The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in Martinique

With as amazing as varied landscapes, from the top of the Pelean Mountain to the heart of the tropical forest, to secret beaches, hiking in Martinique is the ideal activity to discover the island from all angles.

As the trails are numerous in Martinique, it is possible to walk around the island, on the Atlantic side and on the Caribbean side. A few tips first before you start on the most beautiful hikes in Martinique: always take the weather forecast before leaving, as a large tropical rain shower can quickly transform a nice path into an impractical bourbier.

Be well equipped for hiking, good shoes, backpack, possibly sticks, and ready to face the heat: water reserve to carry (2L), snacks to snack, sun protection (chapeau, clothes, cream)... Stay on the trails in the jungle, it will avoid a few (rare) meetings that are not pleasant to local fauna!

Finally, keep in mind that in Martinique, the night falls quickly and early: 6 pm, then leave in the morning and plan to be back in time, unless you finish at the frontal.

1. La Presqu’Île de la Caravelle

This must-see hike in Martinique takes place on the west coast of the island on the Atlantic, with the aim of discovering the Nature Reserve of the Presqu’Ile de la Caravelle. There are two very well marked walking routes, a short (1h30) and a longer one (which we offer here, 3h30), both widely accessible and without great difficulty.

Between the Atlantic Ocean tormented on one side, the calm of mangroves on the other, and the dry forest, the march evolves in a changing and preserved natural setting, punctuated by many very beautiful views. By the way, visit Dubuc Castle, an ancient plantation classified as a historic monument.

2. The Couleuvre waterfall

Nice hike from Martinique in the heart of the jungle, we are a little further north than the Prêcheur, at the level of the ankle Couleuvre. Here starts an easy-to-follow path, going up the water course on 3 km until you reach the Couleuvre waterfall: with its 120 m high, you will not be able to miss it.

The setting of the walk is superb, in the middle of preserved tropical forest. Redescent by the same itinerary, enjoy it in the way to swim further down, on the beach of the year Couleuvre, beautiful and uncommon.

3. Ascension of the Pelee Mountain

A great classic of hiking in Martinique, the climb of the Pelee Mountain guarantees the most beautiful view of the island and the Caribbean, in clear weather. Several trails exist to reach the highest point, at 1,397 m: here you start at the Aileron refuge, for a trail that climbs dry by place, but which remains the main path to the top.

Better to display a good physical shape, and predict the water reserve! Widely rewarded efforts at the end of the ascension, very satisfactory. The descent is done by the same path.

4. Savane des Pétrifications

On the south side of Sainte-Anne, this hike in Martinique leads you through one of the most striking landscapes of the island: a semi-desert area dotted with rocks and petrified trees, directly bordered by the ocean. An amazing site, which also offers several opportunities to swim: the beach of Anse Trabaud, and the very popular Grande Anse des Salines.

This trail is a section of the Trace des Caps, a beautiful coastal path much longer in its entirety (28 kilometers), to be explored in several stages.

5. De Grand’Rivière au Prêcheur

Here, we tackle a big piece of the hike in Martinique, but also a must: departure to choose, from Le Prêcheur or Grand’Rivière, for a long, demanding and sporty route, without drinking water. Don’t improvise!

A solid, beautiful forests, rivers, deserted beaches is a condensed of the beauty of Martinique. Plan to walk all day, go early in the morning to avoid the fall of the night, and return to your starting point with a fisherman boat to complete a memorable exit.

6. The Slave Canal

From Le Carbet, here is an emblematic hike in Martinique, from an easy level even if the walkers suffering from vertigo will surely avoid this route.

You will walk along a canal built in the 18th century by slaves (from which this name of Canal des Esclaves, but we also meet the name Canal de Beauregard), well shaded because in the heart of the tropical forest, with some steep passages.

Otherwise, just follow the canal back for a good walk, and enjoy the setting, beautiful all along!

7. The Morne Larcher

Don't let yourself be fooled by the small number of kilometers of this hike in Martinique, because the denial is rather strong!

To climb on the Morne Larcher, it is necessary for good legs, and to protect yourself from the sun: the shaved vegetation offers no shade, but on the other hand, its 478 m of height offer a breathtaking view of the south of Martinique, Pointe du Diamant and Rocher du Diamant. This justifies the effort provided to climb to the top.

8. The trace of the Jesuits

A well-known hike in Martinique, the trail of the Jesuits crosses a scenery composed of a lush tropical forest vegetation, in the heart of the island.

The trail is well traced, easy to follow but requires a little physical effort, especially if you go back. The Lorrain River on the way is the perfect opportunity for a refreshing break and a foot bath.

9. The first Cascade of Didier

A pleasant and adventurous Martinique hike, the itinerary begins at the edge of Didier’s road with a slightly dark tunnel, where bats live... A small lamp is not too much!

Then, the Cascade de Didier trail follows the river bed, easy and accessible to children until the first waterfall. Some do not hesitate to jump into the water before leaving the same path. A second waterfall is accessible beyond the first, but things get a bit of difficulty from the trail.

10. The Piton Crève-Coeur

It is not always necessary to face big denivels or to travel long distances to offer a summit... This is for example the case of this short hike in Martinique, whose objective is the small climb of the Piton Crève-Coeur, a former volcano that peaks at 200 m above sea level!

Sufficient to enjoy a very beautiful view on the south of the island, the peninsula Sainte-Anne and the Caribbean Sea. Return by the same path, to find the parking lot below.