Mount Pelée
This iconic northern volcano, whose forests are UNESCO-listed, is climbed via trails offering sweeping views over the island and the sea.
Martinique
Nicknamed the island of flowers, Martinique blends calm southern beaches, the volcanic Mount Pelée in the north and lush tropical gardens. The cradle of agricultural rum and Creole culture, it unfolds between distilleries, fishing villages, rainforests and the historic bay of Saint-Pierre.
Why visit Martinique?
Martinique offers great variety within a small territory: quiet beaches in the south, Mount Pelée and forests in the north, tropical gardens and a rich agricultural rum heritage. As a French Caribbean territory, it combines tropical escape with travel comfort, using the euro and French day to day.
What to discover in Martinique?
Martinique reveals itself from north to south through contrasting landscapes. In the north, Mount Pelée towers over a region of rainforests and coastal villages; its volcanoes and forests are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. At the foot of the volcano, Saint-Pierre, once nicknamed the Little Paris of the Caribbean, preserves the memory of the 1902 eruption through its ruins and museums. The centre of the island, around Fort-de-France, blends city life, colourful markets and tropical gardens such as the famous Jardin de Balata.
The south concentrates the most popular beaches, from Les Salines to Sainte-Anne, with their calm waters and pale sand. The Caravelle peninsula, to the east, unfolds a nature reserve of mangroves, savannahs and cliffs battered by the Atlantic. All over the island, agricultural rum culture comes alive through distilleries and the famous rum route, while Creole cuisine, music and traditions set the rhythm of local life.
Cities to visit in Martinique
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Martinique in pictures
The must-sees
Volcano, beaches, gardens and rum: here is what not to miss in Martinique.
Southern beaches
From Les Salines to Sainte-Anne, the south lines up long pale-sand beaches with calm, shallow waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The town of Saint-Pierre
Former capital destroyed by the 1902 eruption, this historic town preserves ruins, museums and a bay that is deeply steeped in Caribbean history.
The rum route
AOC agricultural rum distilleries can be visited across the island, combining heritage, guided tastings and the green landscapes of swaying sugarcane fields.
Jardin de Balata
This lush botanical garden gathers hundreds of tropical species and suspended walkways in the heart of the forest, with fine views over the peaks.
The Caravelle peninsula
This eastern nature reserve blends mangroves, coastal trails, cliffs and a lighthouse offering open views over the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged shoreline.
Practical information
- Capital
- Fort-de-France
- Area
- About 1,128 km²
- Population
- About 360,000 inhabitants
- Languages
- French, Martinican Creole
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC−4 (AST)
- Climate
- Tropical, warm year-round
- Best season
- December to April (dry season)
Frequently asked questions
When should I visit Martinique?
The dry season, from December to April, known as carême, offers the most pleasant weather. The wet and cyclone season runs from June to November, with more rain and a risk of storms.
Do I need a passport to visit Martinique?
Martinique is a French territory. French citizens can travel simply with a national ID card. Other travellers should check the entry requirements applying to French territory according to their own nationality before departure.
What currency is used in Martinique?
The currency used is the euro, exactly as in mainland France. Bank cards are widely accepted everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find in the main towns across the island.
How long should I stay in Martinique?
A week lets you discover the southern beaches, Mount Pelée and a few distilleries at a steady pace. Ten to fourteen days offer a more relaxed rhythm to explore the whole island.
How do I get around Martinique?
Renting a car remains the most convenient way to travel the island freely from north to south. Ferries also connect Fort-de-France to some southern towns and beaches across the bay.
Can I visit rum distilleries?
Yes, Martinique is renowned for its AOC agricultural rum. Many distilleries can be visited across the island, often with guided tastings and a full overview of the traditional production process.
Plan your trip to Martinique
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
