It is not difficult to understand the admiration of Columbus, who discovered this Caribbean island - a corner of Eden, framed by satin beaches, is buried in greenery and flowers. Modern tourists are attracted not only by the charm of Martinique; here they find everything they need for a rich and vibrant holiday.
Martinique on the map
Martinique Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean on the map
Martinique is located in the central part of the Lesser Antilles ridge and is a French overseas possession. From above it is easy to see that Martinique is divided into two territories: the relatively flat south and the mountainous north. On the second is the infamous Mont Pele volcano (Bald Mountain), whose height reaches 1397 meters.
The island of flowers is washed by the Caribbean Sea from the west, and the majestic Atlantic Ocean from the east. Martinique has four districts: Le Marin, Fort-de-France, Saint-Pierre, La Trinite. The size of the entire territory is almost 1130 km², the hospitable population is just under 400 thousand people, the capital is Fort-de-France.
Holidays in Martinique
Travelers who choose Martinique can be envied: developed infrastructure, gorgeous beaches, excellent roads, a fantastic Caribbean Sea, fashionable resort areas, high-quality service, entertainment for the most demanding needs. It’s not for nothing that rich French citizens come here to relax in their own villas.
There is something for everyone, since on the island it is possible to combine solitude, extreme sports, promenades along numerous attractions, and explosive fun. French and Creole cuisine, culture, music, and traditions are surprisingly intertwined.
Aesthetes will not be disappointed in the spectacular performances and exhibitions; gourmets will appreciate the taste of tart rum and spicy dishes based on meat, seafood, and vegetables. Those eager for ecotourism will add to their collection of impressions with forays into nature, and absolutely everyone will give the highest score to a beach holiday, since seaside leisure in Martinique is varied, rich, and of high quality.
Nature of Martinique
Judging by scientific descriptions, the flora and fauna in Martinique does not shine with wealth, but the eyes refuse to believe it. The foam of the clouds in the endless blue of the sky is reflected in the bottomless surface of the sea, the vegetation glitters with all sorts of shades of green, the mountainous slopes of the volcanoes are covered with forests, flowering fruit trees exude a delightfully intoxicating aroma. Sugar, coffee, cotton plantations, flowers from tiny to giant, replace each other on the southern side, and they delight the eye not only in protected areas, but also in populated areas, near hotels, and on beaches.
The rivers do not differ in depth and width, but this is compensated by their quantity. Moreover, not every Caribbean island boasts fresh water bodies, but Martinique also has waterfalls. The underwater world is definitely not poor! You can easily verify this by renting equipment for diving and similar hobbies. Wildlife lovers should be careful, since in tropical thickets it is possible to encounter snakes, but there are none in cities and towns.
Martinique landmarks
If we continue the conversation about nature, then it is considered one of the main attractions of the island. All you need to do is sign up for an excursion along the Route de la Traz route. The lucky ones admire the tropical shady bushes, real forests of tree-like spreading ferns, carved palm trees, walk through the fairy-tale botanical garden of Jardin-Balata, take photographs against the backdrop of waterfall cascades, and relax on the banks of the Alma River.
To complete the experience, it is advisable to dilute unity with nature with other excursions and entertainment, of which there are many offered in Martinique:
- a functioning museum in the house of the first wife of Napoleon I;
- Banana and Butterfly Museums;
- climbs to Montagne Pelée and Pitons du Carbet;
- festive processions marking the opening of the carnival season;
- Bay of Fort-de-France;
- Trabo, Noir and Dufour bays;
- beaches of Anse Tartan, Salines; Enns Bonneville, Enns Létan;
- sugar cane and coffee processing workshops;
- salt lake Etang de Salines;
- Chateau-Dubuque castle;
- volcanic island of Rochers du Diamant.
When is the best time to go to Martinique
It is advisable to plan your trip for January-May, since at this time the average temperature is about 26 degrees. August is considered the hottest, when the mercury reaches 31-32 degrees, but even these days the sea breeze softens the scorching heat.
The lights of the casino and the drive of carnivals, active recreation and delightful beach idleness, exotic shopping and exciting extreme sports, the romance of sunsets and the velvet of sunrises - this is all about it, the island of Martinique. The Caribbean is always impressive, and a trip to the blooming fairy tale of Martinique is further proof of this.