The south of Martinique is a little paradise within the grand one. While the island is full of numerous paradisiacal spots, the southern part seems to concentrate the majority of the tourist offerings. It's where you'll find a large number of white sandy beaches, tourist hotels, and vacation rentals.
Main Cities in Southern Martinique
The southern part of the island encompasses twelve municipalities, totaling 100,000 inhabitants, representing a third of the Martinican population. The majority of hotels are situated in this area, including Les Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne, and Sainte-Luce. Many visitors choose this area as a base, renting a car to explore the northern part of the island.
Le Diamant:
This municipality is named after the iconic Diamant, a volcanic peak situated i…
…n the sea, known worldwide. Access to the rock is prohibited, but diving enthusiasts can explore its underwater depths.
The town of Le Diamant is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. Its over four-kilometer-long beach is stunning. Nearby, discover the house of the convict and the memorial of Anse Caffard with its white statues facing Africa. This sculpture was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery at the site where a slave ship had wrecked.
Ducos:
The municipality of Ducos isn't a tourist town. Its significance lies in its proximity to Fort-de-France, resulting in a large population and robust commercial activity. Previously named Trou au Chat (Cat Hole), it was renamed after a minister of Napoleon III, Ducos (against his will), as the original name was considered too derogatory by residents.
Le Marin:
It's one of the main administrative centers in the south and also the largest marina on the island. The bay of Le Marin is beautiful, as is its waterfront.
In addition to the marina, numerous bars and restaurants complement the tourist offerings. It's also the starting point for boats shuttling to neighboring islands like Saint Lucia, the Grenadines, or for cruises around Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Regarding beaches, only Cap Macré's beach is located within the municipality of Le Marin, but many others are nearby, such as Grand Macabou Beach or Anse Grosse Roche.
Les Anses-d’Arlet:
A fishing village composed of five small shallow bays (anses), Les Anses d’Arlet is one of the most touristic places in Martinique.
Arlet was a Carib chief who settled there fleeing the French colonization of the northern part of the island. It's also a charming village that has retained its authenticity, resisting mass tourism, staying true to its fishing roots.
The fishermen are omnipresent. Take the chance to buy fresh fish directly from them. Les Anses d’Arlet is where you'll find the famous viewpoint of a pontoon seemingly leading directly to a beautiful little church. Likely the most photographed spot in Martinique.
If you visit Les Anses d’Arlet, don't miss observing the underwater world and exotic fish; the water there is remarkably clear.
Continuing with the sea, nearby are magnificent beaches, like Petite and Grande Anse, Anse Dufour, and Anse Noire. The latter is, as the name suggests, a black sand beach. Black sand beaches are mainly located in the northern part of the island; Anse Noire is the exception that confirms the rule.
Saint Esprit:
This municipality is rarely mentioned in tourist guides. Located inland, it lacks a coastline. It's a rural, agricultural town with lush vegetation due to the highest humidity rate in the southern part of the island. From the top of Morne Baldara, you can admire the most beautiful viewpoint on the island.
Sainte-Anne:
At the southern tip of Martinique, the municipality of Sainte-Anne is known for hosting the most beautiful beaches on the island, perhaps even in all the Caribbean! Brace yourself; Sainte-Anne boasts 22 kilometers of coastline made of fine white sand, lined with coconut trees, and bordered by turquoise blue sea.
It's the quintessential postcard landscape. Les Salines Beach is one of the most famous. It's the usual souvenir photo of Martinique with its characteristic crescent shape. To reach it, you'll need to cross the Savane des Pétrifications, which looks like a small desert. The place is named so because numerous fossils were found there.
Rivière Pilote:
Named after a Carib chief who fled south to escape the advance of French colonizers. Formerly a refuge for escaped slaves, it became the epicenter of anti-colonial claims by Martinicans and later social struggles.
In terms of tourist attractions, the municipality boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: Anse Figuier Beach. It's also a favored spot for photographers who come to enjoy the magnificent viewpoint of Le Diamant with the "lying woman."
Rock climbing enthusiasts can try their hand at ascending the "zombie rock." In the municipality, you can admire the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest in Martinique. Continue the visit to the Eco-museum, where you can learn more about the Arawaks, the island's first inhabitants, and their history.
Lastly, Rivière-Pilote is home to the renowned La Mauny distillery.
Rivière Salée:
If you find this name strange, consider that the town was formerly called "Cul de sac à vaches" (Cow's Cul-de-sac). There are no beaches here, mostly mangroves. The town revolved around agricultural crops like sugar, cotton, and cocoa. It's not a tourist-favored town but is conveniently located close to Fort-de-France and major roads.
Les Trois-Îlets:
Another must-visit town for tourism in Martinique. The municipality of Les Trois-Îlets is bustling, featuring a marina, a golf course, museums, hotels, and numerous nearby beaches.
A maritime shuttle connects the town to Fort-de-France, useful for avoiding the numerous traffic jams around the capital. For historical reference, it's the birthplace of Joséphine de Beauharnais, the Martinican Creole who became Empress by marrying Napoleon.
Sainte Luce:
Again, this is another top tourist destination in Martinique. There are a large number of hotels and vacation residences here.
There's no shortage of beaches, some of the island's most beautiful ones are nearby, like Anse Corps de Garde, Anse Mabouya, and Anse Gros Raisin. All water activities are available here (diving, jet skiing, catamaran, etc.).
The old Trois-Rivières distillery is also nearby and worth a visit. For nature lovers, the Montravail forest offers beautiful hikes and the opportunity to admire the engraved rocks, remnants of the island's first inhabitants, the Arawaks.
Le François:
The residents of François are called the "Franciscans," not because they are monks, but because it was where the first French settlers established themselves. Once the stronghold of the Békés (descendants of Martinique's white colonists), the municipality of François has become a haven for tourists.
These visitors don't come by chance. François is where you find the famous "fonds blancs" and some of the most beautiful islets. Fonds blancs are shallow areas in the middle of the sea where the depth is less pronounced.
The most famous is the Baignoire Joséphine. Located on the Atlantic coast, to the east of the island, François faces eight small islets that delight tourists. Note that the Club Franciscain is one of the best football teams in Martinique.
Don't forget to visit Habitation Clément, one of the best-preserved in Martinique.
Le Vauclin:
This small fishing village swept by the trade winds of the Atlantic coast is highly sought after by tourists, especially for its beaches. The most famous among them, Pointe Faula, is a beautiful white sandy beach protected by a coral reef.
The waters are warm and shallow, making it a popular spot for families. Le Vauclin has numerous "fonds blancs," although they are less known than those in the neighboring municipality of François. Another beautiful beach in the area is plage de Macabou.
South of Martinique: Unmissable Paradise Beaches
Let's be frank. The beaches of Martinique are so beautiful that they leave no one indifferent. It's a unique experience, a bit like bathing in a postcard. Without further ado, here's our shortlist of must-visit spots in the south of Martinique.
- Anse Dufour
- Anse Noire
- La plage du Diamant
- Anse Figuier
- Anse des Salines
- Anse Michel
- Les fonds blancs du François
- Anse Mitan
- Pointe du Bout
Activities to Do in the South of Martinique
Because the south is not just about beaches and relaxation, here are a few activities to do between swims.
- Savane des pétrifications (starting from the beach of Les Salines)
- La Savane des esclaves
- Le marché couvert des Trois-îlets
- Habitation Clément
- Le mémorial de l’Anse Caffard