The Batala garden, a must-see in Martinique© Production PERIG - Fotolia
Martinique certainly deserves its nickname of "flower island": its generous sunshine and lush vegetation make it one of the most beautiful gardens in the Caribbean. It's the ideal place to enjoy green, environmentally-friendly tourism, discovering its many landscapes through hiking and water sports of all kinds. This little piece of France in the middle of the Caribbean Sea promises exoticism and comfort to all travellers, who will enjoy its sublime beaches and mild weather all year round. Zouk, ti-punch and Creole accents, Madinina opens its doors and reveals its rich culture for the duration of a heavenly trip. From Fort-de-France to Mount Pelée and the beach at Les Salines, here are our must-sees in Martinique.
1. Sainte-Anne and Anse des Salines
Salines beach, a must-see in Martinique© JC Dusanter
Sainte-Anne is located on the large Anse des Salines and is one of the main seaside resorts in southern Martinique. It owes its success to its wide variety of beaches, both family-friendly and wild, making it the ideal place to relax in the sun in a dream setting. Anse des Salines, 5 km from Sainte-Anne, is a picture-postcard stretch of 1 km of white sand. The beach is very popular with over 2 million visitors every year, so get there early in the morning to make the most of its enchanting scenery.
2. Fort-de-France, a bustling city
Bibliothèque Schoelcher, Fort-de-France, a must-see in Martinique© Gilles Morel
The capital of Martinique, Fort-de-France is the island's largest city. It's great fun to wander around its historic center, where you'll find many interesting monuments such as the Schoelcher Library and Saint-Louis Cathedral, as well as typical markets where you can stock up on spices and fish! A visit to Fort Saint-Louis, still an active naval base, is recommended: in addition to its historical interest, it offers a beautiful panorama of the bay.
3. Saint-Pierre, at the foot of Mount Pelée
The ruins of the Saint-Pierre theater, a must-see in Martinique© Bruno de Hogues - GO Premium - Graphic Obsession
Saint-Pierre was a very active cultural center before the eruption of Mount Pelée on May 8, 1902 almost totally destroyed it. Today, you can still see its former prison, where Cyparus, one of the only survivors of the eruption, is dungeon-bound, or the ruins of its theater. The volcanological museum is also very interesting: in addition to numerous relics, you can discover the city before the catastrophe, when it was the capital of Martinique.
What you need to know if you'd like to opt for a personalized itinerary for your trip to Martinique, we recommend that you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
4. Mount Pelée, an unforgettable climb
Hiking in Montagne Pelée, a must-see in Martinique© Stevegeer
Menacing and mysterious, montagne Pelée watches over Martinique. Climbing this still-active volcano is accessible to good walkers. Of moderate difficulty, the Aileron trail and the trail that starts in Le Prêcheur take between 2h30 and 3h. If you're more sporty, the path leading to the caldera and the one leaving from Grand'Rivière are also worth a try: each will take between 5 and 6 hours to complete. In either case, your efforts will be rewarded by a sumptuous panorama!
Tempted by this challenge? Go to to book your guided ascent!
5. The Caravelle peninsula, a jewel of green tourism
Presqu'île de la Caravelle, a must-see in Martinique© OneOfTheseDays83 - Shutterstock.com
The Caravelle peninsula is one of the best places to discover Martinique's wide variety of flora and fauna. Located in the east of Martinique, on the Atlantic coast, this 12 km-long peninsula is home to a 400 ha nature reserve featuring heavenly sites such as Baie du Trésor and Table du Diable, which can be reached via pleasant paths along the coast. For a splendid view of the surrounding area, climb to the Caravelle lighthouse, 150 m above sea level.
Known for its lush environment, vast biodiversity and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, the Caravelle peninsula is one of the most popular hiking sites in all of Martinique, so don't delay - book your Caravelle hike now!
6. Diamond rock, a precious stone
The Diamond Rock, a must-see in Martinique© JCH Dusanter
Emblematic of Martinique, the Diamond Rock rises up from the Caribbean Sea. Located 2 km from the coast, it can be admired from the Anse Cafard road or from Morne Larcher. As indestructible as a diamond, it also owes its name to its brilliant colors, depending on the position of the sun. You can't visit Diamond Rock - it's infested with fearsome snakes! - but the seabed is splendid. Reserved for experienced divers, they are home to numerous marine species, including the famous barracuda.
7. The Balata Garden, a magical place
The Batala garden, a must-see in Martinique© Production PERIG - Fotolia
Jean-Philippe Thoze, horticulturist and landscape gardener, imagined this colorful garden around his childhood home in Fort-de-France. Since 1982, the Balata garden has evolved with the seasons, and is now home to over 3,000 species of tropical plants. Enjoy your visit in the shade of this dense, colorful flora, in an enchanting setting where hibiscus, roses and orchids reign supreme. Suspension bridges secured by nets allow you to view the garden from a height of over 15 m on an original stroll. And don't miss the little Creole house with its traditional decor.
Martinique or Guadeloupe: which island to choose between the 2?
8. Sainte-Marie islet and its tombolo
Ilet Sainte-Marie and its tombolo, a must-see in Martinique© Batt\'Art - Shutterstock.com
The islet of Sainte-Marie, linked to the coast by a tombolo, lies just opposite the village of Sainte-Marie, in north-east Martinique. A tombolo is a strip of sand that cuts the sea in two to join an islet to the coast. To see this 400 m-long natural curiosity and access the islet, you need to visit between January and April. L'îlet Sainte-Marie is steeped in history and served as a port and fort throughout the 17th century, thanks in no small part to its extraordinary isolation.
Find out more about the island in our article: Île Sainte-Marie, a paradise to discover!
9. Le Carbet, from Christopher Columbus to Paul Gauguin
Le Carbet beach, a must-see in Martinique© JCH Dusanter
Not far from Saint-Pierre, on the Caribbean coast, it was at Le Carbet that Christopher Columbus landed in 1502 when he discovered Martinique. Today, a memorial to the navigator stands just outside the village. While Le Carbet is a must-see for history buffs, it also boasts beautiful beaches such as Anse du Carbet, which are just as appealing to beach lovers. Let's not forget that its enchanting setting seduced Paul Gauguin, who lived there and painted some twenty canvases inspired by the setting. The Paul-Gauguin Heritage Interpretation Center retraces this period in the artist's life.
10. Habitation Clément, rum and culture
Habitation Clément, a must-see in Martinique© Packshot - Fotolia
Habitation Clément is located in the commune of Le François. It houses an old distillery, the Clément rum interpretation center, a Creole house and a beautiful botanical park where sugar cane is grown. A cultural highlight, the Clément dwelling allows visitors to discover an 18th-century Creole interior and plunge into the world of agricultural rum and its industry! The Fondation Clément also hosts exhibitions by Caribbean artists in its contemporary art center. A fascinating place! To find out more, visit our dedicated article"Visiting Habitation Clément in Martinique: information and tips".
11- White-sand beaches
White sand beach in Martinique, a must-see in Martinique© Damien - Adobe Stock
It's not one of the best destinations to visit in January for nothing... Martinique is renowned for its heavenly beaches, which border on the postcard image of paradise. Among the must-sees are Anses d'Arlet, with its turquoise waters and coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling (we help you here choosing your equipment). Les Salines, with its fine white sand as far as the eye can see, offers an idyllic setting for relaxing and swimming. The beach at Pointe du Bout, near Trois-Îlets, is an example of a paradisiacal white sand beach in Martinique, even though it is artificial. This lively tourist spot has restaurants, bars and boutiques, and is ideal for young children.
12- Visit the rum distilleries
rum distilleries, a must-see in Martinique© Peter - Adobe Stock
Martinique is renowned for its quality rum production. Don't miss visits to renowned distilleries such as Distillerie Clément and Distillerie Saint-James. You can learn about the rum-making process, tour the facilities and taste different varieties of the island's emblematic spirit. The La Mauny distillery remains one of Martinique's largest, however, and now produces the famous Trois-Rivières rum, formerly produced at the Trois-Rivières distillery in Sainte-Luce.
13- What to do in Martinique? Go to Gorges de la Falaise
The Gorges de la Falaise in Martinique, a must-see in Martinique© Scott T. Smith/Danita Delimont - Adobe Stock
This unique natural site is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the hiking trails that wind through waterfalls, natural pools and spectacular rock formations. Then follow the river and cliff along the slopes of Montagne Pelée. Then take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the waterfalls and soak up the rugged beauty of this unspoilt area. It should be noted, however, that the tour is quite strenuous, and a guide is required to ensure that it runs smoothly.
14- L'Anse du Diamant
The coves of Diamant, a must-see in Martinique© Guillaume - Adobe Stock
Located in the southern Caribbean, the famous Anse du Diamant is renowned for its black sand and its emblematic rock rising out of the ocean. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, snorkel to admire the corals and tropical fish, or climb the hill to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. The sea can be rough, however, so we advise you to exercise caution. You can also picnic in one of the many picnic areas along the 3-kilometre-long beach.
15- Les Îlets du François
Les Îlets du François, a must-see in Martinique© Marc - Adobe Stock
Take a boat trip to explore the Îlets du François, a protected site made up of a group of heavenly islets off the coast. Discover Îlet Oscar, Îlet Thierry and Îlet Chancel, and enjoy their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. You can also visit the famous Baignoire de Joséphine, a shallow natural pool surrounded by coral. It's very popular with tourists, not least because it's the perfect place for a "baptism of rum". The second best-known site on the Îlets is the "Fonds Blancs". These jewels of nature are often an essential stopover for tourists to Martinique. A fond blanc is the perfect place to take photos in shallow water warmed by the Caribbean sun.
16- Musée de la Pagerie
The Musée de la Pagerie, a must-see in Martinique© PackShot - Adobe Stock
Named La Pagerie since the 18th century and located in Trois-Îlets, this museum traces the history of Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, who was born in Martinique. Discover her childhood home, period furniture such as her wooden bed from Courbaril, personal objects such as letters from the Emperor, and magnificent gardens. It's an interesting cultural visit to learn more about this major historical figure. Last but not least, there are also remains of theold sugar factory. This sugar factory is a vestige of the sad colonial past, and a visit here will give you a glimpse of life in the 19th century.
17. The Rum Museum: what to do in Martinique
for whiskey in barrels, a must-see in Martinique© alexeymarchuk - Adobe Stock
Located in Sainte-Marie, the Musée du Rhum invites you to delve into the history and manufacture of this emblematic Martinique spirit, from its first production to today's rums. Here, you can discover the different stages in rum production, from sugarcane cultivation to distillation, through interactive exhibits. For example, there are large models of the sailing ships that were used to transport goods in the past. You can also taste different types of rum and learn more about tasting techniques. Finally, the museum store lets you buy bottles of rum to take home a little of Martinique's soul.
18. Nature reserves in Martinique
Nature reserve in Martinique, a must-see in Martinique© JuanDiego
Martinique is home to several well-preserved nature reserves. There are two national reserves: La Caravelle and Sainte-Anne, whose aim is to manage and protect Martinique's natural heritage. Set off to explore these nature reserves, where you can admire spectacular coastal landscapes, mangroves and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Located in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, the Sainte-Anne reserve is an important nesting site for seabirds. The Caravelle peninsula nature reserve, meanwhile, is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts, offering panoramic trails and exceptional biodiversity.
19. Discover the world of sugar cane at the Musée de la Canne
Musée de la Canne in Trois-Ilets, a must-see in Martinique© JC DRAPIER - Adobe Stock
Located in Rivière-Pilote, the Musée de la Canne plunges you into the world of sugar cane, Martinique's emblematic crop. You'll discover the different stages in sugar production, from harvesting to distillation, through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The museum is also home to sugarcane plantations, which you can visit to gain a better understanding of agricultural processes. You can also sample sugar cane products such as rum and syrups in the museum store. The museum will also tell you more about Martinique's history, and in particular its sad colonial past, which was closely linked to sugarcane production.
20. Hiking in the rainforest
Waterfalls in the rainforest, a must on Martinique© Dussauj - Adobe Stock
Martinique abounds in hiking trails that let you explore the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. The Trace des Jésuites is an 8 km trail through lush vegetation, where you can observe numerous birds and discover waterfalls. The Trace des Caps offers spectacular panoramas of the wild coastline of the Caravelle peninsula. The Trace des Alizés takes you through the mangrove swamps and coastal landscapes of the south of the island. Bring good walking shoes and water, and set off on an adventure in the heart of Martinique's natural environment.
Would you like to discover other wonderful hiking spots? We recommend our article Where to go hiking? The best destinations.
21. The Banana Museum: a must-see to understand the importance of this crop in Martinique
The Musée de la Banane, a must-see in Martinique© nicou2310 - Adobe Stock
Located in Sainte-Marie, the Musée de la Banane is a must-see to understand the importance of this crop in Martinique. You'll discover the different varieties of banana grown on the island, their history and their production process. Guided tours will help you understand the different stages of cultivation, from harvesting to packaging, so don't hesitate and and book yourthe museum includes an exhibition room, a garden, a store and a restaurant. Here, you can sample banana products and discover traditional recipes, while the store offers a selection of local banana products to take home as a souvenir. The showroom and garden display over 65 varieties of banana in 4 different sections.
22. The Deep Sea Route
Tropical sea, a must-see in Martinique© the Ocean Agency - Adobe Stock
This scenic route takes you through rolling, verdant landscapes, offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and Martinique's terrestrial landscape. Follow the winding roads and admire banana plantations, small Creole huts and breathtaking panoramas. You'll have the chance to see blue-roofed villas, sugarcane fields and old traditional mills. The Route des Grands Fonds is also renowned for its natural springs, where you can take a refreshing break. And don't forget to admire the sunset from one of the many vantage points to round off your exploration of Martinique in style.
What to do in 1 week in Martinique?
If you've got a week to explore Martinique, here are a few suggestions of activities to include in your itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Fort-de-France - Visit the historic center, Saint-Louis Cathedral, the local market and Balata Garden.
Day 2: Relax at the beach - Spend the day on the magnificent beaches of the south coast, such as Les Salines or Anse Dufour. Soak up the sun, snorkel or simply relax on the white sand.
Day 3: Hike to Montagne Pelée - Set off early in the morning to climb to the summit of Montagne Pelée, an active volcano offering spectacular views of the island.
Day 4: Boat trip - Explore the coast on a boat trip. You can visit the islets of Le François, snorkel the ocean floor or take a sunset cruise.
Day 5: Rum distillery tour - Discover the history and production of Martinique's rum by visiting distilleries such as Habitation Clément or La Mauny. Enjoy a rum tasting to complete your visit.
Day 6: Nature discovery - Explore Martinique's nature reserves, such as the Caravelle peninsula or the îlet Chancel nature reserve. Admire the local flora and fauna on hikes through unspoilt landscapes.
Day 7: Excursion to Saint-Pierre - Visit the former capital of Martinique, destroyed by the eruption of Montagne Pelée in 1902. Explore the ruins, visit the Volcanological Museum and discover the history of this historic city.
Of course, these suggestions can be adapted to suit your preferences and pace of travel. Martinique offers a wide variety of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries to relaxing on the beaches. Make the most of your week exploring this beautiful and diverse tropical island.
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