Martinique and Guadeloupe are two key destinations for all those who wish to get back to the sun while winter is raging in Europe. These two French overseas territories located in the middle of the Caribbean radiate by the extreme mildness of their climate, their dreamy beaches, their green landscapes that invite to hiking, without forgetting their colorful atmosphere and their gastronomy. The two islands are nevertheless unique, each with its own history and geographical particularities. Difficult to make a choice? It's not a problem, we can always plan to visit these two marvels during our life as travelers.
Good reasons to discover Martinique
Paradise island lovers who wish to fly to Martinique must find the accommodation of their dreams after booking their plane tickets. For this, a tour operator specializing in vacation rentals such as Antilles Exception offers villa and hotel rentals, with packages that include accommodation, transfers, car, home catering and on-site assistance. The reservation is done quickly with the help of travel consultants who know the island perfectly and who will help you find the ideal pied-à-terre for a trip for two, with family or friends!
After choosing one of the Martinique villa rentals available, the adventure can begin with the discovery of Fort-de-France, a bustling city with its restaurants, stores, Grand Marché and Spice Market, as well as exciting museums like the Departmental Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory. Other towns are worth a visit, for their charm and their idyllic location between the sea and the great green spaces. Let's mention Saint-Pierre, Sainte-Anne and Le Carbet.
Martinique allows boat excursions to explore the sea bed, but also whole mornings or afternoons of idleness on dream beaches: the Salines beach, one of the most famous, the Diamant beach, frequented by bodyboarders, the Anses d'Arlet beach, with its church and its pontoon, and the Cap Macré beach, more intimate and with translucent waters, are must-sees.
You should also not miss the opportunity to enjoy nature, by following the Route de la Trace, which crosses the rainforest and offers breathtaking panoramas, or by climbing Mount Pelée with a guide. Or you can opt for a canyoning session in the gorges of La Falaise.
A stay in Martinique cannot be complete without taking advantage of its Creole gastronomy, places that tell its eventful history like the Savane des Esclaves and of course without visiting some distilleries and tasting some prestigious rums.
The assets of Guadeloupe to satisfy the travelers
What better that settled in one of the Guadeloupe villa rentals to fulfill our desires of disconnection? This other island of the West Indies, shaped like a butterfly, is rich of an incredible culture and diversified landscapes. Let's close our eyes for a moment and imagine ourselves in a comfortable hotel with a pool or in a luxurious villa where the pool seems to melt into the sea!
Beaches are king in Guadeloupe. The turquoise color of the water is an unceasing invitation to swimming and water activities. In Basse-Terre, the beach of La Perle in Deshaies is among the most beautiful. You can get there after crossing a forest. In Grande-Terre, the beach of Bois Jolan in Sainte-Anne is a favorite, with its coconut trees and its wild character. There is also the Souffleur beach in Port-Louis, a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, with a splendid view of the Soufrière.
Moreover, for hiking enthusiasts, the ascent of La Soufrière, a still active volcano, is a must to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view at the end. Also for hikers, the Guadeloupe National Park, which has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, unveils trails that lead to treasures such as the Carbet Falls and the Crayfish Waterfall, where you can cool off.
It is important to know that in Guadeloupe you can multiply your experiences. From a quad bike ride from Saint-François or a canyoning descent in the Ravine Chaude river, you will find yourself the next day in a boat exploring the surrounding islands, Marie-Galante, Petite-Terre or the Saintes archipelago.
To come back with a maximum of colorful pictures, we can finally go for a walk along the black and white checkerboard tombs of the cemetery of Morne-à-l'Eau, on the hillside, or stroll in the alleys with colonial architecture and in the gourmet markets of Point-à-Pitre.
Martinique or Guadeloupe, the choice is not easy, but the wonder is in any case at the rendezvous.
