Top Things to do in Martinique
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10 Free Things to do in Martinique That You Shouldn't Miss
This Gallic toehold in the Caribbean exudes a distinctly French air, enticingly spiced up by West Indian warmth. Local culture and cuisine combine both influences. The stylish isle is dominated by Mount Pelee, which destroyed the city of St. Pierre in 1902. Black sand beaches and rainforests are found in the north, with yet more beautiful sands to the south. Sights include La Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine, and Diamond Rock, a 600-foot pinnacle, once registered as a British warship.
Restaurants in Martinique
1. Montagne Pelee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
This mountain may look innocent, but don't be fooled: it's really a volcano, responsible for the destruction of the town of St. Pierre.
Reviewed By Butch_Smartini - Sint Maarten, Caribbean
You drive to the trailhead where there's a small cafe and washrooms. The trail starts right there, and it's 1:30 - 2:00 to reach the rim of the caldera, with spectacular views of St. Pierre harbour, and the N-NE coast of the island on your way up. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the clouds had rolled in and we could see only bits and pieces of things from the top, through the clouds. It was clear at the top when we started (about 09:30), but cloudy when we go to the top (11:15). We should have started earlier - 07:00 would probably be good most days. Once you reach the rim, you can then continue to hike around the rim, and/or you can hike to an adjacent peak that's even higher. We didn't do either of those because of the clouds, though. This is a good hiking workout on a trail that's perfectly marked, and is mostly walking. There is a section of "bouldering" that takes 5 - 10 minutes, but the rest is walking and stair climbing over smooth rock, some rubbly rock, and a lot of steps that have been formed with lumber to help prevent erosion.
2. Route de la Trace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
The island's most scenic drive, winding up mountains through lush tropical landscape.
Reviewed By 157yvesd
Remarquable road trip with trails around the day. Scenic view. Flower tard en route to Mount Pelé. Recommended
3. Plage des Salines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,927 reviews
One of the most popular beaches on the island, best known for its soft white sands and calm, sheltered waters.
Reviewed By rogerka - Bratislava, Slovakia
For us, this is the most beautiful beach in Martinique. White sand, incredible turquoise warm clean Caribbean sea, shades of palm trees... You can park your car right next to the beach. There are some restaurants, souvenir and ice-cream sellers. Don't forget to visit the beautiful wooden walkway above the salty pond Étang des Salines. It depends on the season, the day of the week and day time, whether the beach is bit crowdy or not. Of course, it is very popular but I don't feel like it's overcrowded there. You can see in the pictures attached. The beach is natural but you can find one or two picnic tables among the trees. We also enjoyed the sunset and saw the green flash at the sunset. You can see Diamond Rock (some 45 km) from the beach Les Salines. This is definitely one of our most favourite places in Martinique.
4. Diamond Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
A giant seaside rock once used by the British as an armed fort, now a diving site for the more adventurous scuba diver.
Reviewed By drlau99 - Montreal, Canada
Visited on a catamaran trip organized by club Med Martinique Impressive rock This is a must see!! Highly recommended
5. Anse Turin
6. Anse Couleuvre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
Reviewed By Tanuldab - Prague, Czech Republic
The beach wasn't crowded and its surroundigs are very interesting - near the beach, there are remainings of an old farm. I also recommend going to the waterfall through the jungle (the footpath starts near the parking lot). You will see lots of lizzards in the jungle, as well as interesting plants (there grow naturally plants that are regarded as houseplants in Europe). The downsides (just FYI): the beach is a little bit far from the parking lot (aprox. 10 minutes walking), there are no restaurants in the area. Driving could be little bit difficult as well, the road is curvy and narrow. But all the positive aspects outweigh these downsides :)
7. La Pointe Marin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By mikela10000
Actually there are 2 beaches: the Sainte Anne beach and Point Marin, one after the other and both are very nice. The water is very clear and lot of palm tres toward the right side that leads up to Club Med. It was my favorite beach from Martinique. I recommend staying for sunset as the vieww are very nice!
8. Randonnee de la Trace des Jesuites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
An intimate look at the Caribbean landscape can be found at this hiking trail, which takes you through a beautiful stretch of tropical rain forest.
9. Anse Noire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
Reviewed By _T5490YH - Rethymnon Prefecture, Greece
This beach is one of the best for kayak.You will find a small house with some souvenirs and a man to rent your kayak.You have to walk a lot of stairs to get to the beach but it is a nice experience when you will arrive.Don't miss.
10. Anse Dufour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,279 reviews
Reviewed By 61Waldo - Saskatchewan, Canada
Fabulous beach, though it is a bit small. It has really good bathroom and changing facilities, which is such a rarity. One area is good for snorkelling with varieties of fish. Sea turtles hang out here as well and that was really the highlight for us. A crowd of snorkelers was out looking around, and three turtles swam through, down to the bottom to feed, up to the top for air and back down again. One of the three was at least a metre long (shell length). Fabulous day! It tends to fill up quickly, and parking is on the side of the road, so for a successful day, plan on getting there no later than 8:30 in the morning, spend a few hours and head out before it gets too crowded.
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