Top Things to do in Martinique
10 Nature & Parks 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. Le Jardin De La Montagne
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
It was hard to find this botanical gardens. It is located in the mountain with no indications, until we were close to it. The owner gave us a tour. We had great views and amazing flowers and plants. We took our time. It was amazing that the cost was 5 Euros. There were so many beautiful flowers, as well as plants. Our guide brought us to his home. He showed what he eats from his gardens. That was very interesting. He had also cacti. By the way, the guide is very friendly. A must see!
2. 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.
3. Jardin de Balata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,536 reviews
Just discover the most beautiful flowers, trees of martinique in the best creation of jean philippe thoze throught the visit of his grand mother property
Reviewed By JLK2011 - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
I am so glad we decided to visit these gardens. Fabulous views, an amazing rope bridge walk, humming birds, and a peaceful oasis that gives a real sense of the abundant vegetation, both native and generally tropical. Simply Beautiful ! (with a good gift shop, and nice restaurant at car park)
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Anse Turin
7. Les Gorges de la Falaise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Gorges of the River Falaise.
Reviewed By 194LisaP - Cumberland, United States
We loved doing the gorge! Totally worth the effort! If you are on a cruise, it is doable. Prior to the trip, rent a car with Europcar in Pointe du Bout. It’s the only car company we found that will let you return the car the same day. We paid about 55 euros which included full insurance. Also purchase good road map of Martinique or get a gps from Europcar, if they offer it. We used a Michelin map we got from Amazon. Once in Martinique, get off the ship ASAP and over to the Vedette Tropicales ferry. It’s on the middle angled pier just east of the Pointe Simon Cruise terminal. If you are on Celebrity, that cruise pier is a 15-20 walk west to the ferry pier - just on the other side of the fort. There is very good signage that says, “Ferry to Beaches”. Once there, get roundtrip tickets to Pointe du Bout. There is a ferry schedule online at Vedettestropicales.com Make sure you get the ferry to Pointe du Bout. The ferries have more than one destination. Once at Pointe du Bout, it’s like a 2-3 minute walk to Europcar. I want to say it’s on Rue du Chacha. Streets aren’t obvious. It’s not a freestanding building on its own. Just look to the left as you walk out of the ferry area onto the town street. Or ask. I’ve attached a map where Pointe du Bout and Gorges de la Falaise is marked. It takes about an hour and a half to go from Pointe du Bout to the Gorges de la Falaise. Directions are towards places rather than East, West etc. We took D38 to D7 towards Rivière Salée, then the N5 towards the Aeropuerto or Le Lamentin, then the A1 towards Fort-de-France and then the D41. We then took the N3. There was a place on the N3, near the beginning where we weren’t surely we were still on the N3 (we had taken the road going toward the right at sort of a T place,) but there was a sign within a mile or two for N3, so we knew we had taken the right road. After that we just followed the N3 also called the Route de la Trace. (Look it up.) Very windy, but scenic. Gorges de la Falaise is a few kilometers beyond Le Morne -Rouge. There is a sign and it’s on the left down a non-descript road. Cost is 10 euros each cash. Be in a bathing suit, have a waterproof camera and good soled water shoes or sneakers you don’t mind being under water. Stairs are down are steep, but I did it and I’m almost 60. Read other reviews for more info on the gorge. Phone numbers for the gorge and the restaurant next door are 0596533653 and 0596533561. They will close if it rains. Going back, be aware that traffic in Fort-de-France can be bad. Leave plenty of time. We had no problem. We took the 8:45am ferry and were able to catch the 3:15pm ferry back. Plenty of time to walk the 15-20 minutes to get back for the all aboard at 4:30 pm on Celebrity pier. Note that after the 3:15om ferry, there is not another back to Fort-de-France til 4:15pm.
8. Fonds Blancs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Coral barrier where visitors can swim, snorkel and enjoy the exceptional fauna.
Reviewed By Zolou25 - Kew, United Kingdom
Our guide Pablo took us on his boat for half a day to the Fond blancs, the baignoire de Joséphine, a secluded beach and the Mangroves. It was absolutely magical as was the incredible knowledge and hospitality he shared. It is well worth investing in this experience!
9. Zoo de Martinique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 933 reviews
Reviewed By KreolHarbour - Fort-de-France, Caribbean
Best attraction on island aside of the Balata Garden! A place where you don't see time passing and a very nice botanical garden.
10. 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 :)
