Martinique Island, French jewel in the Caribbean
Known as «the island of flowers», Martinique is an island of contrasts that combines its marked French character with a cheerful Caribbean accent that constitutes a mixture of the most peculiar.
Martinique is a French overseas department located in the waters of the Caribbean, between the islands of Dominica and Saint Lucia, in the Lesser Antilles.
¿What to see in Martinique?
Martinique is an island with a large extension, so if you only have a few hours there because you arrive on a cruise you will have to select well, since you will not be able to visit too many places.
These are some of the best known points of the island:
Les Trois-Ilets
One of the best known areas of the Martinique coast is Les Trois-Ilets. This captivating seaside town is located opposite Fort-de-France and the best way to get there is to take the ferry directly when leaving the cruise port.
The main points of interest in this area are the beaches of Anse Mitan and Anse-a-l’Ane, although cultural visits can also be made to know the heritage of the island.
La Savane des Esclaves is a museum dedicated to the slavery period in Martinique, where it is possible to see traditional cabins in addition to a Creole garden.
Montagne Pelée
In the north of the island is the Montagne Pelée (Pelada Mountain), an active volcano of almost 1,400 meters high known for being one of the most destructive in history.
In 1902 it caused a massive destruction in which more than 30,000 people died that destroyed the entire region.
Fort-de-France
Located in the west of the island, Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique and the city where the island’s cruise port is located.
Its location, between the mountain and the sea, gives it an attractive appearance since its constructions of cheerful Caribbean tones are concentrated around the hill.
Visit the waterfalls of Didier
The Dider waterfalls (there are two) are located near the botanical gardens of Balata, easily accessible from Fort-de-France.
You have to leave the car on the side of the road and start walking following the indications (or any tourist who goes there).
To access the first waterfall you have to walk about 30 minutes and go through a tunnel full of bats, puddles and parts through which you have to balance.
One of the main points of interest in the city is the Schoelcher Library, a colorful building that stands out as a counterpoint to Caribbean architecture.
Tour the presqu’ile de la Caravelle
A beautiful excursion around the right arm of Martinique (called presqu`ile de la Caravaelle), located on the east coast.
This circular route starts near the ruins of Château Dubuc and lasts about 4 hours.
During the journey you can see mangrove areas full of crabs, a multitude of white sand beaches and cliffs with beautiful views of the region.
Perform a day of canyoning or canyoning
If you are a nature lover, canyoning is a perfect activity to get in touch with her.
Accompanied by a titled monitor and equipped with harness, helmet, carabiner and ropes, you can go through areas that are usually inaccessible.
You will walk between stones and rivers, jump from cliffs over natural pools and descend in rappel between waterfalls. A real adrenaline shot.
Go to the Coulèvre waterfall
One of the most beautiful on the island of Martinique.
To access it you must continue north from Le Precheur until the road ends, which borders the northwest coast of the island.
From the parking lot, you take the access road to the beach and, after a few meters, you have to turn right on a path that goes deep into the forest. It takes an hour to arrive.
¿Do you arrive on a cruise?
The Martinique cruise port is located in Fort-de-France, the capital of the island.
In a couple of minutes on foot you will find yourself in the center of the city and you can also catch some of the ferries that take you to any of the beaches.
Martinique at a glance
Population: 385,000 inhabitants
Size: 1,128 square kilometers.
Language: The official language of the island is French.
Euro coin.