Where to Stay in Martinique

Our Favorite Martinique Hotels

• 4-Star Hotel: Apolline
• Unique Hotel: French Coco
• Cheap Hotel: Hôtel Pélican
• Villas: Domaine de Mapou
• Family resort: Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek
• Adults-Only: Bahi Villa
• All-Inclusive: Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek
• One of the best hotel pools can be found at the Apolline hotel.
• ・ Near The Airport: B&B Hotel

a clock tower in the middle of a garden

The Best Area to Stay in Martinique

Greetings upon arriving in Martinique, the French island territory in the West Indies. Legally and politically, Martinique maintains the same status as regions within mainland France since 1974. Thus, visitors experience French culture akin to cities like Nice or Paris, with the Euro as currency alongside French customs like sidewalk cafes and bakeries. While Martinican Creole exists, French dominates as the primary language spoken by all residents.

Obviously, though, Martinique is distinctly different – this is a tropical island, with fabulous beaches, unique music and dance traditions, local Creole cuisine alongside French, and a thriving domestic rum industry.

France colonized Martinique in the 17th century. As with the rest of the Caribbean, enslaved Africans were brought to work the sugar plantations (the indigenous Carib population was expelled or died out) – slavery was abolished in 1848. Today the island has a population of around 400,000 (mostly of African descent), squeezed into a space a little smaller than New York City. Broadly, the island is divided into two areas: the mountainous north with its rugged, undeveloped coastline, and the rocky hills (mornes) and pristine beaches and coves (anses) in the south. In between is the busy capital city Fort-de-France, the airport, and the developed central plains. Though exploring the capital for a day or so is worthwhile, most visitors wisely opt to stay near the coast or a beach.

Martinique offers an unexpected delight for drinkers in the quality of its rums, or `rhum agricole`, which are crafted from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice rather than molasses. Rarely found in North America, the island is home to 14 distinct distillers, each producing their own signature brand. Similar to French wine regions, many of these distillers can be toured with complimentary tastings available. Martinique rum even has its own controlled appellation of origin designation. Given the serious penalties for drunk driving, organizing a tour with a designated driver is prudent.

There are very limited chain lodgings on Martinique – Club Med is the notable exception. Accommodations mainly consist of a variety of independent boutique hotels and elegant guesthouses, plus a vast range of studio, apartment, and villa rentals. Quality tends to be high – think southern France – and the island is an extremely romantic destination for couples. Popular with French groups from Europe (for understandable reasons), it can be an pricey destination for North American families, particularly when considering the Euro-exchange rate and assessments with neighboring islands. We break down the choices below.

• If it’s your first time visiting Martinique, aim to stay on or near the beaches of the South Coast, or in one of the more romantic hotels on the East Coast. We don’t recommend staying in or around Fort-de-France, which can become congested with traffic and be a long drive from the beach.

Martinique Travel Tips

  • Premium Accommodations: Fairmont – Kimpton Van Zandt
  • A car is the best way to navigate around Martinique, either a rented vehicle or through taxis – though using taxis only for airport transportation and possibly a day in Fort-de-France isn`t very cost effective. All major rental companies have a presence on the island: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, Sixt, etc. Driving occurs on the right side of the road, and the minimum age is 21. If you’ve driven on other Caribbean islands, be prepared for Martinique seeming rather busy in comparison, with substantial traffic jams in and around Fort-de-France during rush hours, and primary roads to the beaches usually crowded on weekends or holidays – allow a generous amount of time.
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  • Like much of the Caribbean, Martinique’s peak season is November–April, when it’s temperate and generally dry (and hotel rates are significantly higher). Rain is more likely June–November, but it rarely persists for long, and the island is largely devoid of tourists during this time (May and June are the best times to visit overall). Temperatures on average 79°F (26°C), with just a couple degrees difference between summer and winter.
  • Communication can be an issue for some visitors to Martinique as French is the official language, and while hotels and tourist services will usually have some English speakers, one cannot assume that regular Martinicans (including in shops, restaurants and sights) will comprehend or speak English – the vast majority of those visiting the island come from France itself. You’ll receive a much better reception if you endeavor to speak at least some French initially, rather than English.

The Best Places to Stay in Martinique

Best Places in Martinique for…

  • Best Place to Stay for Diving: South Loop (South Coast)
    Though Martinique is not as popularly known as other Caribbean destinations, it is a significant scuba diving location, containing abundant marine life, historic shipwrecks and flourishing reefs. If diving is your primary goal, stay on the South Coast, where you`ll be near the best dive sites and dive operators. A highlight is Diamond Rock, an offshore islet with a distinctive conical shape near the beach town of Le Diamant – in addition to the plentiful marine life surrounding the rock, there`s a deep underwater cavern to explore. Other top nearby locations include Obian`s Caye, a coral-strewn drop-off, the “Church” drop-off, “Cockroach Cove”, and several others. Contact AN DLO Diving,DSC Club de Plongée, or Centre de Plongée du Diamant to organize an excursion. The other major diving hub on the South Coast is Les Anses d’Arlets – there are at least 19 popular dive spots within minutes of the town, such as the Anse 3 Airs and Nahoon wreck dives, seeing turtles at Pointe de la Baleine, and the spectacular Arbre Mortdrop-off. Try Aliotis,Alpha Plongée, or Bubble Dive in this area.
  • Most Romantic Location: East Coast and Presqu’Île de la Caravelle
    The tranquil East Coast of Martinique has a mosaic appearance of small bays and coastal regions, divided by the Caravelle peninsula, most of which is an unspoiled natural reserve. Among the intimate boutique hotels located on the isle, those places are perfect for couples, although vehicle rental would be necessary to navigate around. Top selections comprise French Coco,Hôtel Plein Soleil, and the extremely romantic Maison de L’Ilet Oscar, on its own idyllic tropical island. Romantic highlights embrace the secluded community of Grand’Rivière at the northernmost portion of the isle; hiking through the Gorges de la Falaise; tastings at the Saint-James or Rhum Clément rum distilleries; investigating the remnants of Château Dubuc, an old sugar estate; and taking a privately rented boat to sample the crystal-clear “fonds-blancs” (sand banks) and white coastlines on islets just off shore
  • Premier spot for beaches: South Loop (South Coast)

    • Martinique’s finest shores all lie on the Southern Coast – base yourself here if beach hopping is your principal aim, though you’ll require a rented vehicle to make the most of it, as the best spots are fairly scattered. Ansedes Salines is considered the island’s most stunning beach, a prolonged stretch of white sand backed by palm trees and a handful of snack stalls – there are no hotels here, but it can become very busy at weekends and on holidays. Grande Anse d’Arlet is an additional lovely expanse on a tranquil bay (good for snorkeling) that can also become overcrowded – there are plenty of services and eateries here, though, in the town. The Plage du Diamant, the extended beach in front of the town of Le Diamant, is also a well-liked spot (combining volcanic black and golden sand), with palm trees offering plenty of shade from the sun. It can be windy and choppy, however. Anse Figuier is much calmer and better for swimming and snorkeling (with palm trees and silky soft sand), whereas gorgeous Anse Trabaud is much harder to arrive at (via dirt road) and therefore far less crowded (often deserted, with no amenities). We also like black-sand Anse Noire, where it’s common to spot turtles, and Anse Mitanon the Pointe du Bout for the views, soft sand, and nightlife, but there are numerous other beaches to explore

  • The best place for nightlife is Fort-de-France and Pointe du Bout/Les Trois-Ilets.

    • Seaside establishments serving modest nightlife are scattered across the island, holding the most significance in the primary coastal towns, but one will find slightly expanded options in the capital, Fort-de-France (although there is no single nightlife district and the downtown area becomes rather deserted at night). Considered the most stylish locale for a beverage is Le Cloud rooftop bar, a brief taxi ride east of downtown. For a more native atmosphere Garage Popular in the downtown back streets provides cheaper drinks and live musical entertainment. Another fun place is O’Pub Restaurant & Bar, overlooking the waterfront. Somewhat further away, French expatriates like Kinky Mangoin Le Lamentin, which serves up delicious beverages, craft beers, and good music. Considered the best beachside bar near downtown is Le Sunset (Pointe de la Vierge, Rue du Petit Pavois 60), which transforms from seafood restaurant to dance club on weekends

    Across the bay in the locality of Pointe du Bout/Les Trois-Ilets the evening activities are a bit more relaxed (and visitor friendly). Le Kano is one of the better lounge areas overlooking the sea, especially good for enjoying local rum, while Le Coco Bar is the iconic beach bar at Hôtel Bakoua. There is also Casino Trois-Îlets, which has its own bar and schedule of live music, in addition to the standard gambling entertainment.

    It’s also beneficial to explore Le Carbet, located 17 miles (27km) to the northeast of Fort-de-France on the coast, where local legends like Le Petibonum and Wahoo Café offer fabulous beach bars and restaurants.

    • The drinking age in Martinique is 18.

    Be sure to sample a “Ti’punch”, a blend of rhum agricole, lime, and sugarcane syrup. It`s considered the national drink of Martinique, and every bar has its own version.

  • Best Area for Food and Restaurants: Fort-de-France
    The cuisine of Martinique boasts some flavorsome fusions incorporating West Indian creole, African, and French influences, making it among the most delectable eating in the Caribbean, though expenses can escalate (contingent on the power of the Euro). The Grand Marché (marketplace) in Fort-de-France serves as a superb starting point, where local bakeries and snack stalls offer a taste of the island`s cooking. Notable local Creole eateries here include Chez Geneviève (providing an affordable set meal for lunch) and Chez Carole, renowned for its crispy accras or salted cod fritters. Above the metropolis in the hills, Galanga Fish Bar is worthwhile seeking out too, famed for fresh seafood and octopus. In downtown Fort-de-France, The Yellow, with its namesake bright yellow decor, is a suitable choice for French/Creole fusion cuisine, while Le Ti Saint Louis is an excellent local diner next to the cathedral (serving Creole meals but also burgers and Italian classics). We also admire Spice n’Sugar for its jerk chicken and French-style sweets. Tom, a localized favorite near Parc La Savane, serves the finest burgers on the island
  • Best Place for Shopping: Fort-de-France
    While Martinique may not always provide the most inexpensive purchasing options in the Caribbean region, aficionados of French culture will appreciate being able to obtain essentially tariff-free goods – including fashion, gems, fragrances, wine, and cheese – indigenous to this locale. La Galleria, situated on the outskirts of Fort-de-France, represents one of the more sophisticated modern purchasing plazas, with an expansive assortment of Parisian styles of clothing, extras, and cosmetics. Nearby, the Centre Commercial Carrefour Dillon markets garments, gems and electronics in addition to its standard supermarket products, while the more centrally placed Centre Commercial La Cour Perrinon offers substantially less selection. Downtown`s Rue Victor Hugo embodies the city`s conventional shopping avenue, though you`ll mainly discover local retailers and styles there. Pura Vida (at Victore Hugo 39) proves useful for souvenirs and handicrafts, as does the Grand Marché, the primary indoor market, albeit this targets travelers predominantly. Galeries Lafayette on Rue Victor Schoelcher represents the city`s premier department establishment.

    • The Village de la Poterie, an artisanal marketplace featuring goods like local handicrafts, confections, soaps, cosmetics and ceramics, can be found in Les Trois-Ilets.

    Most of Martinique`s rum distilleries have on-site shops selling local crafts and souvenirs in addition to spirits.

  • Safety in Martinique
    Martinique is generally quite safe, though the usual precautions should be taken at night, especially in Fort-de-France. Petty crime (pickpocketing and bag-snatching) and car theft can be an issue – never leave anything of value in your car, or unattended on the beach. Credit card and ATM fraud has also been reported, so only use ATMs in banks or reputable businesses.

The 5 Best Places in Martinique for Tourists

1. Fort-de-France

Positioned along Martinique`s western shore, Fort-de-France functions as the capital and major urban center of the island. While you likely wouldn`t want to remain there your whole trip, spending a day or two is worthwhile to experience the finest shops, eateries, and museums concentrated in this locale, providing illuminating glimpses into modern French Martinican life.

Though the city spreads over coastline and surrounding hills, the city center remains relatively small and easily navigable on foot, holding onto remnants of its former colonial and Caribbean character. Downtown is anchored by Parc La Savane, a sizable grassy, waterside park, which once housed the notoriously headless statue of Napoleon`s initial wife, Josephine. She was born in Les Trois-Ilets (opposite the bay from Fort-de-France) in 1763 to a sugarcane plantation proprietor – she’s blamed for reintroducing slavery here in 1802, which is supposedly why the statue was decapitated in 1991. It was finally torn down and destroyed during the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020.

Situated in the northwest corner of La Savane lies one of the city`s most stunning attractions, the Bibliothèque Schœlcher, a breathtaking library building constructed in 1887 that seamlessly blends Romano-Byzantine and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Further along Rue de la Liberté, the enlightening Musée d’Archéologie Précolombienne et de Préhistoire is a museum that chronicles the history of the island`s indigenous peoples with a fine collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Set inside a beautiful French colonial villa, the Musée d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie examines the colonial period. A block inland from the park stands the Cathédrale St-Louis, built in 1895 and known as the “iron cathedral” due to its steel-reinforced spire. That seems to summarize the major sights to see in Fort-de-France, though exploring the downtown shops and markets could occupy your time a bit longer. The Marché aux Poissons (Fish Market), next to the river, is particularly vibrant, while the Grand Marché on rue Blénac has a more tourist-oriented selection with stalls offering local fruits and vegetables as well as spices, rum, souvenirs, and typical drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.

Assuming access to a rental vehicle, enthusiasts of Martinican poet and politician Aimé Césaire may wish to visit Maison d’Aimé Césaire, the former home of the late mayor of Fort-de-France, located in the suburbs at 131 Route de Redoute. Another essential activity here is traveling the spectacular Route de la Trace (N3), which snakes north from the city across the mountainous interior to Le Mourne Rouge. Sites along the way include the Sacré Coeur de Balata, a miniature version of the renowned Sacré Coeur church in Paris, and the Jardins de Balata, tropical gardens with magnificent views over Fort-de-France.

2. Pointe du Bout and Les Trois-Ilets

Martinique`s most developed resort area lies just across the bay from the capital, focused on the town of Les Trois-Ilets and the headland known as Pointe du Bout. It is a scenic region with beaches, numerous watersports, restaurants, bars, and a wide range of lodging available, as well as a scattered selection of historic sights. It is also in close proximity to the wilder beaches along the south coast, along with Fort-de-France, making it a good base for your trip. Small boats (called navettes or vadettes) quickly cross the bay from the capital to Pointe du Bout in just 15 minutes, but you will need to rent a vehicle to explore the South Loop.

Les Trois-Ilets itself serves as the central area, featuring stores, utilities, and dining establishments, also the Village de la Poterie, a craft complex creating all kinds of handicrafts and local pottery. Les Trois-Ilets was similarly the birthplace of Joséphine, the initial wife of Napoleon Bonaparte – she is mentioned significantly on the island, even though her legacy is elaborate (not least because of her association with slave-owners). The Musée La Pagerie protects her birthplace on her parents’ sugarcane plantation. Nearby, the Savane Des Esclaves narrates the story of the enslaved population that worked for people like Joséphine’s family, and contains a rebuilt Amerindian village, Creole garden, and medicinal garden. Lastly, the Maison de la Canne, situated in an old rum distillery, highlights the role sugarcane (and rum) has played in Martinique’s history.

• This area highlights numerous villa rentals – try organizations such as Bay Lodge or Coco Kreyol.

3. Saint-Pierre & the Northwest Coast

The less developed Northwest Coast of Martinique isn’t typical vacation terrain, with only a couple of shorelines and far fewer tourist services than in the south. Remaining here can still be an interesting knowledge, however, with a series of smaller boutiques and guesthouses set in peaceful villages backed by soaring, forest-covered hills. There’s also plenty of historic sights and attractions – it’s worth a day or so of discovery, even if you’re not staying here.

The main settlement was once St. Pierre, famous as the “Little Paris of the West Indies” before being ravaged by the eruption of Mont Pelée in 1902. Today visitors can wander through the still-visible remnants (such as the old church, theater, and jail cell where the lone survivor took shelter), and learn regarding the tragedy where 30,000 people perished at the Mémorial de la catastrophe de 1902. Additional exhibits about the volcano itself can be viewed at the nearby Centre de Découvertedes Sciences de la Terre. Presently St Pierre has mostly been rebuilt, with shops and a handful of cafes and restaurants dotting the waterfront.

Just south of St-Pierre, the popular black-sand beach of Anse Turin is where the artist Paul Gauguin and his friend Charles Laval stayed during 1887 before traveling to Tahiti (he painted the beach twice). The Centre d’Interprétation Paul Gauguin celebrates his visit (and displays exhibits on the northern Martinique`s history), with copies of letters and artworks. Nearby, the Zoo de Martinique is a little zoo situated on a seventeenth-century sugar plantation, the Habitation Latouche

Additional south, the village of Le Carbet highlights another black-sand beach, even though it’s claim to fame is that this is where Columbus is thought to have landed in 1502, as well as the first French settlers in 1635. Le Carbet also houses the Aqualand Martinique water park, and the Distillerie Neisson, offering free rum tastings and tours.

  • Public transportation: The centrally located Kalambaka bus terminal receives services from the larger bus hub of Trikala, 23 km away. Most routes involve transferring buses at Trikala, which is connected to major mainland destinations. It takes around six hours by public transportation from Athens to reach Kalambaka, with an interchange necessitated in Trikala.

4. The East Coast and Presqu’Île de la Caravelle

The eastern coast of Martinique features a relatively peaceful region of mountains and small coves and beaches, dotted with some of the island`s most exclusive boutique hotels. It’s a beautiful place to lodge, though not particularly convenient for comprehensively exploring the rest of the island. Renting a vehicle will be necessary to see the top attractions.

Notable experiences include the drive to the fishing village of Grand’Rivière, located at the northern tip of the island (Dominica can be seen in the distance). Enjoy a meal at the Le Grill Riverain here or stroll along the rugged coastline. Inland, the village of L’Ajoupa Bouillon is home to the Gorges de la Falaise, a series of narrow canyons and stunning waterfalls deep in the rainforest. Along the scenic coastal road, dotted with beautiful beaches, the small town of Ste-Marie is home to the Musée du Rhum et Distillerie Saint-James, a rum museum and distillery that has been in operation since 1765 (this is a good place to purchase Martinican rum). A tourism train dubbed Le Train des Plantations travels through sugarcane and banana groves to the Musée de La Banane, a banana museum located on an active plantation. On the coast itself, “Le tombolo de Sainte-Marie” is a small sandbar that connects the mainland to a small island at low tide.

Several miles south of Ste-Marie, the town of Trinité serves as the entrance to the 13-kilometer-long Caravelle peninsula, much of which is covered with hiking trails and protected within the Presqu`Île de la Caravelle nature reserve. Noteworthy features incorporate the relics of Château Dubuc, an old sugar plantation, a series of pleasant beaches (well known for surfing), and the Phare de la Caravelle, a small lighthouse with spectacular vistas. Farther south is the town of Le François, where you can take boat trips to the pristine “fonds-blancs” (sand banks) and white beaches on islands in nearby bays (like îlet Chancel), or to crystal-clear Baignoire de Joséphine (“Joséphine’s bath”, a stretch of shallow sea between two cays) for a swim. Le François is also home to Habitation Clément, a historic plantation house with a distillery producing the highly-rated Rhum Clément.

5. South Loop (South Coast)

The southern coastline of Martinique, also called the South Loop or South Coast, is home to the island`s most stunning scenic views and top beaches. If swimming, fishing, boating, or relaxing on the sand are key priorities, consider lodging in this area. As with the East Coast, you`ll need to hire a vehicle to fully explore it. Notable places starting in the southwest include the charming village of Les Anses d`Arlets, which features a magnificent sandy beach backed by eateries and a unique church. The nearby village of Petite Anse tends to be less crowded, with a small beach and good snorkeling just offshore.

The larger village of Le Diamant, located on the south coast proper, features a wide selection of hotels and eateries alongside a lengthy stretch of white sandy beach. On the western side of the bay lies the Mémorial de l’Anse Cafard, a moving tribute to the slave trade consisting of 15 bowed stone figures (a slave ship sank nearby, claiming the lives of 300 enslaved Africans). Offshore is the cone shaped volcanic rock outcropping of Diamond Rock popular among divers. The next village is Sainte-Luce, showcasing a series of beaches situated in small coves as well as the Écomusée de Martinique, an archaeological museum displaying pre-Columbian artifacts from the Carib and Arawak peoples. Neighboring Le Marin is a bustling seaside town at the head of a lengthy bay and expansive marina – it`s renowned as the yachting capital of Martinique. Its most famous resident artist, known as Habdaphaï, maintains an art studio and shop in town. Sainte-Anne occupies the peninsula at the very southernmost tip of Martinique – this is where you’ll discover the island’s truly finest beaches. Anse des Salines is among the most stunning patches of sand in the Caribbean, an idyllic (and undeveloped) stretch of white sand and palm trees, with a collection of tasty snack stalls along the road behind it.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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