Shimmering seas. Wild rainforests. Rainbow-colored fishing boats. Martinique has all the Caribbean charms you could ask for — and did we mention the French Creole food? Despite its beauty, Martinique is overlooked by American vacationers, probably because the local language is French. But this only adds to the appeal for travelers who appreciate authenticity and prefer to avoid tourist hordes.

Flying to Martinique got easier. While American Airlines was the only major airline that flew to Fort-de-France (via direct flight from Miami), Norwegian Airlines began flights from New York, Boston, and Baltimore in December 2015.¹ And keep in mind that Martinique, a French territory, uses the euro, so exchange rates favor the dollar. What are you waiting for? Allons-y!

What to see in Martinique

Some of the best things to do in Martinique are inland explorations. Take a hike around the famed Mount Pelee, coupled with a soak in its hot springs. The volcano erupted in 1902, killing all the residents of nearby St. Pierre — except for one man, who was locked in the town's jail. Or hike the La Caravelle nature reserve, where you can visit the ruined Château Dubuc.² If you're lucky, you'll spot the rare Antilles pinktoe tarantula — it really is pink!

If you're staying in the capital of Fort-de-France, there are a few must-see historical attractions. Walk around Fort St. Louis, built in the 1640s from volcanic rock, and enjoy the antics of the resident iguanas. The iron-framed St. Louis Cathedral, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the ornate Schoelcher Library are also worth a visit.

But you didn't come to Martinique for the architecture — you need to get out on the water. Take a catamaran out for the day for snorkeling and exploring, capped by a visit to Josephine's Bathtub, a shallow, sandy area where you can frolic in the middle of the ocean.³ Or, take a diving trip to lonely Diamond Rock, where experienced divers can swim through a coral-crusted cave.⁴

Martinique is famous for its many-colored beaches: silver, white and black. Les Salines, on the southern coast, is a palm-lined, white-sand beach. Le Diamant, on the southwestern side of the island, is a black-sand beach with few crowds and powerful waves.

Where to stay in Martinique

Some of the best Martinique resorts can be found in Pointe Du Bout, a small peninsula that's a 20-minute ferry ride across the bay from Fort-de-France. A perennial favorite is the Hotel Bakoua, a small resort with a swimming pool and a palm-roofed bar built on stilts over the ocean.

If you prefer to be farther from the city, the Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa, on the island's eastern coast, is considered one of the most luxurious Martinique resorts. Its villas have stunning views of the lagoon as well as private plunge pools, and the resort has its own yacht for exploring neighboring islets.

Budget travelers love the Hotel Corail Residence, a hotel in Sainte-Luce known for its simple but delicious breakfasts and warm-hearted staff. While the rooms aren't fancy, the views of the ocean and the secluded beach are just perfect.

Where to eat in Martinique

Martinique will tantalize you with its French-Creole dishes, which involve endless combinations of conch, lobster, coconut and other tropical treasures. Fire comes from curry and sauce chien, a local hot sauce.

Visitors seem to agree that the best place to find Creole food is an unprepossessing restaurant called Le Willkat in Saint-Luce. Proprietors Willy and Kat specialize in incredibly fresh local produce and seafood. In Fort-de-France, Chez Carole is known for being especially welcoming to American tourists and serving sublime lambi (stewed conch) and coconut chicken.

Food Republic calls Le Petibonum "a beach bar to end all beach bars" and a must-taste destination on the western coast.⁵ Sample unusual Creole dishes like scallops in vanilla sauce and dorado sashimi. Once you're full, rent a lounge chair and take a nap.

Ready to explore magnifique Martinique? Remember that Allianz Global Assistance provides comprehensive travel insurance to protect you wherever you go. Happy travels!

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