I spent 8 full days on Martinique, one of the French islands in the Antilles, in the Caribbean. And honestly, I was speechless at how beautiful it is. The island is incredibly lush and green, with tropical landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly. Most of the roads are lined with trees and swaying palm trees, and nearly every beach we visited looked like it came straight off a postcard.
What really stood out, beyond the scenery, was the kindness of the people – we were always met with warmth and friendliness. And don’t get me started on the food: we never had a bad meal, whether it was from a small beachside stand or a restaurant in town. Everything was simply delicious.
Martinique is more of a relaxation island – perfect if you’re looking to slow down and enjoy the moment. Sure, you can go on adventures like hiking up the volcano Montagne Pelée, snorkeling with turtles, or taking a catamaran trip – but for us, this trip was mostly about soaking up the sun, sipping local punch, and enjoying Colombo de Poulet (a local chicken curry dish full of spices and Creole flavor) by the beach.
Practical Information about Martinique
Martinique is a very easy-going destination. It doesn’t take much planning, and once you’re there, it’s just as simple to stay spontaneous. Here are a few things that might help you prepare:
Do I need a visa?
If you’re a European national, you don’t need a visa to visit Martinique. A valid passport or national ID card is enough. For non-European visitors, it’s best to check entry requirements ahead of time.
What language is spoken?
The local language is Creole, which is closely related to French – and most people understand and speak French very well. In the more touristy areas, you’ll also find people who speak English, especially at hotels, restaurants, or tour operators.
Currency, prices & payments
Martinique uses the euro (€), and most places accept credit and debit cards. If you’re visiting more remote spots or small food stands, it’s best to have some cash on hand.
In terms of prices, Martinique is similar to mainland France. Expect to pay around €15–20 for a meal, and up to €15 for a cocktail in restaurants or beach bars.
Getting around
The island has a great road network, and driving is easy for the most part. Roads can get narrower and bumpier as you get closer to some beaches or more remote areas, but overall, there’s nothing to worry about.
Facilities
You’ll also find large supermarkets and shopping centers spread throughout the island. Whether it’s snacks, sunscreen, or anything else – it’s easy to find what you need.
Where to eat in Martinique?
Since we rented an apartment, we kept things simple:
- Breakfast at home, with a coffee-to-go from a nearby bakery
- Lunch wherever we were exploring that day
- Dinner sometimes out, sometimes back at the apartment
We often used martinique.org to find places to eat. It’s actually really practical. You can filter restaurants by location and cuisine, and we discovered some really great spots through it.
DAY 1
Arrival in Martinique
We landed in Martinique on April 9, excited to finally touch down after two connecting flights – Luxembourg to Paris, then Paris to Fort-de-France. The journey was smooth, and getting out of the airport was quick.
Car rental
Right after arrival, we were picked up by Jumbocar, our car rental provider. Everything went seamlessly – they brought us from the airport directly to their agency. We had pre-booked a small car with full insurance coverage (which I’d absolutely recommend) for peace of mind.
Cost: 425€ for 9 days + 400€ deposit.
Our stay: Fort-de-France
We stayed in a modern apartment in Fort-de-France, the capital of the island. It was only a 10-minute drive from the airport, which was great after a long day of travel.
We chose this area because it’s centrally located, making it easier to reach both the northern and southern parts of the island.
However, even with this central spot, getting around required at least 30 to 60 minutes of driving each day.
Cost: 905€ for 9 nights (split between us).
DAY 2
“Les Salines” Beach
We started the day slow – with breakfast on our apartment’s balcony, overlooking the bay and the anchored sailboats. Just coffee, yogurt, and fruit, but that view made it feel like something special. The sun was already out, the air warm, and we had our plans set: a beach day at Les Salines, one of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the island.
The Drive to the South
Les Salines is located at the southern tip of Martinique, near Sainte-Anne. From Fort-de-France, it’s about a 1-hour drive, depending on traffic. We left early to avoid the rush and arrived to find the beach still quiet and peaceful. Parking was easy that early, though it fills up quickly later in the day.
A Relaxed Day
The beach itself is exactly what you imagine when you think “Caribbean”: soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and a line of coconut trees swaying in the wind. It stretches for around 1.2 km, forming a gentle half-moon shape. The water was calm and perfect for swimming – especially in the morning before it got too hot.
We didn’t plan anything wild. Just sunbathing, reading under the palm trees, going for short swims, and sipping on local punch we bought from a nearby beach bar. The atmosphere is laid-back, ideal for anyone looking to disconnect and just enjoy the moment.
For lunch, we walked to the end of the beach where there’s a small open-air restaurant called Les Délices de la Mer. The food was great, I had a half avocado filled with shrimp in a creamy dressing, served with fresh salad and veggies. And again, that view… hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Les Salines was hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches we saw in Martinique. It’s also family-friendly, thanks to its shallow waters, and you’ll find some small shops selling fresh juices, accras (Creole fritters), or Colombo de Poulet, the island’s famous spiced chicken curry.
If you’re planning a visit: go early, bring sunscreen, and don’t over-plan – just let the day flow.
DAY 3
Anse Noire & Anse Dufour
What to know about Anse Noire
We set off toward Anse Noire, one of the southern beaches of Martinique, known for its rare black volcanic sand.
The drive got a little tricky the closer we got – the road became steeper, narrower, and quite bumpy. It’s definitely a “take it slow” kind of ride. As soon as we saw cars parked along the roadside, we did the same and walked the rest of the way. To actually reach the beach, you need to go down around 130 steps, so wear proper footwear.
Once you arrive, Anse Noire feels like a hidden cove. The contrast between the black sand, the green palm trees, and the turquoise sea is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the only beaches in the south of Martinique with this volcanic sand, while its neighbor Anse Dufour – just a short walk away – is known for its white sand. The two are separated by a rocky ridge formed by ancient lava flow.
There are no facilities at Anse Noire, so bring snacks, water, and whatever else you need for the day. It’s best to arrive early or later in the afternoon, as parking is limited.
Snorkeling & Turtles at Anse Noire
The main reason we came here: snorkeling. The water is crystal-clear, especially in the morning, and there’s a high chance of spotting turtles. We were lucky enough to see one not too far from the beach.
Just a quick reminder – don’t approach or touch them. Keeping at least 5 meters distance is advised to respect marine life.
The area is also beautiful for swimming and sunbathing. Despite being a popular beach, it never felt overly crowded – probably because it’s a bit more secluded and harder to reach.
What to know about Anse Dufour
Located right next to Anse Noire, Anse Dufour stands out with a few unique characteristics. Unlike its neighbor, this beach is covered in golden sand, which creates a striking contrast with Anse Noire’s black volcanic beach.
Anse Dufour has two small beachfront restaurants, but to be honest, we really didn’t enjoy the food. It was quite bland and dry, so if you plan to go, I’d recommend bringing your own picnic instead.
The beach tends to get busy and is also known for its rich underwater life. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, this is a great spot to explore a diverse marine ecosystem.
One thing to keep in mind: unlike Anse Noire, there’s barely any natural shade here. So make sure to pack sunscreen and stay protected from the strong tropical sun
DAY 4
Anse Couleuvre
The Road to the North
We left early in the morning to head toward Anse Couleuvre, one of Martinique’s wildest and most remote beaches, located at the island’s northern tip near Le Prêcheur. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Fort-de-France, and the road itself is an experience – lush jungle roads lined with palm trees, making the journey feel like part of the adventure.
From the last point where cars can park, you need to walk about 10–15 minutes through a tropical forest to reach the beach. Parking is limited, so arriving early is definitely a good idea if you want a spot close to the trail entrance.
What to expect?
Anse Couleuvre truly feels untouched. It’s a stunning black sand beach, backed by dense jungle. There’s something raw and beautiful about how isolated it is. We were lucky to get there early, and it was peaceful and quiet until early afternoon when more visitors started trickling in.
There are no facilities at all – no restaurants, showers, or vendors – so be sure to pack your own water, snacks, and anything else you might need for a day at the beach.
We left the beach around 4 PM, starving after hours in the sun. Many restaurants in Martinique stop serving food around 2 PM, so we ended up grabbing a bite at a random roadside place near a gas station in Saint-Pierre. To our surprise, it turned out to be one of the best meals we had during the whole trip: authentic, flavorful, and super local.
To close the day, we drove back to Fort-de-France and stopped by Le Cloud, a rooftop bar just two minutes from our apartment. The sunset view was magical, and it was the perfect end to a day full of nature, exploration, and good food.
DAY 5
Catamaran Excursion: Dolphin Watching & Turtle Snorkeling
This was one of the absolute highlights of our trip! We booked a full-day catamaran excursion with @calypso_croisieres, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better choice. For around 110€, we were just 13 people on board, which made the experience feel really personal and relaxed (They also offer a more budget-friendly option for 95€, but with 18–20 guests).
After about a 1-hour drive from our accommodation, we reached Anse d’Arlet, a charming little town where we boarded our catamaran. The area is full of good vibes and lovely little boutiques – worth staying a bit to stroll around after the boat tour.
The tour started at 8 AM from Anse d’Arlet, and we spent the whole day at sea: cruising along the coast, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the most stunning views. There was unlimited punch and way more food than we expected! Everything was super delicious, and the crew was incredibly kind and attentive the entire day.
We had two snorkeling stops: one where we swam with sea turtles, and another where we actually spotted wild dolphins (!!). The dolphins disappeared too quickly to get a proper drone shot, but the moment was magical nonetheless.
We ended the day snorkeling with sea turtles at Anse D’Atlet. They were so big and peaceful, gliding gracefully through the water. I was speechless.
The trip wrapped up around 4:30 PM, and even though we were out all day, I could’ve stayed longer. It was the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
To top it off, we stopped at Grande Anse d’Arlet (a 5-minute drive away) just in time for sunset. This beach is one of the island’s most famous – and now we understand why. The colors, the calm, the view of the church from the pier – it was pure postcard material.
DAY 6
“Le Diamant” Beach
Beach Day at le Diamant
We spent the day at Grande Anse du Diamant, one of the longest beaches in Martinique, located in the south of the island. This 3-kilometer stretch of golden sand offers a postcard-perfect view of the Diamond Rock and the volcanic Morne Larcher, also known as La Femme Couchée because of its silhouette resembling a reclining woman.
The beach has a wild, authentic charm to it – lined with grape and coconut trees, offering enough shade to hide from the midday sun. It’s popular with surfers and bodyboarders thanks to the strong waves, and there’s a pontoon you can walk out on for a beautiful panoramic view.
We didn’t swim much because of the currents (which can get pretty strong), but we loved the long walk along the beach and the sound of the waves. There are some picnic tables scattered around and a few small restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite.
Where to have lunch at “le Diamant” & Sunset Spot
Around 5 PM, we made our way to Le Chill, a beach bar just a few steps from the sand. It was one of the only places still open by then, and honestly, it was exactly what we needed. Their cocktails were amazing (I had a punch, of course), the food was tasty, and the relaxed vibe made us want to stay for hours.
By the time we finished our drinks, the sky had already started to change colors. We headed back down to the beach and watched the sun set behind the waves, casting a warm glow over the mountains and palm trees. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island – and I couldn’t agree more.
DAY 7
Beach Day & Rhum Tasting
Tombolo de Sainte-Marie
We drove 45 minutes to Sainte-Marie to see the famous Tombolo.
It’s a natural sand strip, about 100 meters long, that connects the mainland to Îlet Sainte-Marie. It only appears when the tide is low, and walking across it feels a bit surreal – like nature quietly opening a path just for you.
The Tombolo forms and fades with the seasons. From November to April, when the northern swells are strongest, a sand path emerges, allowing a shallow-water crossing to Îlet Sainte-Marie.
As spring arrives and the trade winds shift, the sandbar gradually erodes.
Before attempting the crossing, check with the local tourist office. Accessibility depends on the season, tide times, and whether the site is open to visitors.
“La Brêche” Beach
After a short stroll and some windy drone shots, we continued our way to La Brêche, a peaceful beach in the Trinité district.
Originally, we had planned to go hiking at the nearby Presqu’île de la Caravelle, which offers trails of 45 minutes to a few hours – but truth be told, we were starving. So instead, we crossed the road to Rhum Hardy, a small, local distillery that turned out to be the highlight of the afternoon.
We tasted a few of their rums, sat down with a couple of snacks, and ended up staying longer than expected. It was one of those unplanned detours that just works out. They also served “le planteur”, the traditional local punch made with white rum, sugarcane syrup, and tropical juices – ours had hints of coconut and passionfruit. Refreshing and way too easy to drink.
Not the most productive day, but definitely a good one.
Top 8 distilleries to visit in Martinique
The story of Martinique and rum is one of deep connection, so much so that local distilleries are now a true part of the island’s heritage. In Martinique, you’ll find three main types of rum:
- White rum, distilled and stored for three months in wooden barrels
- Amber rum (also called “paille”), aged 18 months in large oak vats
- Aged rum, matured in oak barrels for at least 3 years for VO, 4 years for VOSP, and 6 years for XO
Here are eight distilleries worth visiting:
- Rhum Hardy Distillery in Trinité
- Clément Distillery in the town of Le François
- Depaz Distillery at the foot of Mount Pelée
- Neisson Distillery in the commune of Le Carbet
- Rhum JM Distillery also near Mount Pelée
- Saint-James Distillery in the town of Sainte-Marie
- La Mauny Distillery on the hills of Rivière-Pilote
- Trois-Rivières Distillery in the southern part of the island, in Trois-Rivières
DAY 8
Beaches of Sainte-Luce
On our eighth day in Martinique, we made our way to Sainte-Luce, a little fishing village on the island’s southern coast. The drive in already set the tone: rows of colorful Creole houses, lush greenery, and that laid-back rhythm of island life that invites you to take your time.
First Stop: “Anse Désert” Beach
Our first stop was Plage de l’Anse Désert, a peaceful stretch of sand fringed by palms and sea grapes. The beach was quiet, the kind of place where the only sounds are the waves and the wind through the trees. We stayed for a while, swimming and just soaking up the calm.
Second Stop: “Gros Raisin” Beach
Later, we explored Plage de Gros Raisin, closer to town and with a livelier feel – perfect for a late afternoon walk.
Sainte-Luce itself is so charming. As you wander through town, you pass bright little houses, smiling locals, and the scent of Creole food drifting out of open windows. It’s a place that feels lived-in and loved.
What to do in Sainte-Luce
If you’re visiting, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches. There are seven in total:
- Anse Mabouya
- Fond Banane
- Pont Café
- Pointe Fusette
- Bourg de Sainte-Luce
- Anse Désert
- Gros Raisin
DAY 9
Visit to the “Balata” Gardens
Balata Gardens: What to expect
Just 10 kilometers from Fort-de-France, on Route de Balata, you’ll find one of the most peaceful places we visited in Martinique: the Balata Garden.
We arrived early in the morning, hoping to beat the crowds (and school trips), and it turned out to be the best decision. As soon as we stepped inside, everything slowed down. The garden is a true green oasis – over 3,000 species of tropical plants, endless palm trees stretching into the sky, colorful flowers everywhere, and small paths winding through the landscape like a gentle invitation to get lost.
One of the highlights was the canopy walkway, suspended 15 meters above the ground. It offers a completely different perspective of the garden and a little dose of adrenaline if you’re not a fan of heights. Scattered throughout the park, you’ll also find small wooden bridges, ponds filled with lily pads, and even a Creole-style house adding a lovely architectural touch.
Plan about 1.5 hours for your visit. Entry is €16, and there’s a small on-site restaurant if you get hungry, but no picnics are allowed inside, and pets have to stay at home.
Le Morne Rouge
After our garden walk, we drove up to Le Morne Rouge and found a little restaurant called Le Bambou, hidden in the middle of the jungle. The food was simple and tasty, but the real experience was the setting: lush, humid, and full of mosquitos. I left with at least ten bites as a souvenir, so maybe bring some repellent if you’re heading that way!
The charming village of Le Morne Rouge is known for its bright red rooftops and lush greenery. From there, you get a beautiful view of Mont Pelée, Martinique’s iconic volcano. If you’re in the mood for adventure, I’d totally recommend hiking it. We didn’t do it this time (we were all about relaxing), but I’ve heard it’s absolutely worth it.
Volcano “Mont-Pelée”
- Trail name: Aileron Trail (Sentier de l’Aileron)
- Starting point: Parking area at the Aileron refuge (~830 m altitude)
- Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours round trip, depending on pace
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with some steep sections
- Views: Panoramic summit views (best on a clear day)
- Trail condition: Well-marked and maintained
- Tips:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes
- Start early in the day
- Check the weather forecast – clouds can roll in fast
Sunset at Saint-Pierre
Before heading back, we made one last stop at a beach in Saint-Pierre to catch the sunset. It’s often said that sunsets here are among the most beautiful on the island – and I can see why. The sky slowly turned shades of orange and purple as the sun dipped behind the horizon, with the waves gently rolling in front of us.
It was quiet, calm, and the perfect way to end our final evening in Martinique.
DAY 10
Departure Day
On our last day, we were lucky – our flight wasn’t until 6 PM, and our Airbnb host kindly let us stay in the apartment until 4 PM. So we decided to make the most of those last few hours. In the morning, we headed to a beach near Fort-de-France, just a short drive from where we were staying. It was the perfect spot to enjoy one final swim and soak up the sun before heading home.
For lunch, we stopped at Numa, a beachside restaurant right by the water. The food was totally fine – nothing extraordinary, but good enough for a relaxed last meal with a view.
