In September 2021, Martinique earned UNESCO recognition as a World Biosphere Reserve—a prestigious honor that cements its place as a must-visit destination. This French island invites you to explore at a relaxed pace, savoring every breathtaking view, cultural tradition, and culinary delight. While its natural beauty is undeniably enchanting, Martinique also brims with joy and vibrant experiences, offering unforgettable moments to every traveler.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Martinique promises something for everyone—be it unwinding on a white or black sand beach, sipping drinks on a terrace overlooking sugarcane fields, or hiking to a mountain peak surrounded by lush jungle.
Dive into this practical guide for a total immersion in Martinique, focusing on slow tourism and authentic adventures.
Awaken your senses in the heart of enchanting biodiversity
With its many microclimates, under the sea or with its feet firmly planted on the ground, Martinique’s fascinating natural environment is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. Whether you want to climb mountains or volcanoes, sunbathe under coconut palms, dive into turquoise waters or immerse yourself in the rainforest, nature and beauty are everywhere.
No wonder Tripadvisor’s community of travellers voted Martinique the 11th most beautiful natural destination in the world in 2024!
Martinique is home to more than 200 species of birds, including the most emblematic, the hummingbird.
Immerse yourself in the ocean floor, the island promises to be a sight to behold with its coral reefs and ballet of sea turtles and colourful fish. Further offshore, you might come across a pod of whales and dolphins: spectacular! In the north of the island, the lush vegetation of the tropical rainforest awaits for an immersive, refreshing walk, with the soothing sound of rivers and the wind blowing through heavy lianas and tree ferns.
You can also climb Montagne Pelée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Martinique’s highest point at 1,397 metres, for breathtaking panoramic views and unique plant species.
Be amazed by the flora of the four corners of the island, whether driving along roads lined with coconut palms, palm trees, fruit trees, fields of sugar cane or banana trees, or deep in the forest, overflowing with colourful tropical flowers, each more astonishing than the last.
Rum, the quintessence of Martinique’s savoir-faire
A true symbol of local culture and craftsmanship, Martinique rum, an emblematic product protected by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), is recognised throughout the world and offers a wide range of flavours depending on the type and ageing period. Each of the island’s distilleries has its own well-kept secrets, offering visitors a different and exclusive experience. Ti-punch in hand!
To discover all their secrets, visit the L’Habitation Clément distillery. On the programme: a guide will take you through the traditional methods of making agricultural rums, from cutting the cane to ageing, a fascinating animation in the cellar and a tasting of prestigious vintages and cuvées. All in the heart of a 17th century Creole mansion surrounded by sugar cane fields and lush tropical gardens.
Culture and carnival: influences from near and far
Amerindian, Creole, African, French and even Indian… the cultures of Martinique are sure to offer you cultural, culinary, human and sensory experiences with a thousand faces.
The Martinique Carnival, an unmissable festive and historical tradition, is the ideal destination to experience an absolutely unique open-air festival held over several days in February. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, traditions and deep-rooted values of the island.
Where there’s culture, there’s gastronomy. Generous, sunny, colourful, spicy: there are many words to describe the flavours of the West Indies. Salted cod fritters, creole blood sausage, fricassee chatrou – better known as octopus – ti nain lan mori, a typical green banana dish, and creamy coconut cake or blancmange desserts: try all of Martinique’s specialities without moderation.
Beaches to suit all tastes
Dreamy, secluded, wild, or wonderfully untamed—Martinique’s beaches are like stepping into a living postcard, each offering its own slice of paradise. Whether it’s the soft shimmer of pristine white sands or the dramatic allure of volcanic black shores, the island’s coastlines invite you to leave footprints in places that feel untouched by time.
From tranquil family retreats to adrenaline-filled adventures, Martinique’s beaches cater to every traveler’s dream. Along the serene Caribbean shores or the lively Atlantic surf, the possibilities are as endless as the horizon.
- L’Anse Couleuvre, hidden away beneath towering cliffs, is a wild sanctuary where lush greenery meets the rhythm of the waves. Surfers and snorkelers flock here for the pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and one of Martinique’s most dazzling underwater worlds.
- L’Anse Noire, a rare gem with its striking black sands, offers a rich marine ecosystem. Slip beneath the surface, and you’ll find yourself immersed in an open-air aquarium teeming with life, where vibrant corals and tropical fish create a spectacle of color and wonder.
- L’Anse Michel is a playground for the wind and the waves. Its breezy shores attract kitesurfers, sea kayakers, and windsurfers looking to glide across turquoise waters framed by whispering palms.
- For families, La Pointe Marin and the iconic Anse des Salines deliver postcard-perfect scenes with calm, crystalline waters, powdery white sand, and ample shade for long, carefree days under the sun.
And yet, these are merely the first chapters of Martinique’s coastal story…
