The French island of Martinique is an integral part
of the Windward Islands, also known as the Lesser Antilles,
and part of the chain of French Caribbean
Islands. The French Islands, or the French West Indies,
include Martinique, St
Bart’s, St
Martin, Guadeloupe,
Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. On Martinique, the majority
of natives and visitors gather on the western side of
the island of Martinique. The western coastline is flanked
by the beautiful Caribbean Sea, providing easy access
to the island’s of Dominica
and St Lucia via
regular cruises. The west is
also home to the largest, busiest, and most exciting city,
Fort de France.
With the majority of locals on the island of Martinique living in the city and a high concentration of tourists staying there, it’s a bustling metropolis full of many exciting attractions and pursuits. Most people on Martinique vacations choose accommodation at the Martinique hotels found in Fort de France. From the city, transportation around the island is effortless with plenty of affordable options when it comes to getting around. Looking at Martinique travel options around the island, rental cars, taxis, buses, and minivans operate all around the area.
Staying in Fort de France means easy access to the local
ferry which travels to many top tourist destinations and
beautiful beaches in the area that are otherwise inaccessible.
The choice of Martinique
luxury hotels is also the greatest in the city as
are dining options, from upscale
to budget. Of all the French Caribbean islands, Martinique’s
luxury hotel choices make up in opulence what they lack
in number. Shopping is one of the top things
to do in the city and is comparable to many high-fashion
areas in France
itself. With top designer names to local handicrafts,
those who love to shop will love the abundance of shopping
opportunities in Fort de France. History and culture also
exist throughout the city in form of museums, galleries,
and monuments commemorating the colorful island history.
The city also plays host to some of the finest and most
exciting festivals and events happening each year.
Venturing out of Fort de France, there are myriad Martinique
travel options to choose from. For most visitors, the
beaches are what they come for and where they spend the
majority of their time. The best beaches to visit during
Martinique vacations are those found along the southern
coast near Les Trois Ilets. Les
Salines, Cap Chevalier, Anse
Ceron, Pointe de Bout,
Le Diamant, and Sainte-Anne are the most notable white
sand beaches in the south. The black sand beaches of the
north testify to the presence of volcanic activity on
Martinique. These beaches flank the warm, Caribbean Sea
and are set against a lush green backdrop of rolling hills,
intricate rock faces and swaying palms providing stunning
scenery to accompany the lovely beaches.
As with most of the French Caribbean Islands, food is a major player in Martinique travel. Food, like shopping, is another integral aspect in French culture, and can be tasted and savored in fine dining restaurants, beachside stalls, city cafes, and local eateries. Creole cuisine, influenced by several fascinating cultures melded into one, offers tastes of exotic spices mixed with plenty of fresh seafood, succulent meats, and local produce to create a blend unlike any other. With fine food also comes fine wine, something the French are famous for. Rivaling the sumptuous wine blends on the island, a large variety of rum distilleries offer regular tours and tastings for visitors. Martinique is actually more famous for its rum than wine and is known world wide for a few of its top brands.
With plenty of airlines offering terrific deals, especially
in low season, Martinique vacations are more accessible
to a large number of travelers from all over the world.
A wide assortment of resorts,
villas and hotels presents numerous
accommodation options for every budget. Cruises from Fort
de France’s port offer ways to explore the island
without dedicating your entire vacation to one island,
if you choose to visit other nearby islands. Rum tours,
diving, hiking, shopping, beach
visits, and sightseeing are at the top of every island
agenda. With so many incredible options, each visitor
finds something just right for them to enjoy a wonderful
Caribbean holiday with true
French Creole zest as the icing on the cake.
