Discover the jewel of the Caribbean - Martinique! The island offers a rich blend of natural beauty, culture and history that will delight any visitor. With stunning beaches, green mountains and dramatic cliffs, Martinique is a true paradise for nature lovers. The island also has a rich cultural history reflected in its architecture, art, music and literature. Visitors can visit historical sites, explore local markets and sample local specialities such as rum and akras. Water sports enthusiasts will also feel at home in Martinique, with a variety of activities including snorkelling, diving, sailing and surfing. Discover Martinique and experience an unforgettable travel adventure in the Caribbean.
There are many reasons why Martinique is an excellent sailing destination. One of the most important is the island's clear waters and stunning scenery. There are also many sheltered anchorages and a variety of small islands and bays to explore. In addition, Martinique offers a pleasant breeze and relatively calm waters, making it an ideal place for sailors of all experience levels. Finally, Martinique also has many facilities and services for sailors, such as marinas, charter companies and boatyards.
Best time to sail around Martinique
The weather in Martinique is warm and humid all year round, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high and it rains often, especially from June to October. The best time to sail in Martinique is from December to April, as the weather is drier and the winds more moderate at this time. Outside these months there can be strong trade winds and occasional storms which can be challenging for less experienced sailors. It is also important to be careful and keep an eye on the weather during the hurricane season from June to November. Overall, Martinique offers a sailable climate all year round, but the best time for an enjoyable sailing experience is during the winter months.
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Why is Martinique called the Island of Flowers?
Martinique is often called the "Island of Flowers" because the island is rich in a variety of flowers and plants that thrive due to the tropical climate. There are more than 1000 species of plants on the island, including a variety of flowers such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani and orchids. The flower "fleur de porcelaine" is particularly famous and is also the symbol of the island. The island's lush vegetation is not only beautiful to look at, but also plays an important role in the economy, as many of the plants are used for the production of spices, cosmetics, perfumes and medicines.
Culture and cuisine: insights into the diversity of Martinique
The culture of the inhabitants on Martinique is shaped by French, Caribbean and African influences. Besides French, Martinique Creole is also a common language. The majority of the population has African roots. Creole cuisine combines local ingredients with African, European and Indian elements. Characteristic products of the island are rum, the chequered Madras cloth and the Bakoua hat. Every summer, the island hosts the Tour des Yoles, a regatta with traditional boats.
The sporting event of the year in Martinique - Tour des Yoles
Entering Martinique: What you need to know
An identity card is sufficient for entry and you can pay with the euro. If you want to visit other islands, you will need a passport. Further information on entering France can be found on the France page of the German Foreign Office.
It is easy to reach Martinique by plane from Europe, either directly or with a stopover in Paris. A yacht charter in the Caribbean can be rented by the day, so you can adjust the charter time to suit your flights or spend extra days on the island in different accommodation.
Fort de France: the perfect starting point for your Martinique trip
The starting point is Marina du Marin, one of the largest sailing centres in the Caribbean, half an hour's drive south of Fort de France. There is infrastructure here not found on other islands, including several restaurants, shopping, a car rental agency and a tourist information centre.
Fort de France is the most important town in the French Antilles and is located on the sheltered west side in the large bay of the same name. If you take a stroll through the historic old town, you can admire the town's architectural and cultural heritage, such as the Schoelcher Library and the Savannah Green Square. Fort Saint-Louis was built during the war against Great Britain and offers guided tours to learn more about the island's history. There is also the Museum of History and Ethnology, which will enlighten you about the background of the island.
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St Louis Cathedral was built based on the plans of its predecessor, but with materials resistant to fire and earthquakes. The interior and the windows are very attractively designed. Here you can meet the islanders at their solemn church service. You can also become part of everyday life at the markets in the market hall and the flower park, where you can get to know the island's culinary specialities. Furthermore, numerous restaurants or the local rum distillery offer delicious food and drinks.
For nature lovers and walkers, the Jardin de Balata is recommended. This botanical garden is home to over 300 species of Caribbean plants and offers the opportunity to observe hummingbirds.
St Louis Cathedral, Fort de France
History of the island and its inhabitants
To really get to know Martinique, it is worth exploring not only the paradisiacal sides of the island, but also delving into its history. An interesting chapter is linked to Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife and great love, Joséphine. Her parents owned a sugar cane and cocoa plantation in the south of the large bay in Les Trois-Îlets. Today, there is a small museum there with legacies of the empress. When visiting the museum, a guided tour is recommended to learn more about Joséphine's life and especially the history of the island in her time. Under her leadership, slavery was reintroduced on the island.
In La Savane des Esclaves, an open-air museum, the history and living conditions of the slaves are retraced. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about slavery through 15 traditional huts, a Creole garden and a medicinal garden. For those who understand French, it is recommended to take a guided tour. For all others, accompanying brochures and panels are available in English at the individual stations. Visitors will also gain insights into the slaves' knowledge of the uses and plants.
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Since the 17th century, the processing of sugar cane became increasingly important, which led to the production of rum. But when European plantations were closed, production declined. Maison de la Canne in Trois-Ilets and Moulin de Val d'Or, located a few kilometres from Sainte-Anne, offer information about the production processes, the island's rum producers and life on the plantations.
On the way to Le Marin is the Ecomuseum, housed in an old distillery and located right on the coast. This museum is about the early history of the island and its former indigenous people, the Arawak.
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The most beautiful bays and beaches in the south
In Les Anses-d'Arlet, a picturesque little town in the bay of Anse Chaudière south of the capital, the beautiful 18th-century church of Saint-Henri right by the sea, surrounded by Creole houses, dominates the image of the place. In front of it is a sandy beach and several jetties, and there are cafés, restaurants and shops for provisions. In the bay, many underwater creatures can be discovered while snorkelling and diving.
North of Fort de France is the large Grande Anse Bay, which has a long white sand beach and several cafés and restaurants along the promenade. A stop at Anse Noir, a black sand beach surrounded by green palm trees and forest, is also recommended. To the south, there is the small Petite Anse bay, which offers a quiet, sandy beach.
Grande Anse Bay, Martinique
On the way to Le Marin, you pass the rock Le Diamant, which lies in the sea, played a role in the French-English wars in Napoleon's time and is still considered a bone of contention as to whom it belongs to. The basalt rock provides a breeding ground for various bird species and is also popular as a diving spot. Opposite is the village of Le Diamant with shops, markets, restaurants and the shell museum, which has more than 2000 exhibits from all over the world.
In the sheltered bay of Le Marin is the long sandy beach of Pointe Marin. Here you can rent water sports equipment such as kite surfing, water skiing or diving on the reef. The clear water also invites you to go snorkelling. For a break in between, there are various bars and restaurants in town. Le Marin thus offers everything for a shopping spree and a varied holiday experience.
The southernmost point of the island is in the municipality of Sainte-Anne. There are numerous tourist facilities there, including a fish market, a fruit and vegetable market and a business infrastructure. There are many beaches around the southern tip, including Le Bourg, a long white sandy beach with fine sand.
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Between volcanoes, underwater worlds and dark beaches in the north
Saint-Pierre in the northwest of the island of Martinique was once nicknamed the "Little Paris of the Antilles". But at the beginning of the 20th century, the town and almost all its inhabitants were wiped out by the eruption of the Mont Pelée volcano. After the city was rebuilt, several things still remind us of the volcanic eruption: divers can descend to several wrecks that sank in the embers of the 1902 eruption, and you also pass ruins while walking around the city. In the Musée Franck A. Perret you can learn more about the volcanic history of the island and the 1902 eruption, with finds that have survived.
There is an opportunity to experience the diversity of nature and human creativity around the island: Divers and snorkellers can not only explore the biodiversity in the area, but also visit the Saint-Pierre Underwater Sculpture Park. Here they can marvel at an impressive collection of man-made art, offering a unique underwater experience.
Rainforest with the volcano Mount Pelée in the background
In the northern region of Martinique, you will find a unique landscape with rainforest, waterfalls and the impressive volcano Mont Pelée, which is 1400 metres high. Adventurous hikers have the opportunity to climb Carbet and Mont Pelée to enjoy the fantastic views over the island and the sea.
In the north of Martinique, there are also many dark sand beaches near Mont Pelée, including the well-known Anse du Ceron with the small island of "La Perle", Anse Couleuvre, which is ideal for surfers and divers, and Anse du Carbet, where the sea is particularly calm.