The Best Martinique Travel Guide – Martinique is a dreamy escape that blends Caribbean beauty with a touch of French elegance. From the moment I arrived, I felt the island’s calm, tropical vibe. The beaches are exactly what you’d hope for—soft white or golden sand, warm turquoise water, and plenty of quiet coves to explore. Les Salines quickly became a favorite of mine, perfect for a full day of swimming and sunbathing. But even the lesser-known beaches, like Anse Dufour with its calm bay and chances to spot sea turtles, felt like hidden treasures.
Beyond the beach, there’s a rich mix of culture and nature. I loved wandering the colorful streets of Fort-de-France, browsing local markets, and tasting fresh Creole dishes. The food is unforgettable—grilled fish, spicy accras, and sweet tropical fruits, all paired with a glass of local rhum agricole. Short drives took me through green hills, past banana plantations, and into peaceful mountain villages. Martinique is an island where you can do a little of everything—relax, explore, eat well, and soak in both culture and scenery.To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on Martinique, visit here, or visit Pinterest.
Why Visit Martinique?
I visited Martinique and instantly fell in love. The island is pure magic—golden beaches, clear turquoise water, and quiet coves that feel like a secret. Every spot I explored felt peaceful and untouched, like my own slice of paradise.
The food blew me away. I couldn’t get enough of the bold Creole flavors, fresh seafood, and buttery French pastries. The island is alive with color, music, and friendly faces. Whether I was hiking through green hills, sipping local rum, or watching the sunset by the sea, every moment felt unforgettable. Martinique stole my heart—and I can’t wait to return.
Best Time to Visit Martinique
The best time to visit Martinique is during the high season—December to April. I went in February, and the weather was flawless. Warm sun, blue skies, and cool breezes every day.
The beaches were perfect. The sea was calm and clear—ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It’s the dry season, so there’s barely any rain. Everything felt vibrant, sunny, and alive. If you want the best beach days and perfect island weather, this is the time to go.
Martinique Weather: What to Expect
When I visited Martinique during high season, the weather was absolutely perfect. The days were warm, sunny, and full of energy. Temperatures stayed in the mid-80s °F (around 29°C), and the breeze off the water kept everything feeling fresh.
The sky was mostly clear, with just a few passing clouds. Rain was rare—maybe a light shower once or twice, but it never lasted long. The air wasn’t sticky or heavy, just light and tropical. The ocean was calm, warm, and crystal clear—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating in the sun. Every day felt like a beach lover’s dream. If you’re chasing sunshine and beautiful weather, high season in Martinique is the sweet spot.
Top Martinique Beaches: My Personal Picks
Les Salines – This beach is iconic for a reason. Powdery white sand, rows of swaying palm trees, and turquoise water that feels like silk. It’s postcard-perfect and amazing for long, lazy beach days.
Anse Dufour – I loved the calm vibe here. The golden sand and clear, gentle water make it perfect for swimming. And the real bonus? I snorkeled with sea turtles just a few feet from shore!
Anse Noire – Right next to Anse Dufour but totally different. This small beach has dramatic black volcanic sand and a peaceful, tucked-away feel. Great for snorkeling and unique photos.
Grande Anse des Anses-d’Arlet – A charming stretch with soft sand, calm waters, and a laid-back local atmosphere. It’s great for swimming and grabbing a bite at a beachfront café.
Pointe Marin – The water here is super shallow and clear—perfect for paddleboarding and relaxing with a view of nearby St. Lucia. I loved the easygoing, family-friendly vibe.
Anse Trabaud – A bit off the beaten path, but worth it. It’s wild, wide, and often quiet, which made it feel like my own private escape. Perfect for a peaceful walk or just soaking in the natural beauty.
Each beach gave me something different—and together they showed why Martinique is a beach lover’s paradise.
Food and Drink: My Favorite Martinique Restaurants and Bar
- Le Zandoli – Fort-de-France: This charming spot blends French and Caribbean flavors beautifully. The dishes are fresh, creative, and full of local ingredients. A great place to savor Martinique’s culinary spirit.
- La Mandoline – Les Anses d’Arlet: Set in a lovely garden, this restaurant offers authentic Creole dishes with a modern twist. The seafood here is always fresh and flavorful. I loved the warm, relaxed vibe.
- Chez Carole – Sainte-Anne: A beachside favorite known for its casual atmosphere and delicious grilled fish. Perfect for lunch after a day in the sun.
- Le Petibonum – Anse Mitan: This lively beach bar has great cocktails and a fun crowd. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with a rum punch while watching the sunset.
- Le Babaorum – Le François: For something unique, this floating restaurant on a barge serves fresh seafood with stunning views of the bay. The experience is as memorable as the food.
- L’Esplanade – Fort-de-France: A stylish bistro with excellent French-Caribbean fusion dishes. The atmosphere is elegant but welcoming—a perfect dinner spot after a day exploring.
Best Beach Resorts & Hotels in Martinique
- La Suite Villa — Le François: Staying at La Suite Villa felt like my own private paradise. The views of the ocean were breathtaking from my room’s terrace. I loved spending mornings by the pool, sipping coffee while watching the waves. It was peaceful, luxurious, and perfect for unwinding.
- Hotel Bakoua — Trois-Îlets: Hotel Bakoua had a classic Caribbean charm that immediately made me feel at home. The beach was just steps away, and I enjoyed long walks along the shore. Evenings at their poolside bar were a highlight, with delicious cocktails and great music.
- Simon Hotel — Le Diamant: Simon Hotel was the ideal base for exploring the south coast. I loved how close it was to Diamond Rock and the quiet beaches nearby. The staff was super friendly, and the beachfront restaurant served some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
- Hotel La Pagerie — Trois-Îlets: I appreciated the eco-friendly vibe at Hotel La Pagerie—it felt good to relax knowing the hotel cared about sustainability. The location was perfect for easy access to Anse Mitan beach and local shops. The garden spaces made it a peaceful retreat.
- Bambou Hotel — Sainte-Anne: Bambou Hotel was cozy and welcoming. It felt like a home away from home, with friendly staff who made sure I had everything I needed. Being so close to Sainte-Anne’s beaches meant I could easily explore during the day and return to a quiet, comfortable room at night.
Planning Your Itinerary: Getting Around Martinique
Getting around Martinique was easier than I expected. I rented a car, which gave me freedom to explore at my own pace. The roads are generally well-maintained, and driving along the coastline offered stunning views.
If you prefer not to drive, there are reliable buses that connect major towns and beaches, though they run less frequently on weekends. Taxis are available but can be pricey for long trips. For shorter distances, I enjoyed walking around towns like Fort-de-France and Trois-Îlets to soak in the local vibe.
Overall, having a car made it simple to visit hidden beaches, lush rainforests, and charming villages—perfect for making the most of my Martinique adventure.
Common Questions About Martinique
When is the best time to visit?
The high season from December to April offers sunny, dry weather perfect for beaches and exploring.
What language do people speak?
French is official, and many locals also speak Creole.
Is Martinique safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s generally safe. Just stay aware and avoid isolated areas at night.
What currency is used?
The Euro (€) is the currency here.
How do I get around the island?
Renting a car is the easiest way, but buses and taxis are available too.
This guide makes Martinique sound absolutely heavenly! I’ve visited a few other Caribbean islands, but I’ve never experienced one that mixes French charm with tropical beauty like this. The beaches you described—especially Anse Dufour and Les Salines—sound perfect. I’m curious, though: would you recommend staying in Fort-de-France for the culture or closer to the southern beaches for relaxation?
Thank you! Martinique truly is a hidden gem in the French Caribbean, with that perfect balance of culture and beach bliss. 🌴 If it’s your first visit, I’d suggest staying near the southern beaches—areas like Trois-Îlets or Sainte-Anne are ideal for relaxation, swimming, and beach-hopping. You can still make easy day trips to Fort-de-France for markets, museums, and authentic Creole cuisine. That way, you’ll experience both sides of the island—Martinique’s natural beauty and its vibrant French-Caribbean culture. Are you more interested in beach time, or would you like a few sightseeing ideas to pair with your stay?
Just stumbled across your website, and I have to say I love it. It rocks! We have been looking into a beach vacation to Martinique. You have sure provided everything we need to start making our plans. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
You are very welcome and I am glad you found our Martinique Travel Guide helpful in planning your vacation. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Great information on this Beautiful island. I am definitely interested in knowing this place. I like history and would love to visit the Slave Memorial, Habitation Clement and Fort St. Louis. The beach with black sand (Ans Noire) also got my attention. Are there any entrance fees for Habitation Clement?
Hi Dira, I am glad you enjoyed reading the Martinique Travel Guide, and learning more about this beautiful Caribbean Island. Yes, there are entrance fees for the Habitation Clement. Adults are 12€, children 7 – 18 are 7€, children 7 and under are free, and a family (2 adults, 2 children 7-18) are 31€. You and your family would enjoy visit the Habitation Clement. It is a wonderful tour. They also offer audio guided tours. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
What a beautiful place. I never even knew of this island and my wife and I love vacationing in the Caribbean. We often did cruise ships but felt they do not let us enjoy the islands as much and you alsways see the same ones. This one looks like an tame adventure on so many levels!!! Food, sites, and fun…it has it all! You made this super easy to make a reservation too…I’m going to tell my wife about Martinique and this site! Thanks!!!
You are very welcome Bruce! I am glad you enjoyed reading the Martinique Travel Guide. Come back and visit when you are ready to plan 🙂
Fantastic site Leahrae. Have bookmarked your site and will return often to plan, and to dream. The information you have provided on Martinique is great. Everything I need to start planning. Excellent job!
Thank you so much Colin 🙂 Come back often, as I do add updates quite frequently. You might find another vacation spot that you just have to plan, or put on your bucket list!
Hey Leahrae,
Real detailed post you have here. You have provide really good information on Martinique. It’s excellent to see you have the outdoor activities in your list. The reason why I would now consider to travel Martinique. Always wanted to go for a great kayaking. Thank you for this great post:)
You are very welcome! Thank you for reading the Martinique Travel Guide. I hope that you can vacation there soon and enjoy kayaking at this great Caribbean Island 🙂
Two words: Le Mabouya! I love good food, and this place sounds great. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling many Creole dishes, and they are very hard to beat. And to find this kind of fare in such a lovely locale…I’m in!
I agree Nathan! It is right up there with Barbados for sure. Thank you for visiting the Martinique Travel Guide, and glad you enjoyed! I hope you get to take a vacation there very soon 🙂
I so appreciate your detailed travel guides! You’re making it very hard for my husband and I to choose our anniversary trip, though, with so many great destinations to choose from — ha ha! Martinique sounds like it offers just about everything we could want, from the historical rum plantations to rainforests. And who could pass up lobster ravioli or a hotel that lets you borrow books from their library? As always, you’ve given us another great destination to add to our list of possibilities, and a lot of great info to work with — thank you!
You are very welcome Deedee. I am glad you enjoyed the Martinique Travel Guide. Martinique is going to be a little less crowded than Barbados, and for an Anniversary, I think that Martinique is going to be perfect. Please let me know if you have any questions that I can answer for you 🙂
Hello! This is a great post and perfect timing! We are going to Martinique next year, so your information is VERY helpful! Thanks so much for all the tips and the informative post. We now cannot wait to go! Thanks!
Great Anna, you are going to have a fantastic time! I am glad I could help provide some information that will help you with your planning. Let me know if you need anything else, and thank you for reading the Martinique Travel Guide.
It looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit. I am wondering though whether 1902 was the last time the volcano did erupt? Or have there been small eruptions since then? I’m just conscious about it if/when I do go and visit.
Thank you.
Yep, that was the last eruption. That does not mean it could not erupt again, but no indications that it will be happening the near future, thankfully. I don’t think you need to worry about the volcano, and you are safe to plan your visit for anytime. Thanks for reading Owain!
Hi, I love the way you always write such thorough and unique reviews about your holiday destinations. I’m always sold by the second paragraph :-). You have some amazing holidays on your books and this one is no exception. Martinique is an absolutely beautiful place and I love the fact it is steeped in so much history, and I especially like the fact that they pay homage to those poor slaves on that ship that went down. This would be an ideal holiday destination for me as it has a little of everything I like; history, water sports, gorgeous beaches and good food. Fantastic!
I agree Stefanie! Martinique has everything, not just gorgeous beaches and sunshine. To top it off, it is not visited as much as some of the other islands, so the crowds are a little bit more tolerable. You would love vacationing to the beautiful Caribbean Island of Martinique. Thanks for reading the Martinique Travel Guide!
Your Martinique Travel Guide is amazing! You have included something for everyone and given me all the details I need to plan a trip. It looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I will have to add it to my bucket list of destinations 🙂 Thank you for providing such a thorough guide!
Thank you for visiting BeachTravelDestination.com Keli. I am glad you enjoyed the Martinique Travel Guide. Definitely a place that belongs on the bucket list!
Nice Post!
I feel like I am vacationing while reviewing your post.
Martinique as has been on my bucket list. Now I have all the information, and then some, to start planning my vacation here!
Thank you so much for the wealth of information.
Cheers!
Thank you Albino for vising BeachTravelDestinations.com. I am glad you found everything you need to start planning your trip to Martinique. If you need any help with travel packages, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.
Hello!
Martinique is definitely the place that I am looking to visit in the very near future. I love your site, and all the information that I have been searching for, is all right in one great article, thank you! I do have one question, will I have any issue speaking with the locals in English. Is English spoken here? What is the native language for Martinique? Thank you!
Hi Erik and thank you for visiting the Martinique Travel Guide. You will have no problem conversing on the beautiful Caribbean island of Martinique, as English is spoken, as well as their native language, French. Let me know if you have any other questions!
The Depaz Distillery looks amazing! I will definitely check that out. Do you happen to know if there are restaurants nearby? We’re trying to plan our trip and get some logistics in place. It’s helpful to know what to expect since we haven’t been to Martinique before. Thanks in advance and for sharing all your great insights.
Hi Laura and thanks for visiting the Martinique Travel Guide. Yes, there are LOTS of restaurants nearby, and the ones I have listed are probably the highest rated ones in the area. I am glad I could help with your travel plans to Martinique!