Best Places to Visit in Martinique, Top Attractions

When it comes to Martinique, you just can’t go wrong with the beaches. The white sand and crystal-clear water are enough to stop you exploring anywhere else! The fact that they’re never jam-packed, and they offer the best spots to sit back and relax is unmissable. Martinique has plenty of beaches. This reason alone is a god enough reason to visit the island. Martinique is undoubtedly a great place to take a break from the winter months. Laying in the Caribbean, this little French island fascinates with its splendid vistas and array of colours. You won’t be disappointed if you chose here as your next travel destination. Martinique has it all, from the white sand beaches of the south of the island to the volcanic dome of Mount Pelee in the north.  This French Overseas territory is part of the European Union, carries the euro as currency and French as its principal language, yet she throbs with a colourful Caribbean vibe.     In Martinique, you’ll find a delicious combination of Creole culture and lifestyle with French je ne said quoi.   On this Windward island, set in the eastern Caribbean Sea, you’ll find rain forests, banana plantations and rum distilleries.  There’s huge history here in Martinique, endless watersports, hiking and fantastic food.  Here are all the best things to do in Martinique. Martinique is a picturesque French Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles, located between Saint Lucia in the south and Dominica in the north. The island’s official languages are French, Creole and English. The temperature in Martinique is always perfect, with an average of 26 degrees Celsius. The terrain of the island is lush, green, and mountainous in the north, and there are hidden beach coves and craggy hills in the south. 

#1- Le Diamant
Le Diamant is a town on the southern coast of Martinique. The seaside resort town has one of the most famous diving spots, as visitors come to see the massive volcanic rock that sits out in the sea. The town of Le Diamant includes access to beaches and various charming destinations, including an old church and the museum of shells and the sea.

#2- Les Salines
Les Salines is home to one of the most popular beaches on the island of Martinique. Located in the village of Sainte-Anne, Les Salines beach has miles of white sand, tall palm trees, and calm waters, making it a great destination for families. The beach is named after a nearby salt pond and spans 1200 meters in a perfect semi-circle lined with coconut groves. Due to the beauty of the area, Les Salines gets quite busy on the weekends, filling up with visitors and locals.

#3- La Savane des Esclaves
Located in the village of Trois-Ilets, La Savane des Esclaves includes a slavery museum, tropical garden, and historic Carib Indian homes. Visiting this unique destination gives visitors a closer look at the history of Martinique. The homes have been well preserved and are fully furnished to help you understand life on the island several hundred years ago.

#4- Les Gorges de la Falaise 
Les Gorges de la Falaise (Gorges of the River Falaise) is a narrow gorge between high cliffs in the middle of a rainforest. A river trail leads from the gorge to several rock pools and waterfalls. Guests need to pay an entrance fee to enter the forest. Guided tours are also available. Once inside, a trail leads you deeper into the forest, past thick vegetation and lots of small streams and rivers. 

#5- La Baignoire de Josephine
La Baignoire de Josephine is a sandbar on the Atlantic coast, near the town of Francois. The shallow white water barely reaches a meter deep and remains crystal clear throughout most of the surrounding area. The name for La Baignoire de Josephine (Josephine’s Double Bath) comes from the legend that the wife of Napoleon used to bathe in these waters.

#6- Anse Dufour
Anse Dufour is a large cove with a cozy beach and clear waters and is one of the best places to visit in Martinique. The shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, or simply wading around in the water. The area also has a modern bathroom with changing facilities and convenient parking nearby. A small restaurant and bar sit near the beach, offering local cuisine and cold drinks. Several nearby companies offer equipment rentals for snorkeling and other water activities.

#7- Anse Céron
Anse Ceron is a small bay on the southern coast of Martinique, a short drive from the village of Sainte-Luce. As with many beaches in Martinique, the area is lined with coconut trees and tall vegetation.

#8- Les Anses d’Arlet
Les Anses d’Arlet stands out as one of the best places to visit in Martinique, thanks to its charming villages and gorgeous beaches. Out of the collection of villages in the commune, Anse d’Arlet Bourg is the administrative center and top tourist area. An 18th-century Catholic church stands in the center of the village and greets visitors from the beach.

#9- Morne Gommier
Morne Gommier is a mountain peak near the town of Le Marin and one of the most-visited sightseeing destinations on the island. The mountain is a short drive from Le Marin or Anse Figuier, but you must follow a trail on foot to reach the peak. On a clear day, you can spot Sainte-Anne to the southeast and the tip of the Diamond Rock to the west. Visitors can also pick up souvenirs at the gift shop at the top of Morne Gommier.

#10- Jardin de Balata
Jardin de Balata is a sprawling botanical garden. The rainforest setting is one of the top attractions in Martinique. The garden includes clearly marked paths that take you past trees, plants, and ponds. The site is about 10 kilometers north of Fort-de-France and was built around a historic Creole house. Jardin de Balata is privately owned and operated, with tickets available online or at the entrance.

#11- Plage de Pointe Marin
Plage de Pointe Marin is a beach in the southern village of Sainte-Anne. The picturesque beach is lined with coconut trees that provide lots of shade from the midday sun. The waters are typically calm and crystal clear. The shallow depth allows you to wade out into the water a great distance before it reaches your waist. Compared to some of the other beaches on the island, Plage de Pointe Marin is not the most crowded spot. It is a relaxing destination with a few shops and bars nearby.