The stunning Caribbean island of Martinique may be small, but there are tons of things to see and do. From its beautiful beaches to its rugged mountains and architectural attractions, a trip to Martinique is always an adventure. Here are our top picks on where to go and what to do in Martinique.
Where to visit in Martinique
While there are fantastic attractions all over the island, here are two notable towns you should not miss.
Fort-de-France
The capital, Fort-de-France, is the largest town in Martinique and one of the most popular areas among tourists. The city is distinct, with steep hills, narrow streets and colourful houses. As well as having the largest ferry port on the island, Fort-de-France is just 8km from the airport, so the town naturally makes an ideal base for your stay
Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is Martinique's former capital, destroyed by the Mount Pelée eruption in 1902. The now rebuilt city has a stunning mountain backdrop on one side and a pristine coastline on the other. It's a 45-minute drive from Fort-de-France, and there is also a small port.
What to do in Martinique
If you're looking for active and exciting things to do during your trip, here are four unique activities to add to your Martinique itinerary.
Hike in Mount Pelée
Mount Pelée, in the north of the island and the region of Saint-Pierre, is heaven adventure lovers. Best known for the famous 1902 eruption, the mountain now serves as a beautiful hiking area, with the island's most challenging trails. The most popular hiking trails here are the 2.5 km Aileron route and the 3.5 km Grande-Savane route. Additionally, the 8 km Grand-Rivière route takes you through the northern town of Grand-Rivière, giving you breathtaking views of the Dominica channel.
Go snorkelling in Anses d'Arlet
Martinique has some incredible snorkelling spots, but the best offshore ones are undoubtedly in Anses d'Arlet, a region south of the island. Swim out from Anse Dufour or Anse Noire beach. The water is calm, so it is suitable for beginners. You'll enjoy an incredible display of seagrass meadows, mangroves, and sea turtles here. There are also many snorkelling trips available for exploring the reef further out.
Take a tour around a rum distillery
With a history of distilling dating back to the 17th century, Caribbean islands like Martinique produce some of the best rum worldwide. The 43-acre Habitation Clément distillery has an onsite sugarcane plantation. Several tour companies like Tourcrib run fun and informative tours to this top-rated attraction.
On a visit to Habitation Clément, you'll see the plantations and ageing cellars and learn how they distil agricultural rum. And, of course, you'll also get to try some yourself, too!
Stroll around Jardin de Balata
Jardin de Balata Is a gorgeous botanical garden located 10 km outside Fort-de-France and a must-visit in Martinique for all nature lovers. The garden is home to over 3,000 tropical plant and flower species, including 300 different types of palm trees. You can drive here or reach it via the L25 bus from downtown Fort-de-France.
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