Martinique is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean, offering an enchanting combination of white sandy beaches, mountainous landscapes, lush tropical forests, and a rich culture.
Whether you're looking for relaxation on paradisiacal beaches, outdoor adventures, or immersion in local history and culture, Martinique has it all. Here are some of the best attractions not to be missed during a 10-day stay in Martinique:
Didier Waterfall: Located in Fort-de-France, this waterfall is accessible after about an hour's hike. Good sneakers are recommended as the area is humid and densely wooded, but the detour is worth it.
Scuba Diving: You can explore the underwater world and its inhabitants, especially in Anses d'Arlet, where the water is at a comfortable temperature.
House of Bèlè: Bèlè is the traditional dance of Martinique. Dating back to the colonial period, this dance of "rebellion" was created by slaves to release their energy after long, hard days of work under the sun. In Sainte-Marie, you'll find a place dedicated to the memory of this dance, where you can learn its moves.
Tubing: Pulled by a boat for about fifteen minutes, you'll be attached to a tube speeding over the water. Your only goal: don't fall!
Jet Skiing: Many communities offer jet ski rides, either solo or in pairs. A real escape for speed and thrill enthusiasts.
Day on Îlet Madame: Located near Robert, you can reach it by boat. This spot is perfect for swimming and picnicking with your family. Surrounded by white sand and relatively calm waters, you can also take a dip.
Josephine's Bathtub: This small bank of white sand in the middle of the sea near François always captivates tourists and locals alike. The tradition there is to enjoy a ti-punch while bathing.
Pagerie Museum: Founded in the house where the woman who would later become Napoleon Bonaparte's wife was born and raised, this small museum is full of secrets and history.
Buggy and Quad Hiking: What's better than riding through fields, forests, or along trails leading to the beach on quads and buggies.
Tree-Top Adventure (Acrobranche): At Mangofil, you can climb and swing from tree to tree, as well as zipline, all on courses suitable for both children and adults.
Canal des Esclaves: Hand-built by slaves, this small mountainside path arouses curiosity. However, it's only passable in dry weather.
As a good tour guide, we've put together an example itinerary that would delight you and be perfect for making the most of all these beautiful spots.
Day 1: On the way to Sainte-Marie
For your first day, I suggest you come and discover the island's traditional dance: Bèlè. In Sainte-Marie, you'll find the Maison du Bèlè where most of the "Gran mèt Bèlè," the pillars of this dance, practice. You can get initiated, watch demonstrations, and ask all your questions.
At noon, head to the North Beach restaurant, located in the town, opposite the islet of the community. In the afternoon, you can visit the Banana Museum, also in the same town. After your visit, this versatile fruit will hold no more secrets for you.
Day 2: Immersion in Tradition at Les Trois-Îlets
For your second day, head to the south of the island, specifically to Trois-Îlets. In the birthplace of Joséphine de Beauharnais, you can visit her former home, now transformed into the "Musée de la Pagerie," where you'll find items that marked the Empress's childhood.
At noon, you can visit the Creole Village. There, you'll find various restaurants offering different types of cuisine. My favorite is "L'Annexe," which offers meat and fish grilled on hot stones seasoned with curry, coconut, or local spices. After this culinary escapade, head to Anse à l'Ane, still in the same community. You can swim in translucent waters and also go jet skiing.
Day 3: Storming the Islets of Le Robert
Your 3rd day is dedicated to relaxation!
The program includes a day on the water. You'll need to book this day with a provider like Le Roi Mongin, the island's reference company.
They'll take you first to Josephine's Bathtub, where you'll have your traditional Ti Punch. Then, head to Îlet Madame, where you'll have lunch and rest your feet in the water.
Day 4: Fond-Saint-Denis, Following in the Footsteps of the Ancients
On the 4th day, head inland. I suggest taking a walk along the Canal des esclaves . This canal, situated on the mountainside, was built by slaves, some of whom lost their lives in the process.
In the afternoon, what's better than a river bath? Staying in the same community, you can go to "Saut du gendarme" (Policeman's Jump).
Day 5: Like a Fish in the Water at Anses-d'Arlet
For your 5th day, let's explore the underwater world.
In Anses d'Arlet, in the south of the island, you'll find turquoise and translucent waters inhabited by various marine and plant species. These waters are perfect for scuba diving.
On the beach, activities like paddleboarding and transparent kayaking are also available. For around thirty euros, you can stroll from one beach to another and discover small hidden coves inaccessible by foot.
Day 6: The Discovery Tour of Fort-de-France
The next day, head to the river, specifically to Didier Waterfall for a short hike followed by a refreshing dip in the river. Once back at the center, you can satisfy your appetite at "Sun Fly." Every noon, they offer various freshly caught fish, fried, in court-bouillon, grilled, or even raw. A true delight for the taste buds.
Finally, you can end the day by exploring the city, starting with the covered market, then the Schoelcher Library, Fort Saint-Louis, and Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Day 7: Some Sports in Les Trois-Îlets
The following day, you'll spend it at the treetops!
Indeed, we suggest you go to Mangofil, in Trois-Îlets, to do some tree-top adventure. This fun activity is even more enjoyable when shared with family or friends.
After you've had your meal, I invite you to go to Anse Mitan beach, where you can go tubing and swim in the sea.
Day 8: Harmony with Nature in Fort-de-France
For your 8th day, I recommend the Jardin de Balata, located on the heights of Fort-de-France. An iconic part of the island's heritage, you'll find almost all of Martinique's plant species there and might even encounter symbols of the island like the Matoutou Falaise, for example.
Day 9: Time for Tasting
Let's continue in beauty. On your 9th day, head to Sainte-Marie and its Saint-James distillery. You can discover the rum production process there and explore a museum entirely dedicated to it.
At the end of your visit, you can take a small train ride through the sugarcane fields. For lunch, you can dine at the distillery's restaurant, which highlights local products.
After your meal, you can continue your day in the northern part of the island. Specifically, in Basse-Pointe, you can take a 3-hour buggy ride to get closer to nature and experience vibrant spots. You'll end this ride at the JM distillery, where you'll likely taste some flavored rums.
Day 10: After the Effort, Comfort in the Far North
Your stay is coming to an end, but how can you leave the island without climbing its famous lady that garners so much attention: Mount Pelée!
The ascent is relatively long and tiring. I recommend bringing water, sugar, and good sneakers.
On a sunny day, you'll have the chance to see its peak and take a pause there.
Once your ascent is complete, what's better than rewarding yourself with a good meal? That's what Bella Beach in Saint-Pierre offers.
Then, it's time to relax. You can take your final sea bath on the black sand beach that runs alongside the restaurant while admiring a magnificent sunset. Now, it's your turn to enjoy! See you soon.
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