Why Go to Martinique
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Martinique is the Caribbean with a French accent. Beautiful beaches border lush rainforest, an imposing volcano rises over the island, and the capital, Fort-de-France, buzzes with shops, restaurants and markets. One day you can relax on the sand, and the next you can hike through the jungle, making it perfect for travelers who want both.
As an overseas region of France, Martinique offers a cosmopolitan, French-Caribbean culture, and the food is outstanding, blending French technique with Creole flavors. Hike the slopes of Mount Pelee, the volcano that destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre in 1902, and visit the ruins and museum there. Tour the island's famous rhum agricole distilleries, explore the botanical gardens of Balata, and relax on the white sand of Les Salines in the south. The north is wild and green, while the south is known for its calm beaches.
Martinique uses the euro, and it can be pricey, especially in winter, so planning helps stretch your budget. It's also a stop on many Southern Caribbean cruises. I'll find the right resort and plan the rum, hiking and beach experiences that make the island special.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, foodies, hikers and cultural travelers
BEST MONTHS
December–April
EXPLORE
Fort-de-France is the urban hub; Les Trois-Îlets has resorts and beaches; the north features Mount Pelée and rainforest, while the south offers scenic coves.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Martinique
North America › Eastern Caribbean › France
French-Caribbean flavors, tropical gardens and volcanic scenery
Beach & Resort
Volcanic
Nature
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Balance a northern volcano-and-history day with separate southern beach and garden outings.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check volcanic and trail advisories; summit hikes require suitable fitness and conditions.
Mount Pelée
The island's towering volcano offers challenging hiking routes and dramatic cloud-shrouded scenery.
Combine town heritage stops with volcano viewpoints.
Saint-Pierre
Explore the historic town shaped by the devastating 1902 volcanic eruption and its surviving heritage.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and check garden access.
Jardin de Balata
Tropical gardens display palms, flowers and lush island vegetation north of Fort-de-France.
Visit during active market hours and carry small cash.
Fort-de-France Market
Browse fresh produce, spices and local products in the island capital.
Arrive early on weekends and follow swimming advisories.
Les Salines Beach
A long palm-lined beach near Sainte-Anne is known for pale sand and turquoise water.
A hillside boutique hotel offering bay views and convenient access to southern beaches.
La Suite Villa
Les Trois-Îlets
Boutique
A beachfront property near the marina and ferry services to Fort-de-France.
Hotel Bakoua
Pointe du Bout / Les Trois-Îlets
Beach
A secluded upscale resort on the Atlantic-facing east coast with lagoon scenery.
Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
Le François
Boutique · Beach
An all-inclusive seaside resort on a peninsula near the island’s southern beaches.
Club Med Les Boucaniers
Sainte-Anne
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A tropical-style beachfront hotel with easy access to local restaurants and boat excursions.
Hotel Bambou & Spa
Anse Mitan / Les Trois-Îlets
Value · Beach
A design-led Small Luxury Hotels member near the Caravelle peninsula, with Creole-modern style.
French Coco
La Trinité / East Coast
Boutique
A hillside boutique hotel with bungalows and lagoon views on the Atlantic side.
Hotel Plein Soleil
Le François
Boutique
A family-friendly beach resort on the calm south coast.
Karibea Sainte-Luce
Sainte-Luce
Family · Value · Beach
A good-value hotel close to the marina, beaches and the Fort-de-France ferry.
Hotel La Pagerie
Pointe du Bout / Trois-Îlets
Value
A modern waterfront hotel in the capital, convenient for business and city visits.
Simon Hotel
Fort-de-France
City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Martinique
High 87°F · Low 74°F · Rain 9.8 in
The high season begins as rains taper off and calm seas return.
December through April is typically drier; the wetter period overlaps Atlantic hurricane season.
Best Times to Visit Martinique
WHEN TO GO
06
Marine and Mountain Weather
Rain, surf and volcanic-terrain trails require checking local conditions before travel.
05
Regional Day Trips
North-coast rainforest and southern beaches require separate road planning and generous time.
04
Fort-de-France Ferries
Passenger boats link portions of the bay, including resort-area connections; verify current routes.
03
Local Buses
Buses connect selected communities but service may be limited away from Fort-de-France.
02
Rental Cars
A car is useful for the island's dispersed beaches and volcanic landscapes; roads are steep and winding.
01
Aimé Césaire Airport
The international airport near Fort-de-France is the main air gateway; plan lodging transfers.
A rental car is useful beyond major towns; roads can be winding. Passenger ferries connect selected points around Fort-de-France Bay.
Getting Around Martinique