Martinique travel guide
Martinique Tourism | Martinique Guide
You're Going to Love Martinique
A mix of French and Caribbean culture, Martinique has so much history to share and some of the best beaches and scenery in the Antilles. It is the perfect place for those who wish for a mix of relaxation, culture and activity.
What to do in Martinique
1. Go to the Beach at Les Salines
This is one of the most popular beaches in Martinique and is just what one would expect from a Caribbean postcard; white sand, coconut trees and deep blue water. Nearby, there is a salt water pond, which inspired the beach's name.
2. Explore the Balata Botanical Gardens
To spend a day exploring local flora, there is no better place than the Balata Botanical Gardens, which houses over 3,000 local species.
3. Hike on Mount Pelee
A hike up the volcano of Mount Pelee offers wonderful views of the island, especially if starting out early in the morning. There are 5 trails to choose from with varying difficulties.
4. Visit the Town of Saint-Pierre
The old town of Saint-Pierre was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902, and the new town is build among its ruins. A tourist train travels from the port up the hill to see the ruins of some of the old structures.
5. Learn about Former Industries at Les Trois-Ilets
Les Trois-Ilets is a lovely and well-set up area with a lot to do. Not to miss are visits to Maison de la Canne, to learn about the old sugar cane industry, and to Village de la Poterie des Trois-Ilets, to learn how roof tiles were produced.
When to visit Martinique
The best months to visit Martinique are December to April, when hurricane season is over and the island holds a multitude of events
How to Get to Martinique
Entry requirements
As Martinique is French territory, the same entrance rules apply as when traveling to France. Citizens from a large number of countries, including the EU, the USA, Canada and Australia, can enter without a visa while anyone else will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Plane
Nonstop flights to Martinique are available from France with Air France, from the USA and Puerto Rico with American Airlines, from Canada with Air Canada, and from other Carribean destinations with Air Caraibes, Air Antilles Express and LIAT.
Boat
Ferry boats are available from the neighboring islands with ferry companies Express des Iles and Brudey Freres. Cruise ships often stop by the island for the day especially during high season.
Popular airports in Martinique
Popular airlines serving Martinique
Where to stay in Martinique
Hotels and bed & breakfasts are available throughout the island, while it is also possible to rent a whole private island for the night. Camping is available in select locations for a small fee, both in the mountains and around the beach.
Where to stay in popular areas of Martinique
How to Get Around Martinique
Public Transportation
Public transportation on the island is limited to a few bus lines and some ferry boats, and as a result, driving is a lot more common.
Bus
Buses are for the most part minibuses with a TC marked on them. Bus stops are recognizable with their blue signs with a bus drawn in the middle. If in the capital Fort-de-France, just head to the Taxi Collectif Terminal. Buses operate until 6:00 pm on weekdays and until 1:00 pm on Saturdays, and they can transfer passengers to the major destinations, including Saint-Pierre, Diamant, Pointe du Bout, Sainte-Anne and Grande Riviere.
Car
Driving is the best way to see the island and the roads in Martinique are very well kept in general. To rent a car, visitors need a local driver's license, and in some cases an international driver's permit.
Boat
Shuttle ferries are available between Fort-de-France, Trois Ilets and Pointe du Bout. Departures are usually every 30m, with the last boat leaving sometime between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm depending on the day.
The Cost of Living in Martinique
Eating out in Martinique will cost around €10 ($12) for an inexpensive meal, while a mid-range 3-course meal will cost around €30 ($33) per person. Long distance bus trips cost between €5 ($5.50) and €9 ($10). Credit cards are accepted in all the major hotels and establishments, but it is recommended to keep some cash on hand for purchases from smaller operators.