local culture

The Grand Covered Market in Fort-de-France is a hub of authenticity. Here, vendors sell vanilla, colombo spice mix, handmade jams, infused rums, and traditional clothing. It’s the perfect place to engage with locals, experience their warm hospitality, and get a glimpse into everyday life. These markets are more than just places to shop they’re social stages where culture is shared and preserved.

Architectural heritage

Beyond its iconic landmarks, Fort-de-France boasts a rich architectural tapestry, from colorful Creole houses to colonial-era public buildings. Fort Saint-Louis, perched overlooking the bay, is one of the most emblematic sites, offering fascinating insights into the island’s military past. A guided tour reveals its strategic role during the Franco-British wars and rewards visitors with panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea.

The Savane: A green oasis in the city

A haven of peace downtown

In the heart of Fort-de-France, La Savane is a vast public garden and the city’s vibrant green lung. Lined with majestic royal palms and mango trees, this spacious esplanade offers the perfect place to relax between sightseeing adventures. Locals and visitors alike gather here to read, exercise, enjoy a picnic, or simply unwind beneath the shade of its century-old trees, soaking in the peaceful and lively atmosphere of the city.

A gathering and leisure spot

La Savane hosts numerous cultural and festive events year-round, from concerts to open-air art exhibitions. As you stroll through the park, you’ll encounter families, street performers, children playing soccer, curious tourists, and retirees chatting on benches. It’s a space where generations mix and the heartbeat of the city becomes tangible.

Statues and historical memory

At the center of La Savane stands a statue of Aimé Césaire, a towering figure in Caribbean literature and the négritude movement. Previously, a statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais, a Martinique native and Napoleon’s first wife, also stood here, though it was toppled by residents protesting her association with colonial oppression and slavery. La Savane is thus both a space for leisure and a place of collective memory.

Between volcanoes and tropical forests in Martinique

Conquering Mont Pelée

In the island’s north rises Montagne Pelée, infamous for its 1902 eruption that destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre, claiming nearly 30,000 lives. Today, the dormant volcano draws hikers and nature lovers. The ascent, though challenging, is accessible to most walkers and offers breathtaking views from the summit over the surrounding peaks, the Caribbean Sea, and, on clear days, the neighboring island of Dominica. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with sightings of giant ferns, wild orchids, and tropical birds.

The Route de la Trace and its stunning scenery

The legendary Route de la Trace winds through Martinique’s lush rainforest, revealing breathtaking vistas at every turn. Stretching from Fort-de-France to Morne-Rouge, the road is dotted with waterfalls, hiking trails, and botanical gardens like the famous Jardin de Balata. For nature enthusiasts, this route offers an unforgettable immersion into the island’s exceptional biodiversity.

The Pitons du Carbet and Grand’Rivière

The Pitons du Carbet, formed by ancient volcanic activity, dominate the northern landscape with their jagged peaks and steep slopes, presenting a thrilling challenge for seasoned hikers. In Grand’Rivière, a small fishing village at the island’s remote edge, you’ll discover an authentic, preserved Martinique where time seems to stand still, and local traditions are proudly upheld.


Southern beaches, culture and traditions in Martinique



Private beaches and the southern coast’s treasures

The south: A beach paradise

The sun-drenched southern coast of Martinique, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, is famous for its idyllic beaches. Anse Dufour and Anse Noire charm visitors with their crystalline waters and abundant marine life, including sea turtles often spotted while snorkeling. Les Salines beach is among the Caribbean’s most stunning, with its powdery white sand, leaning coconut palms, and turquoise water—perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

The iconic Diamond Rock

Diamond Rock is a striking volcanic islet rising from the sea off Martinique’s southern coast, with a fascinating past as a former British military outpost. Today, it ranks among the island’s top diving sites, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. The surrounding coral reefs teem with vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and sometimes dolphins or even migrating whales, making it a paradise for divers and nature lovers alike.

Boutique hotels and private beaches

Martinique offers many boutique hotels and luxury resorts with exclusive access to private beaches. Properties like Club Med Les Boucaniers, La Suite Villa in Trois-Îlets, and Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa combine luxury, Creole charm, and exceptional settings. Guests can expect sun-drenched loungers, exotic cocktails at sunset, beachfront massages, and a host of water sports all designed for a perfect Caribbean escape.

Culture and Martinican traditions

Rum and distilleries: the island’s pride

It is impossible to visit the island without diving into the world of its famous distilleries. At the Trois Rivières distillery or the La Mauny rum factory, you will discover the entire manufacturing process, from the cutting of the sugar cane to the final tasting. This ancestral know-how is much more than a product: it embodies Martinique's identity and pride.

Museums and cultural heritage

In addition to the Gauguin Museum, which delves into the painter’s time in Martinique, the island boasts a wealth of fascinating museums. The Pagerie Museum traces the life of Joséphine, Napoleon’s wife, while the Père Pinchon Museum highlights local flora and fauna. These cultural sites offer valuable insight into the African, European, and Indian influences that shape Martinican identity.

Festivals and signature events

Martinique’s carnival is a spectacular explosion of color, music, and joie de vivre. For several days, Fort-de-France and neighboring towns pulse with the sounds of drums, brass bands, and Creole songs. Other major events include the Tour des Yoles Rondes, a thrilling sailing regatta where local crews compete in traditional round skiffs, and the Biguine Jazz Festival, celebrating Caribbean jazz and musical fusion.

Outdoor adventures and sports

Diving and snorkeling

Martinique is a paradise for divers. Saint-Pierre, once known as the “Little Paris of the Caribbean” before its destruction, now offers fascinating wrecks to explore. The Anses d’Arlet and Îlet à Ramiers are also renowned for their exceptional underwater landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the island’s clear waters provide unforgettable encounters with marine life.

Hiking and kayaking in nature

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the trails crisscrossing the island, especially around Grand’Rivière and Le Prêcheur. For a gentler adventure, kayaking through the Génipa mangroves or the calm waters of Cap Chevalier reveals a world of mangroves, fiddler crabs, and seabirds. It’s a peaceful way to explore Martinique’s ecological treasures up close.

Windsurfing and horseback riding

Windsurfing is especially popular in southern Martinique, with Trois-Îlets, Cap Chevalier, and Sainte-Anne offering perfect conditions thanks to steady trade winds. These spots attract both beginners and experienced windsurfers. For equestrian enthusiasts, horseback riding along the island’s pristine beaches, through lush sugarcane fields, and across scenic forest trails provides a unique, immersive way to experience island’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making for unforgettable vacation memories.

Why choose Martinique

The island is a multifaceted destination where every traveler can find joy and inspiration. As elegant as Antigua, as authentic as Cuba, and as unspoiled as Saint Lucia, the island enchants visitors with its stunning contrasts from pristine beaches and turquoise waters to lush rainforests and volcanic peaks. Whether you’re passionate about diving, hiking, gastronomy, or culture, the island offers unforgettable experiences. Explore vibrant markets, historic towns, and scenic coastal villages, and indulge in local delicacies like accras and boudin créole. The island’s warm, welcoming people are always eager to share their love for Martinique, guiding you to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wonders. Start planning your journey now and let yourself be captivated by this true Caribbean treasure, where nature and culture blend beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The flight time from Montreal to Martinique, by direct flight, is approximately 05: 10hours.
When Quebec is at standard time, there is no time difference with Martinique; when Quebec switches to daylight saving time, a delay of one hour is to be expected.
In 2021, the population in Martinique amounts to 355,094 inhabitants.
There is only one international airport in Martinique, it is the airport of Fort-de-France / Aimé Césaire (FDF)
The economy of Martinique is essentially based on oil refining, agriculture (bananas, rum, pineapples), fishing and tourism.
An increasingly popular destination, given the growing demand, the island of Martinique continues to expand by adding more flights to Fort-de-France from Montreal, more choices of hotels and activities, and collaborates in the development of sustainable blue tourism in order to be recognized as a cultural eco-tourism destination.
Among the beautiful areas for accommodation in Martinique, the village of Les Anses-d'Arlet, on the south coast where the beaches follow one another and invite to stop there; the town of Sainte-Anne, for its coconut palm beaches and paradisiacal landscapes; Les Trois Islets, on the south coast of Fort-de-France, to meet the artisans; Saint-Pierre, formerly called 'le Petit Paris' for the history and culture of the island; le Diamant, for its panoramas.
The village of Les Anses-d'Arlet, on the south coast; the town of Sainte-Anne, with its paradisiacal landscapes; Fort-de-France, the capital; Saint-Pierre, formerly called 'le Petit Paris' for the history and culture of the island; Sainte-Luce, fishing village.
The climate of Martinique is mild and the heat never excessive. The average temperature throughout the year is around 26 degrees C. To take advantage of the ease of direct flights to get there, you should choose a stay from January to April. The island is now accessible all year round. For more than 10 years (not counting the Covid period), Air Canada has facilitated the connection between YUL and FDF with a minimum of one direct flight per week. In other good news, Air Transat recently extended its service for this winter of 2022-2023 until June.
The island of Martinique is safe; however, as with all destinations around the world, in preparation for travel, always check the Canadian Government site which posts safety updates around the world. https://voyage.gc.ca/destinations/martinique
Several reasons make Martinique a destination of choice: first, the temperature is ideal all year round, the vegetation is lush, which explains why Martinique is described as 'the island of flowers'; a fascinating cultural mix, a short direct flight from Montreal, no jetlag (except in winter), the smiles of Martinicans, the gourmet cuisine, the beaches, the history, the 'zouk', and the experiences in all- included or 'à la carte' according to each budget.
In Martinique, you have to discover its white sand beaches, Sainte-Anne, Anse des Salines, a visit to Fort St-Louis and the cathedral at Fort de France, the spice and fish markets, Mount Pelée , the flora and fauna of La Caravelle, the Rocher du Diamant, the Jardin de Balata, the Clement sugar cane plantation.
In the evening in Martinique, take advantage of the nightlife to go dancing in a tropical atmosphere to the rhythms of 'zouk' in several discotheques or nightclubs; or go to the 'Wahoo Café', a meeting place for locals in the evening to have a drink and share a meal with friends; or at the 'Kano', to sip a 'punch' to the sound of catchy music with a DJ
Several West Indian spices are part of Martinican cuisine: star anise, cinnamon, lemongrass, cloves, Colombo, Coriander, Turmeric, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg.
Going on an excursion to Montagne Pelée, to Anse Dufour for snorkelling, or to see the iguanas on Chancel Island, or to see the Gardens of Bonneville are some of the excursions in nature offered; or cultural visits to see the Cathedral and Fort Saint-Louis, the Clément rum distillery, the Aimé-césaire theater; or for family excursions, the Martinique Zoo, the Balata Garden, or one of the island's many beaches.
Martinique is a destination for water sports, beaches, sailing, eco-tourism; you have to discover its white sand beaches, Sainte-Anne, Anse des Salines, a visit to Fort St-Louis and the cathedral in Fort de France, the spice and fish markets, Mount Pelée, the fauna and the flora of La Caravelle, the Rocher du Diamant, the Jardin de Balata, the Clément sugar cane plantation.
The Salines beach in Sainte-Anne is the most famous but the most frequented; that of the Diamond is the longest; the beaches of L'Anse-D'Arlet are worth the detour; Anse Bonnevile on La Caravelle for surf enthusiasts. https://www.lonelyplanet.fr/article/les-plus-belles-plages-de-martinique
In Martinique, the electrical outlets are the same as in Europe. An adapter and converter are therefore essential. https://www.priseselectriques.info/
Martinique uses the Euro as the official monetary currency.
The green iguana, the mongoose, the raccoon, the land crab, the lizard, are the land animals most seen in Martinique; many animals are endangered or no longer reproduce; however, you will see a large number of birds of several species, including hummingbirds; the only terrestrial animal dangerous to humans is the trigonocephalic snake, especially found on sugar cane plantations. http://www.cartemartinique.com/la-martinique/faune-animaux-de-martinique.php
Martinique thanks to its microclimates produces pineapple, apple-cinnamon, guava, soursop, papaya, redcurrant, star fruit.
Local transport equivalent to 'Uber' has been established on the island since 2018, in the name of 'Coco Martinique'
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