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 inte