Are you going to visit Martinique for the first time? Discover our arrival guide to prepare your stay on the island with flowers!
Martinique – the sister island of Saint Lucia – is a captivating combination of dense tropical forests, rocky cliffs, creole-inspired cuisine and the quietest and most limpid water you’ve ever met. The mix of French and Caribbean cultures has shaped a unique, raw and intact island.
The French island of the Caribbean extends over 1128 km2 of wild paradise that it is best to explore by car, because every corner of the island has something spectacular to offer. Trekking in the north, kayaking in the west and surfing in the east, while enjoying refined dishes and cheeses or freshly fished with a refreshing Ti-punch.
What to do in Martinique?
Hiking on the Presqu’ile of the Caravelle One of the pastimes in Martinique is the rugged terrain of the Caravelle peninsula. Located by the water, this promontory offers multiple routes. The waves that come over against the rocks, spray your skin with a welcome freshness. As you approach a point of rest, you will discern voices nearby. You then fall nose to nose with Trou Cochon: a beautiful water point in the national park. This small secret den is populated by locals who come to spend a quiet Sunday, sitting in the translucent water, sipping glasses of rosé.
Photo credit: Flickr – Nathalie Vives
The Anse Caffard Memorial : Perched at the top of the Caffard anthem, the slave memorial pays tribute to the ship full of slaves who collided with the cliffs of Diamant on 8 April 1830. The group of 15 stone statues representing these slaves faces the Caribbean Sea. They bow their heads in a sign of respect, in recognition of the dead and suffering that occurred at 23 o'clock when cries broke the silence of the night. By visiting this outdoor memorial, we discover an important part of Martinique’s history, while offering an impressive view of the agitated waters of the beach of Diamant.
The beaches of Anse Noire & Anse Dufour : In the southwest of the island, these two beaches are directly next to each other. What makes these Caribbean coves so unique? In addition to being known as a spectacular snorkeling spot (you are likely to see a turtle or two), the Black Anse is also known for its black jais sand.
The contrast of black sand, green water and surrounding greenery makes Anse Noire a truly charming show. A few minutes’ walk around the bay will lead you to the white sandy beach of Anse Dufour. Palm trees and local kitchen huts adorn the small bay while the premises bathe in the transparent water, playing the frisbee or simply taking the sun.
Where to eat?
Lunch or dinner at Le Fromager : After an ascent of 30 minutes on the winding road of Saint-Pierre, you arrive at the Fromager on your left: a restaurant with a red roof, without pretension, perched at the top of a cliff. Decorated with wooden tables and chairs, the open space overlooks the Turin handle and the roofs of the seductive Saint-Pierre. But the creole menu, inexpensive and appetizing, is just as attractive. Enjoy a fresh vivaneau (red veanal) or a local lambi (giant bass) while sipping a refreshing tropical juice. Come on a Sunday afternoon, where a casual lunch will turn into a local party with live music, dance and delicious dishes from Martinique.
Photo credit: Flickr – A Day in the Sun
Don't neglect the sellers on the roadside : Although there are many restaurants to be tested (do not forget that we are in a French region above all), it would be a shame to ignore the trailers and local restaurants that you can cross on the road. Order the speciality of the island: a grilled fish with steamed rice and ratatouille (or fresh salad) or a Boucane Chicken (smoked chicken). With an average of 8€ per meal, these dishes are sufficiently copied to feed two people. You will not regret having tested this kitchen!
Where to stay in Martinique?
Three places in La Martinique are preferred for lodging in Martinique : Le François, located about 20 km from Fort de France, Sainte-Anne, to the extreme south of the island, and the Trois-Îlets, also located in the Marin area in the southern part of the island.
Car rental in Martinique
If you have never been to Martinique, you must know that a car rental on the island is almost a mandatory criterion if you want to fully enjoy your stay! Indeed, as was said, the island extends over 1128 km2 and to be able to visit everything on site, the best way is to rent a vehicle.
The ideal is to pick up your car directly when you arrive at Martinique-Aimé-Césaire International Airport. You can book your car at www.auloc.fr, which is a local agency specializing in Martinique.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Steluma
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