As an overseas region of France, you’ll find Parisian cafés, boulangeries, and French cuisine, seamlessly blending with vibrant Caribbean markets and laid-back beach bars. But don’t be fooled by the European influence, because Martinique has a strong Creole identity, shaped by its history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re hiking Mount Pelée, relaxing on white-sand beaches, or indulging in Creole flavors, this island has it all.
Martinique was the perfect introduction to the Caribbean for us as we spent five days in this French Caribbean gem before and after our cruise. But we easily could have stayed longer! And that’s the beauty of Martinique – it’s a place that calls you back even after you’ve just left.
What is the best time to visit Martinique
The best time to visit Martinique is during the dry season from December to April. During this period the island enjoys warm temperatures (25-30°C / 77-86°F), sunny skies, and lower humidity, making it perfect for beaches, hiking, and exploring.
- December – April | Best weather, ideal for outdoor activities, but also peak tourist season with higher prices.
- May – June | Warm and less crowded, with occasional rain. A good time for budget-friendly travel.
- July – November | Hurricane season, making Martinique hot, humid, and rainier, but still a great time if you don’t mind unpredictable weather.
Pro tip: Visit in late November or early December to enjoy good weather before peak crowds arrive.
Where to Stay in Martinique
Stay at Casa Hugo in Fort-de-France
Before we boarded our two-week cruise through the Caribbean we stayed a couple of days at Casa Hugo. This guesthouse sits right in the heart of Fort-de-France’s old town and was the perfect place to start our Caribbean adventure.
When you want to stay in Fort-de-France I recommend booking Casa Hugo.
Also read: Casa Hugo Review | A Perfect Stay In Fort-De-France, Martinique
Other places to stay in Martinique
Staying at Casa Hugo in Fort-de-France offers a wonderful city experience, and we loved the central location on the island. But if you’re planning a longer stay in Martinique you can also consider other parts of the island. Here are some popular areas to consider.
🏝 Les Trois-Îlets | Best for First-Time Visitors & Beach Lovers
Located just across the bay from Fort-de-France, Les Trois-Îlets is one of the most tourist-friendly areas on the island. It has decent beaches, restaurants, and activities, making it a perfect base for first-time visitors.
Click here to find accommodation in Les Trois-Îlets, but I recommend The Bahi Villa and Bambou Hotel & Spa.
🏖 Sainte-Anne | Best for Stunning Beaches & Relaxation
If you want classic Caribbean paradise, head to Sainte-Anne in the south. This is where you’ll find Plage des Salines, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Martinique.
Click here to find accommodation in Sainte-Anne, but I recommend Sable Blue Boutique Hotel in nearby Le Marin.
🌊 Le Diamant | Best for Coastal Views & a Peaceful Stay
If you’re looking for a more quiet and scenic escape, Le Diamant offers breathtaking views, including the famous Diamond Rock, a dramatic offshore volcanic formation.
Click here to find accommodation in Le Diamant, but I recommend Domaine de la Palmeraie.
🌿 Tartane (La Trinité) – Best for Nature & Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
If you’re drawn to untouched landscapes and outdoor adventures, Tartane is a fantastic base. Set on the Caravelle Peninsula, this area offers some of Martinique’s best hiking, hidden beaches, and wildlife spotting.
Click here to find accommodation in Tartane, but I recommend French Coco Hotel.
How To Get To Martinique
Fly to Martinique
As a French island, Martinique has great connections to France, French-speaking regions, and the Caribbean. Check out some of the best options to fly to Martinique:
- France | Direct flights from Paris (both CDG and ORY).
- Canada | Direct flights from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ).
- United States | Direct flights from Miami (MIA).
- French Guyana | Direct flights from Cayenne (CAY).
- Caribbean | Direct flights from Sint Maarten (SXM), Saint Martin (SFG), Guadeloupe (PTP) and Barbados (BGI).
Take the International Ferry to Martinique
There are multiple ferry connections every week linking Martinique to Saint Lucia, Dominica and Guadeloupe. You can check the timetable and buy your tickets directly with FRS Express des Îles.
Arrive in Martinique on a cruise ship
Martinique is frequently visited by cruise ships. From November to April the MSC Virtuosa even uses the island as its home base with weekly visits. But Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Costa and other cruise liners also frequently visit the island. And with good reason, because there are a lot of things to do in Martinique.
Also read: MSC Virtuosa Review | Our Caribbean Cruise Experience
How to Get Around In Martinique
Renting a car | The best way to explore Martinique
I highly recommend to rent a car for your stay in Martinique, because it’s the easiest and most flexible way to explore the island. Good to know is that overall the roads are excellent, just like in mainland France, and they drive on the right side of the road.
Traffic outside the capital is light, but expect congestion in capital Fort-de-France during rush hour. Parking in Fort-de-France after our day of sightseeing was also easy.
Renting a car in Martinique is quite affordable, but book your rental in advance, because especially in high-season demand is high.
Public transport | It’s an option, but not ideal
Now if you have an endless amount of time and patience you could get around to most of the best things to do in Martinique on buses. But really, they’re quite uncomfortable, hot, and can take ages to get you somewhere, unless it’s near Fort-de-France.
Buses are cheap though! And they’re quite easy to plan a trip with, since timetables are all on Google Maps.
Tip: Stay connected in Martinique by installing a Saily eSIM for the Caribbean. It includes pretty much all islands and is easy to top up with more data. Use code MARTIN84627 and get $5 off your first purchase.
Ferries | A scenic way to travel
There is also a great option to take a scenic ferry ride to Trois-Îlets. Three lines connect Fort-de-France (from Pointe Simon) to Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan and Anse à l’Âne. Tickets cost €5/€7 single/return. For timetables visit bluelines.mq and click on ‘Horaires et Tarifs’.
Taxis | Expensive and Not Always Available
Taxis are pricey, but fares are usually metered. Still best agree on a price upfront just in case. Few taxis operate late at night, and they’re hard to find outside Fort-de-France. Also during rush-hour it’s nearly impossible to find a taxi.
10 Fantastic Things To Do In Martinique
With all of the practical stuff out of the way it’s time to explore some of the best things to do in Martinique. After all of the things to do in Martinique you’ll find some itinerary ideas to plan your perfect trip.
1. Explore Fort-de-France
Fort-de-France is the beating heart of Martinique, a city where French sophistication meets Caribbean soul. Wander through the bustling streets, soak in the vibrant markets, and admire the colonial-era architecture. And all over town you’ll find some cool graffiti too.
If you want a local to show you around all of the cultural highlights, as well as taste some of the best food in Fort-de-France, then you can join this amazing food tasting and cultural walking tour.
If you want to explore the city on your own, then some of the highlights include the Schoelcher Library, Fort Saint-Louis, the Covered Market and Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Also read: 9 Things To Do In Fort-De-France (On A Cruise Port Day)
2. Hike to the top of Mount Pelée
For an unforgettable, but challenging adventure, hike to the top of Mount Pelée, the volcano that reshaped Martinique’s history. Why reshaped? Because when it erupted in 1902 it destoyed the town of Saint-Pierre.
Today, it’s a breathtaking trek with some amazing views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Hiking time takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The hike is not easy, but if you’re determined you can surely do it.
If you prefer to hike with a guide that knows the mountain, then consider booking this tour guide.
Tip: Start early in the morning, because clouds roll in quickly, and you’ll want clear views at the summit.
3. Take Martinique’s scenic Route de la Trace (N3)
If you love a good road trip – and really who doesn’t – then this one’s for you. The Route de la Trace (N3) is a winding, jungle-lined road that cuts through the heart of Martinique’s rainforest.
It’s the perfect self-drive with excellent roads and plenty of places to stop along the way. The road connects Fort-de-France to Le Morne-Rouge, and even further north to L’Ajoupa-Bouillon.
Some of the highlights along the road include the Balata Gardens, the Sacré-Coeur de Balata and various hiking trails leading you to waterfalls. But it’s also the road to take if you want to hike Mount Pelée or visit JM Distillery for some rum tasting.
Although the road quality of the Route de la Trace is outstanding, you should take your time, because the road is very curvy.
4. Walk the treetop canopy bridge at Balata Gardens
One of the first stops on the N3 is Martinique’s most beautiful garden, the Jardin du Balata (Balata Gardens). You can follow the route here for about 1-1.5 hours wandering along tropical plants, vibrant flowers and koi ponds.
The real highlights of the Balata Gardens though are the suspended treetop canopy bridge and the adorable hummingbirds that are flitting around.
With over 3,000 plant species from all over the world and stunning views of the jungle, this botanical garden is one of the must-do things to do on any Martinique itinerary.
5. Visit the Sacré-Coeur of Martinique
Yes, Martinique has its own version of Paris’ Sacré-Coeur. And while the views of the Parisian version are overlooking the French capital, the smaller tropical one here offers panoramic views of Fort-de-France and its bay.
A visit to the Sacré-Coeur of Martinique is a short stop, but the church is absolutely worth a visit and easily combined with a visit to the Balata Gardens.
6. Taste rum at JM Distillery
Martinique is home to some of the world’s best rum, and JM Distillery is one of the island’s most famous spots to sample agricultural rum (rhum agricole) made from fresh sugarcane juice. Make sure to try out their Canopée rum!
It’s not just the rum that’s worth a visit to this distillery though, but also its lush rainforest setting. And when we arrived here the rainforest was truly living up to its name, as it was raining upwards! It made the river that runs here a spectacular sight to see.
JM Distillery is quite a bit out of the way of everywhere really, but I think it’s a must on your list of things to do in Martinique. However, if you only have limited time on your Martinique itinerary consider visiting another distillery, such as:
- Habitation Clément | Beautiful estate, open-air museum, and excellent tasting options.
- Depaz Distillery | Located near Mount Pelée, with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Gets mixed reviews for the tasting experience though.
- Trois Rivières Distillery | Known for its white rhum, perfect for Ti’ Punch. Oh, and there’s a windmill on-site, so that’s pretty cool.
7. Plan a beach day at Plage des Salines
If you’re looking for that postcard-perfect Caribbean beach, Plage des Salines is the one. With powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Martinique.
And to be honest I think it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen on any of the Caribbean islands. Apart from it’s beauty, the beach is perfect for swimming. And this is a place where you can try local street food like accras, and chicken colombo with rice.
Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Early in the morning you also have better chances to find a covered (from the sun) spot.
8. Walk down the wooden pier of Anse d’Arlet
Anse d’Arlet is without a doubt the most picturesque village in Martinique. This beach town is famous for its charming wooden pier leading straight to the Saint-Henri church. This is one of the island’s most iconic photo spots, and for good reason.
Apart from being picture-perfect the pier is a fantastic place to hang-out. There’s usually a lot of activity here, such as fishermen fishing, pelicans fishing, people sunbathing and travellers and locals alike snorkeling the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
9. Eat local Creole food & French Pastries
Martinique’s cuisine is the perfect mix of French finesse and Caribbean spice. That means that whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Creole stews, or buttery pastries, the island delivers!
Some of the food you should certainly try on your Martinique itinerary:
- Colombo de Poulet | This spicy Creole chicken curry is best eaten with some rice for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Accras de Morue | Or simply accras are super tasty fried cod fritters. A perfect appetiser for in-between meals, or as a snack.
- Boudin Créole | These spiced Creole sausages can mainly be found at food trucks, or snack bars.
- Freshly baked French pastries | You cannot miss out on a pain au chocolat, a buttery croissant, or a roll du moment.
10. Visit Schoelcher, a sleepy fishing village
For a laid-back, local experience, head to Schoelcher, a charming fishing village just outside Fort-de-France. Named after abolitionist Victor Schoelcher, this town has a relaxed vibe, quiet beaches, and a great local market.
Schoelcher has a real small-town feel and is perfect for a short wander around. The beach is a great place for lunch and I highly recommend the burgers served at The Wanted (despite the mixed reviews). Although if you prefer seafood for lunch, then you’ll find plenty of that on the menu too.
5 More Things To Do in Martinique
We based our time in Martinique on the activities mentioned above. But if you have more time in Martinique, then take a look at five more things to do in Martinique.
- Kayak through the mangroves of the East Coast | A peaceful way to explore Martinique’s lush coastal waterways. There are a couple of outlets in Le Robert to rent kayaks, or book your kayak right here.
- Discover Les Trois-Îlets | Charming towns with beaches, Creole history, and the birthplace of Empress Joséphine. This is also a great place to go snorkeling with sea-turtles.
- Marvel at Diamond Rock | A famous offshore volcanic island with an incredible backstory. Explore from the nearby beach, or drive up to the scenic viewpoint ‘Mornes et Mer Caraïbes’.
- Hike the trails of the Caravelle Peninsula | Explore dry forests, hidden beaches, and the ruins of Château Dubuc.
- Step back in time in Saint-Pierre | Once the Paris of the Caribbean, this town was destroyed by Mount Pelée’s eruption in 1902, and today, its ruins tell a fascinating story. Visit the Mémorial de la catastrophe de 1902 to learn more.
Plan your perfect Martinique itinerary
We were surprised by the amount of things to do in Martinique and could’ve easily spent more days on this amazing French island.
That depends on how much of the island you want to explore, of course. While it’s possible to get a good feel for the island in just a few days, staying 5 to 7 days gives you time to fully experience its beaches, rainforests, Creole culture, and incredible food.
Based on our visit to Martinique let me give you some sample itineraries.
1 Day Martinique Itinerary | Cruise Shore Day
If you’re on a cruise and your ship stops in Martinique you’re in luck. But you will have to make some choices on which part of the island to visit. Spend some time in Fort-de-France and book a tour that goes to the rainforest in the north, or head south for a day at the beach.
- Beach day | The south of Martinique is all about beaches, with the best one being Plage des Salines. This awesome beach tour takes you there, but you will also visit a rum distillery on the way there.
- Rainforest day | If you prefer some time in the rainforest, visit a waterfall, see volcanos, go rum tasting and visit a botanical garden, then this tour of northern Martinique has you covered.
3 Days Martinique Itinerary | A quick getaway
With three days in Martinique you can rent a car and get a good taste of the island. Check out my suggested Martinique itinerary below that takes you all the way north, as well as all the way to the south of the island.
- Day 1 | Get up really early and drive north on the Route de la Trace (N3) to hike to the top of Mount Pelée. After the hike refuel with some local grub from Le Damas or Snack Liline Food in the town of Le Morne Rouge. Continue north to JM Distillery for some rum tasting in the rainforest and finish the day relaxing at Plage Sinai.
- Day 2 | Start the day exploring the highlights of Martinique’s capital Fort-de-France. Have lunch at Chez Carole inside the Covered Market before driving to the Sacré-Couer of Martinique. Finish the day at Balata Gardens.
- Day 3 | Today it’s time to relax with a day at the beach. Drive all the way south to Plage des Salines, Martinique’s prettiest beach. We enjoyed our ‘ti punch, Poulet de Colombo and Accras here for lunch.
5 Days Martinique Itinerary | The perfect balance
Follow the first 3 days of the Martinique itinerary above and then spend the following two days like this:
- Day 4 | Today explore the east coast of Martinique. Start your day hiking the Circuit de Caravelle. It’s an easy hike, but the route is quite exposed, so start early and use suncream! After the hike drive to Le Robert for a half-day kayaking tour around the islets here.
- Day 5 | On day 5 explore the southwest of Martinique. Start in Les Trois-Îlets to go on a 3-hour sea turtles snorkeling tour. Continue to Anse d’Arlet to visit the church and the wooden pier. Finish the day at Plage du Diamant.
7 Days Martinique Itinerary | The full experience
With a full week on the island you can tweak the days set out on above’s Martinique itineraries a little. Check out what to change below, but feel free of course to switch days around.
- Day 1 | Hike to the top of Mount Pelée, but instead of driving further north, after lunch in Le Morne Rouge drive to Distillery Depaz for a rum tasting. Then visit Saint-Pierre and the Memorial museum there. Continue driving down the coast and visit a fishing village such as Schoelcher.
- Day 2 – 3 | Keep these days the same as on the 3-day Martinique itinerary.
- Day 4 | Spend time on the east coast today, but do the Circuit de Caravelle on day 7. Instead spend all day kayaking, or spend part of the day surfing. Either rent a surf board, or book a surf lesson here.
- Day 5 | Keep today the same as on the 5-day Martinique itinerary.
- Day 6 | Today drive north on the Route de la Trace (N3). Spend the morning doing a hike, such as to Cascade de l’Alma. Or if you want to do something a little different, book a half-day canyoning trip! Then proceed with a visit to JM Distillery and finish at Plage Sinai.
- Day 7 | Go back to the east coast today, to hike the Circuit de Caravelle. Afterwards, have lunch at Cocoa Beach Cafe and take the afternoon to relax at Plage de l’Anse l’Etang.
Final Thoughts
Martinique is one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean, offering a mix of French culture, Creole flavours, and some stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re here for a few days or a full week, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience. Would I return? Absolutely.
Have you been to Martinique, or have any questions? Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you! And for more travel inspiration, sign up for my newsletter.
Planning your trip to the Caribbean? Then visit my Caribbean Travel Guide, for all my articles on this beautiful part of the world.
I really enjoyed this itinerary and the variety of experiences it includes, from beautiful beaches to hiking and exploring different parts of Martinique. Having a rental car definitely makes the trip much easier and gives you the freedom to adjust your plans along the way. During my own stay, I rented a car through covercar[.]fr and really appreciated being able to explore the island at my own pace. One thing I would add is to allow extra time for driving, especially in the north, as some of the roads are more winding than you might expect!