Martinique

Martinique is a French island in the Caribbean and an integral part of the Windward Islands, also known as the Lesser Antilles, and part of the chain of French Caribbean Islands. The French Islands, or the French West Indies, include Martinique, St Bart's, St Martin, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. On Martinique, the majority of natives and visitors gather on the western side of the island of Martinique. The western coastline is flanked by the beautiful Caribbean Sea, providing easy access to the island's of Dominica and St Lucia via regular cruises. The west is also home to the largest, busiest, and most exciting city, Fort de France.

With the majority of locals on the island of Martinique living in the city and a high concentration of tourists staying there, it's a bustling metropolis full of many exciting attractions and pursuits. Most people on Martinique vacations choose accommodation at the Martinique hotels found in Fort de France. From the city, transportation around the island is effortless with plenty of affordable options when it comes to getting around. Looking at Martinique travel options around the island, rental cars, taxis, buses, and minivans operate all around the area.

Staying in Fort de France means easy access to the local ferry which travels to many top tourist destinations and beautiful beaches in the area that are otherwise inaccessible. The choice of Martinique luxury hotels is also the greatest in the city as are dining options, from upscale to budget. Of all the French Caribbean islands, Martinique's luxury hotel choices make up in opulence what they lack in number. Shopping is one of the top things to do in the city and is comparable to many high-fashion areas in France itself. With top designer names to local handicrafts, those who love to shop will love the abundance of shopping opportunities in Fort de France. History and culture also exist throughout the city in form of museums, galleries, and monuments commemorating the colorful island history. The city also plays host to some of the finest and most exciting festivals and events happening each year.

Venturing out of Fort de France, there are myriad Martinique travel options to choose from. For most visitors, the beaches are what they come for and where they spend the majority of their time. The best beaches to visit during Martinique vacations are those found along the southern coast near Les Trois Ilets. Les Salines, Cap Chevalier, Anse Ceron, Pointe de Bout, Le Diamant, and Sainte-Anne are the most notable white sand beaches in the south. The black sand beaches of the north testify to the presence of volcanic activity on Martinique. These beaches flank the warm, Caribbean Sea and are set against a lush green backdrop of rolling hills, intricate rock faces and swaying palms providing stunning scenery to accompany the lovely beaches.

As with most of the French Caribbean Islands, food is a major player in Martinique travel. Food, like shopping, is another integral aspect in French culture, and can be tasted and savored in fine dining restaurants, beachside stalls, city cafes, and local eateries. Creole cuisine, influenced by several fascinating cultures melded into one, offers tastes of exotic spices mixed with plenty of fresh seafood, succulent meats, and local produce to create a blend unlike any other. With fine food also comes fine wine, something the French are famous for. Rivaling the sumptuous wine blends on the island, a large variety of rum distilleries offer regular tours and tastings for visitors. Martinique is actually more famous for its rum than wine and is known world wide for a few of its top brands.

With plenty of airlines offering terrific deals, especially in low season, Martinique vacations are more accessible to a large number of travelers from all over the world. A wide assortment of resorts, villas and hotels presents numerous accommodation options for every budget. Cruises from Fort de France's port offer ways to explore the island without dedicating your entire vacation to one island, if you choose to visit other nearby islands. Rum tours, diving, hiking, shopping, beach visits, and sightseeing are at the top of every island agenda. With so many incredible options, each visitor finds something just right for them to enjoy a wonderful Caribbean holiday with true French Creole zest as the icing on the cake.