The 22 things to do in Martinique

Would you like to visit Martinique? Discover the essential things to do and see to prepare your next holiday on the island with flowers!

A small piece of paradise, loved between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Martinique is undoubtedly an island worth a visit. With its exceptional views, it is also distinguished by its authentic and warm culture.

Explore its incredible white sand coastline, explore its lush forests with stunning waterfalls, immerse yourself in the growing markets and take the time to appreciate its unique atmosphere that you are not ready to forget.

Whether you are lovers of farniente, herbal explorers, water sports enthusiasts or simply curious to lift the veil on all its secrets, you can only succumb to its charm. Here is a selection of the essential things to visit in Martinique!

1. The beaches

Renamed or more confidential, white sand or black sand, lined with coconut trees or luxuriant vegetation, the Martinique beaches are an invitation to farniente, entertainment and to let go.

Visiting Martinique is also taking long minutes in the sun, stinging a head in warm and translucent waters, starting a part of beach volley or try one of the many nautical activities available around.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the beaches to be visited during your visit to Martinique:

• The Salines Beach– Sainte-Anne;
• The beach of Anse-Couleuvre- The Preacher;
• The beaches of Anse Dufour and Anse-NoireThe Anses-d’Arlet;
• La Plage de l’Anse Michel- Sainte-Anne.

2. Isles

Great alternatives for sunny days feet in the water, there are no less 48 islands Whispering martinic waters. Among those who stand out the most, whether by their history, accessibility or landscape, are the Îlets of the Bay of Robert such as the famous Îlets Madame and Chancel .

The bay of François, for its part, houses the very popular islands Thierry and Oscar . In Sainte-Anne, it is island Chevalier who makes his star. Once on site, whether by boat or by kayak, there are many choices of activities: bronzette, lunch under wooden carbets, snorkelling, rum baptism, etc.

Note If they obviously have their own characteristics, they share a fabulous propensity to shelter a fauna and flora that must be preserved at all costs.

3. Dive

If a good bathing in the turquoise and hot waters of the coastline is one thing to do when you visit the Martinique, subaquatic life also lacks arguments to seduce you. In the north or south, close to the shore or further off, sites known to the least frequented, go to the call of the seabed where a beautifully varied flora and fauna await you.

The Diamant rock , Baie de Saint-Pierre , Cape Solomon or Anse-Noire , the places do not miss for you extasier face to the incessant ballets of colored fish sneaking between coral and gorgones. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, you'll find the most suitable spot for your expectations during your stay in Martinique.

4. The Bath of Josephine

Located between Îlet Oscar and Îlet Thierry, the Baignoire de Joséphine is a famous band of white highlands offering a unique setting for a swim in the middle of an extraordinary blue camaieu.

It became a must-see tourist place over time, it regularly welcomes the traditional baptism of the rum appreciated by tourists. There, bordered by the coral barrier, you will be invited to share a homemade planter accompanied by delicious accras arranged on a floating bar. Is it paradise?

5. The rivers

Without a dense green vegetation, rivers and waterfalls are the promise of a refreshing and revitalizing break. For the most part gathered in the north of the island, they are generally accessible by longer or less long hikes.

Take advantage of your trip to Martinique to immerse yourself in a wild setting where the scenery is at the rendezvous and take your courage with two hands by plunging into their clear and glazed waters. The most adventurous, they, will see in them fantastic playgrounds for the practice of canyoning.

6. Hiking

Discover the different facets of Martinique by giving you the joys of hiking. With more 250 km trails spread throughout the island, you can explore it from long to wide depending on your desires and your shape of the day.

Boasting bottles of water and good pair of basketball, venture into the heart of the rainforest, walk along its coastline, climb a few bits, cross mangroves and continually extasting yourself in the face of breathtaking views.

The majestic Mountain to the impossible peninsula of the Caravelle , passing through morne Larcher and less known trails such as ♪ , you will only have the embarrassment of choice to put yourself in legs during your visit to Martinique.

7. Other outdoor activities

Beyond hiking and scuba diving, there are many other outdoor activities to do on site. Whether you dream of strong sensations or want to immerse yourself in a fun way in the surrounding environment, you will be served. On land or at sea, here is a selection of outdoor activities to test during your holidays in Martinique:

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8. A boat ride

Leaving on the turquoise waters of Martinique is undoubtedly a must to do when you go to the Antilles. But doing it by your own means is much more satisfying. Have you ever dreamed of taking the hair bar in the wind? Be one-day captains by choosing from rent a boat in Martinique for a walk in all autonomy. Starting from Sable Blanc, you can explore the splendid Bay of Robert and its paradise islands.

In a small group of 2 to 6 people, let yourself be guided by the GPS on board to the island’s must-see places. Admire the magnificent landscapes depicting throughout the crossing and don’t hesitate to stop the must-sees Madame and Chancel. If the Bay of Robert has no less than 10 islets, the latter two remain the most accessible and have idyllic beaches calling for farniente. But there is also many other walks to discover the paradise waters of Martinique!

If you don’t own the boat permit or you’re not at ease on the stand, you can call on the services of a skipper who will unveil the most beautiful corners of the island throughout the tour. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

9. Helicopter flight

Take a little height, what better to contemplate the beauty of the island as a whole? Choose to live a breathtaking moment on board a helicopter.

Accompanied by an experienced pilot, you will fly over beautiful places even better seen from the sky. Fly, admire and make the full of unforgettable images!

10. The Tombolo

If there is one thing that deserves to be seen from top during your visit to Martinique, it is the Tombolo . literally meaning "sand arrow" in Italian, this ephemeral phenomenon offers a most surprising show in the eyes of visitors.

No, Moses did not pass that way, it is rather the combined result of tides, sea currents and wind. Generally producing December to April , you can enjoy this period to reach the island of Sainte Marie On foot and without wet... or almost.

Note : the area is forbidden to swim.

11. The garden of Balata

Give yourself a bucolic parenthesis, just a few kilometers from the centre of Fort-de-France, visiting the garden of Balata. The most beautiful botanical garden on the island, this green and flowery setting houses about 3,000 varieties of exotic plants and flowers from all over the world.

If you were looking for what to do during your stay in Martinique, this place — created in 1982 by the landscaper and horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thorze — is perfect for a colorful and refreshing ride with the family.

Walk in the shade of the gigantic palm trees, walk between hibiscus and porcelain roses or take a closer look at the Creole house transformed into a museum. The smallest of them will be delighted to borrow the suspended course in the trees from which they can best observe fauna and flora.

12. L’habitation Céron

Do you want to experience a unique experience where all your senses will be awake? Céron is the place you need! Dating from the 17th century, this ancient sugar factory — loved to the hollow of the rainforest at the Prêcheur — today offers a magical setting where you will love to lose you.

Walk along the river, hum the effluves of its "remarkable" garden, learn to work cocoa and taste the various home creations. At the end of your visit, don’t hesitate to take a tour of its fine grocery store to leave with delicious souvenirs.

13. The village of La Poterie

Located at the entrance of the commune of des Three islands , instead of what was once a Jesuit dwelling in the vicinity of the seventeenth century, the village of La Poterie is one of the must-sees in Martinique. By taking its reddish dirt road, you will be propelled where the past still seems present.

A top place in the production of tiles and pottery for several years, it is now an indispensable stop to discover different craft workshops and appreciate the work of small creators in an authentic atmosphere. Ideal to bring back a nice souvenir of the island with flowers!

14. The Museums

The Slave Savane

extending over close to three hectares , the Slave Savane is a surprising open-air museum located in the Trois-Îlets. With the main objectives of "giving, teaching and preserving", the latter immerses you in more than 400 years of Martinique History.

Through the reconstruction of an Amerindian village, the visit of the mythical Case-Nègres Street and an overview of the way of life in the countryside after the abolition of slavery, you will inform yourself in a playful and original way.

The Franck Perret Museum

Created in 1933 by the American vulcanologist Franck Alvord Perret , the eponymous museum takes place in the heart of the city Saint-Pierre . Constant entirely to the famous volcanic eruption of May 8, 1902, this memorial brings together several archives dating from before and after the catastrophe.

By browsing the photos, objects and documents relating to the eruption, you will take the measure of the extent of the damage — human and material — caused by this phenomenon having changed the face of Martinique forever.

It will also be an opportunity to see the major square once occupied by the so-called “Little Paris” and which, again today, bears the indelible traces of the devastating power of Mount Pelée.

15. Distilleries

If museums are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the history and culture of Martinique, the distilleries are also — in their ways — a way to make a jump in the past of the island. Reputed around the world, and being one of the few rewarded with the name “AOC”, the Martinique rums make the pride of more than one.

Discover the origin and backstage of this nectar that turns heads by visiting the dozen distilleries — or at least a few — spread throughout the island. Among the most famous are: habitation Clément , Neisson , Saint-James or the habitation Saint-Étienne .

16. Cape 110

Perched at the top of the rock Anse Cafard , Cap 110 is a set of sculptures paying tribute to the countless victims of the black trade during slavery.

Composed of fifteen statues of 2.50 metres erected in front of the bay of Diamant, at the very place where the murderous sinking of a negrier took place in 1830, the memorial is a place full of emotions where symbols, solemnity and art meet.

17. The carnival

Born from a mix of African, Amerindian and European cultures, the Martinique carnival has become a flagship event of local heritage. Federator and festive to wish, it is the opportunity for the population to leave it free to its creativity through costumes, songs and bradjak (motorized cars transformed into artistic works).

If the festivities begin in general from the month of January , it is only in February – from the greedy days – that the carnival procession fills the streets for five days madness.

Imagination, disguises, conviviality and gogo music are at the rendezvous for an unparalleled atmosphere. Here, out of the question of being simple spectators, everyone participates. And that’s what makes carnival a must-have experience during your stay in Martinique.

18. The Round Yoles Tour

With no less than 36 editions, the Tour des Yoles Rondes is one of the most anticipated events on the island. A major part of local culture, this canoe race creates the swelling as soon as the month of August Point the tip of his nose.

But, much more than a simple attraction, the Tour des Yoles is also and especially a sporting discipline where you can attend a fabulous team and coordination work that excites the crowds.

Each of the crews owns, in fact, their lot of supporters showing their support on the finish line, on board followers or in front of their televisions.

Come and admire this colorful sail parade by blending with the crowds installed in the city of arrival or rent a catamaran to experience an unforgettable water experience during your trip to Martinique.

19. Nightlife

Did you think that Martinique was only discovered in the day? The island still has lots of surprises once the night falls. Revealing her clothes of light, here she is transformed into a noctambule paradise. Start the evening smoothly by booking a table in a restaurant in town or by the sea.

Continue by taking a drink in one of its fashionable bars such as Cloud — rising above the roofs of Fort-de-France — or Coco Bar Bakua Hotel.

To finish your stay in Martinique, take the direction of one of its nightclubs where you can have fun until the early morning.

20. Beach bars

For a more relaxed atmosphere, beach bars are places not to be missed during your stopover in Martinique. The feet in the water and in a generally boho-chic atmosphere, you will be delighted to spend a moment at two or more around a cocktail or a tasty dish.

At the edge of the beaches of the south or north, you will find several of these establishments calling for the relaxation and pleasure of the taste buds. Dude Yemanja at Flamingo , passing through Black Diamond or Chill , the hardest will be to choose.

21. Local gastronomy

It is impossible to visit Martinique without interest to its wonderful local cuisine mixing generosity, greediness and explosions of flavors that will leave you without a voice. Especially if you choose to raise your meal with a tip of the famous chili Bondamanjak .

Full experience, traditional cuisine doesn't just taste, it lives. Open your appetite by tasting Balaouts fries the feet in the sand, sit around a chicken or grilled fish collar and a gratin of yellow bananas and finish by sipping the famous Ti Punch .

At the time of tasting, enjoy an incredible coconut sorbet on the outskirts of the beaches or opt for nougats and coconut tablets sold by the merchants.

22. Markets

Difficult to stay in Martinique without making a jump in the typical and warm atmosphere of its markets. Let yourself be carried by the pleasant effervescence animating the place, moisten the good smell of the spice mix and blossom the various stalls where liqueurs, medicinal plants and local dishes wait only for you.

From the immanquable great market covered by Fort-de-France at market Lafcadio Hearn , passing through the myriad of other communal markets, it is not the addresses that lack to fill your bags of good things.

How do I go to Martinique?

How to get to Martinique?

Would you like to come to Martinique? Nothing simpler! You will find flights from the airport France to Fort-de-France every day. But, prices that can climb fast enough from one period to another, we advise you to use a flight comparison such as Ulysses to be sure to find the best offer.

How to get around in Martinique?

In order to guarantee you total autonomy during your visit to Martinique, the best option is car rental. You can move around as you like and explore the island at the pace that suits you.

Attention Still, the demand being rather strong in the summer period, think about taking you there early enough.

Where to sleep in Martinique?

From the north to the south, from the Caribbean coast to the Atlantic coast, the island with flowers allows visitors to enjoy a variety of accommodations! From the dream villa with swimming pool to the school, to the traditional hotel room, you will find your happiness during your visit to Martinique.

And, in order to put your hand on the offer that corresponds to both your budget and your tastes for your visit to Martinique, don’t hesitate to use a Compare hotels . To stay as a local, you can also opt for one of the many Airbnb available on the island.