Ranked among the most enchanting destinations in the world, Martinique offers impressive landscapes combined with a fascinating history, which makes the Island a true gem of the Caribbean and incites a passionate response in visitors.
Breathtaking landscapes and beaches
The island’s 450 square miles offer idyllic beaches, dense tropical forests, pristine rivers and the iconic and majestic Mount Pelee volcano. Also known as "the Isle of Flowers”, Martinique abounds in exceptional natural sites that will surely enchant all its visitors.
• Mount Pelée
The highest point in Martinique, Mount Pelée—a now dormant volcano, offers nature-lovers some magnificent hiking trails with exceptional views. Along with the nearby Pitons du Carbet, Mount Pelée is a candidate for UNESCO’S prestigious World Heritage list.
• Tropical rainforests
Martinique features majestic waterfalls surrounded by panoramic views located throughout its forests, which represent nearly 40% of the island’s landmass. Getting to some of these cascades require a challenging hike, while others are easier to reach. Rainforest trees abound from the 60-foot Mahogany, magnolias, and bamboos or the even taller yellow mangroves, chestnuts, and white palm trees, sea grapes, and manchineel trees. For more information on eco-tourism in Martinique click here
• Le Tombolo in Sainte-Marie
From January to April, Islet Sainte-Marie becomes the spectacular Tombolo de Sainte-Marie, a narrow band of sand emerging from the sea connecting the islet with the mainland. The islet becomes then easily accessible on foot, by bike or on horseback.
• La Mangrove
The mangrove is a unique ecosystem in Martinique, with vegetation used to the salty environment. It is a waterfront forest that grows on the coast of central and southern Martinique covering nearly 4500 acres representing about 6% of the forest area of the island. It serves as a buffer zone between the mouths of rivers & the sea and protects the corals.
• Bay of Fort-de-France
Thanks to its beauty, expanse and to its exceptional marine fauna and flora, in 2011 the bay was inducted into the club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World, right along with the San Francisco Bay and the Bay of the Mont-St-Michel.
• The Diamond Rock
The remains of a volcanic plug, rising vertically from the sea, Diamond Rock gets its name from its gem-like shape and its glitter under certain lights. Due to the nearby underwater cave which hosts a spectacular display of corals, it is a popular destination for scuba divers.
• Paradisiacal Beaches
Along with its must-see natural sites, the Isle of Flowers offers also heavenly beaches to visitors, no two exactly alike. Among its most charming and unique ones, Anse Noir and Anse Dufour can be found directly beside one another on the southwest of the island. Well-known for being a spectacular snorkeling spot, Anse Noir is also recognized for its jet black sand, while Anse Dufour, its white-sand sister beach, boasts palm trees and local food shacks adorn the small cove.
ABOUT MARTINIQUE (us.martinique.org)
The French Caribbean Island of Martinique is also known as the Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, the Birthplace of coffee in the New World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications, services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are unparalleled in the Caribbean, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag and the official language are French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years. Hot off the press: Martinique has earned Silver honors in Travel Weekly’s 2020 Magellan Awards as an Art & Culture Caribbean Destination. In December 2019 and for the second year in a row, Martinique was named “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” by the Caribbean Journal. The island was also recognized in January 2019 by OprahMag.com and in first place in their list of “The 19 Best Winter Getaways.” Martinique was also featured in the Caribbean Journal’s Best Caribbean Islands to visit in 2019. Martinique has also been featured in Travel + Leisure and the New York Time’s “52 Places to go in 2018.”