Many Caribbean Islands are synonymous with ‘sea, sand and sun,’ but the kind of magic found in Martinique – the so-called Island of Flowers, is something different. Miles of fine black, white or peppered sand beaches, perfect for just lazing out, golden nature, banana plantations and sugarcane fields, fishing villages, an abundance of colorful blooms on the hillsides and great outdoors are what make the island a year-round travel destination for every kind of holidaymaker from a shop-happy fashionista to a cliff-diving adventure traveler.
Found in the Lesser Antilles some 300 miles northeast of Venezuela, Martinique stretches over a surface area of 1080 square kilometers and was formed by centuries of volcanic activity. Approximately 43% of the island is covered by lush tropical forests, while many hills, plateaus and steep mountains are also characteristic of the island. Mt. Pelee, which is an active volcano, is the highest point of the island, 1397 meters at height.
Visitors never fail to appreciate Martinique‘s rich heritage, which is an intriguing fusion of Creole, African, French Indian cultures, as well as the island’s tons of attractions, which for years have been drawing travelers from around the world.
Fort de France
Lively and energetic, Martinique’s capital city is perhaps the first must-see stop when visiting the island. This is the island’s main port where ferries arrive; rich in natural and cultural attractions, a nice choice of hotels, restaurants and places to grab a drink. The city is an ideal place to wander around and take in the handful of historic sites and museums. Do not miss out the bustling Covered Market, where vendors sell unusual tropical produce, as well as local handicrafts.
Saint Pierre
The former capital of the island until 1902, when the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pelee completely destroyed the town and killed its 30,000 residents, Saint Pierre is now a popular destination in Martinique, where visitors head to get acquainted with its historic ruins and the Volcanological Museum, displaying the glorious rise and tragic fall of the city after eruption. Saint Pierre was known as the ‘Paris of the Caribbean’ in the 19th century. Ceron Ppantations is another must-see in St. Pierre, showcasing the site of an old sugar mill dating back to the 17th century, but the real attraction here is the restaurant serving awe-inspiring local cuisine.
Trois Ilets
The island is also blessed with great nightlife and dining scene, so those in search of bars, clubs, casinos and restaurants should definitely head to the tiny marina village of Trois Ilets, where a wealth of interesting places await for exploration. Here visitors will find a number of resorts and hotels, as well aas ice cram shops, clothing boutiques and pizza joints.
Martinique Beaches
Beaches in Martinique come in a variety of shapes and styles and are well-equipped with beach facilities. There are many of them scattered in different parts of the island, with the most popular being Anse des Salines, a great getaway for both local and international travelers; Anse Ceron – one’s of the north’s black sand beaches; and Anse Noir, blessed with a majestic sea bed ideal for snorkeling and diving. Beaches on the east side of the island are less crowded, however the views here are truly spectacular.
Worth a visit is also the Regional Natural Reserve of Martinique, made up of three zones, including the north-Caribbean zone, The Peninsula of La Caravelle and the South, which has the essential mission of protecting and improving the nature and image of the island’s landscapes. No matter what places in Martinique you’ll be able to visit, one thing is for sure that the island is where your holidays will turn into unforgettable moments to cherish forever!
