Things to Know Before Visiting Martinique

Janet Taylor
Jul 11, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Sep 5, 2023

Near the easternmost point of the Caribbean Sea, in the Lesser Antilles, sits the French island of Martinique. The 1,128 square kilometer Windward Island, which is nestled between Barbados and St. Lucia, boasts a rare combination of history, culture, and, of course, picture-perfect white sand beaches. You can locate black-sand beaches in the shadow of Mont Pelée, the active volcano that formed them, in the northern part of Martinique for a bit of diversity.

We'll provide you all the information you need to make travel arrangements to one of the Caribbean's most well-liked places. No matter how frequently you travel, there will always be questions that need answers: How is the weather? How do I travel from the Aimé Césaire International Airport in Martinique to my hotel? What type of plug and currency am I going to need? You will feel a little better equipped to start your trip to Martinique after reading this short and simple guide.

What are the main towns and villages in Martinique?

One of the Windward Islands is Martinique. It is a French territory situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea, in the French West Indies, between Dominica to the south and Saint Lucia to the north. The island is 1,128 square kilometers in size. While the south of the island is simpler to navigate and has more well-known beaches, the north of the island is rugged and has the still-active Mount Pelée volcano as its highest point. Le Diamant, Saint-Pierre, and Saint-Anne are a few of the most alluring towns and villages in Martinique, while Fort-de-France is the island nation's capital.

Fort-de-France

Martinique's capital city is Fort-de-France, which was founded in the early 17th century. It is located on the island's western coast. It is home to numerous historic structures, including Sacré-Coeur de Balata Church, Fort Saint-Louis (now a French Naval Base), and Fort-de-France Cathedral. Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport, which serves as the island's primary arrivals hub, is located close to the city. Although Fort-de-France isn't the most popular place to stay in Martinique, it is the best spot to go shopping.

Le Diamant

Le Diamant, a charming traditional village recognized for its fine sand beach on the Grande Anse and for its great marine life, which particularly appeals to divers, is named after the well-known Diamond Rock, which is located 4.5 km southwest off the shore. You can engage in a variety of marine-related activities in Le Diamant, such as diving, sea fishing, and kayaking. For views over the bay, go up Larcher Hill or visit the shell museum.

Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre, the former capital of Martinique, was established in 1635 and was dubbed "the Little Paris of the West Indies" before its destruction by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. The Cyparis Dungeon, the Rue Monte-au-Ciel, and the remains of Fort Church stand as quiet witnesses to this catastrophe today. Saint-Pierre is also well-known for its harbor, the Earth Sciences Discovery Centre, and the shipwrecks that are located on the Anse Turin seabed.

Sainte-Anne

Some of the Windward Islands' most stunning beaches can be found in Martinique. The Salines beach, which is the most beautiful of all, has elevated Sainte-Anne to the status of one of Martinique's must-visit cities. The Etang des Salines can be reached by strolling along this vast beach. Jet skiing, diving, and kitesurfing are all popular activities in Sainte-Anne.

When is the best time to travel to Martinique?

With year-round average temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, Martinique has a tropical rainforest climate.

With around 19 rainy days every month, June through November is the rainiest time of the year. During the rainy season, sporadic storms are to be expected. There are typically 12 rainy days every month from December to May.
Martinique is most frequently visited between December and April, although during this time, travel is at its most expensive.
The ideal month to visit Martinique is May. You won't have to deal with the summer crowds, the weather is pleasant, and hotel and airfare costs are normally lower.

How to get to my hotel in Martinique

Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF)

The main center of Fort-de-France is located about 7 km southeast of Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport. The terminal offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping establishments in addition to amenities like free Wi-Fi, banking, and currency exchange. You have a variety of transport options to choose from to travel to any location on the island:

You can find metered taxis at gate D in the arrivals area.
Desks for car rental companies are located in front of the terminal.

How to get around Martinique?

Walking is the ideal method for exploring Martinique's towns and villages.
Renting a car is the most practical choice for longer trips. Although the roads are normally in good condition, Fort-de-France experiences heavy traffic during rush hour. Be advised that in order to drive in France and French territories like Martinique, foreigners must possess an international driving license. It is suggested to use a global car rental provider. In the peak season, making reservations far in advance is crucial.
Bus travel is a fantastic choice if you're on a tight budget. The island's bus networks, which are effective and affordable, cover practically all cities and villages. The only drawbacks are that buses have limited timetables, especially on weekends, and are slower than driving a car.
Shuttle boat lines run by Vedettes Tropicales provide a fun and inexpensive way to tour the island. Some of the places they connect Fort-de-France to are Les Trois-Îlets in the south and Case-Pilote in the north. They collaborate with the system of public buses.
There are metered taxis available, however they are rather expensive to use to go around the island.

What are the main annual events in Martinique?

Bastille Day (July 14)

As in France, French National Day is widely observed in the West Indies, particularly in Fort-de-France, the island's capital. In the morning, there is a military parade that includes firefighters and gendarmerie, and in the evening, there is a popular ball and fireworks.

Martinique’s Carnival (Mid-February)

Martinique's Carnival, which was originally celebrated in Saint-Pierre in 1650, is overseen by Vaval and la Guiablesse, a fabled duo referred to as the "king and queen of carnival." You're welcome to take part in the parades, dance all night long, and eat Creole blood sausage and other regional specialties for five days.

Martinique Jazz Festival (Late November)

The longest-running jazz festival in the Caribbean is the Martinique Jazz Festival. This 10-day event has featured performances by Caribbean and musicians from all over the world like Diego El Cigala, Lisa Simone, and Branford Marsalis.

Where: Tropiques Atrium, Fort-de-France

What are the main landmarks in Martinique?

L’Habitation Clément

In the southeast of Martinique, in the commune of Le François, is the 160-hectare agricultural estate known as L'Habitation Clément. This location, which is dominated by an 18th-century Creole home, brings together a significant historical site, a center for modern art, and a renowned rum distillery.

Mount Pelée (La Montagne Pelée)

An active volcano named Mount Pelée rises 1,397 meters in the northern part of Martinique. While it is possible to climb to the summit on foot and enjoy a panoramic view over Martinique, doing so is safer when accompanied by an expert guide.

Saint-Louis Cathedral

Built towards the end of the 19th century, the Saint-Louis Cathedral is a Gothic Revival-style monument in the heart of Fort-de-France. The cathedral's distinctive slenderness is due to the nave, which is fully supported by metal arches. The stained-glass windows that record the history of the city and the pipe organ, Grandes Orgues, are not to be missed.

Slaves’ Savannah (La Savane des Esclaves)

In the Trois-Îlets countryside, there is a 3-hectare park called La Savane des Esclaves where you can learn about the islanders' way of life during the time of slavery. A map and several French and English signs will help you navigate the site independently and at your own leisure.

Martinique Basics