Martinique Island 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Martinique Itinerary: Beaches, Volcanoes & Rum

This itinerary focuses on exploring the diverse natural beauty and cultural experiences of Martinique.

Things to Know before You Go:

  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in Martinique.
  • Language: French is the official language, but Creole is widely spoken. Learning a few basic phrases will be helpful.
  • Best Time to Visit: Martinique has a tropical climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to June) for optimal weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation:

  • Rental car: Highly recommended for exploring the island at your own pace, especially for visiting the beaches and other attractions outside of Fort-de-France.
  • Public transportation: Buses are available in Martinique but schedules can be unreliable.
  • Taxis: Abundant in towns and cities, but agree on a price before starting your journey.

Day 1: Exploring Fort-de-France

  • Morning: Arrive in Martinique (no visa required for US citizens for stays under 90 days).
  • Activity: Stroll through the historic streets of Fort-de-France, the vibrant capital city. Visit the historical Fort Saint Louis, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

Things to do:

  • Fort-de-France:
    • Cathedral of Fort-de-France: Admire this beautiful cathedral built in 1907, a testament to the island’s rich history.
    • Fort Saint Louis: Explore the impressive fort and learn about its role in protecting the island from pirates.

Visa Requirements: (For US Citizens)

  • Tourist Visa: Not required for stays under 90 days.

Itinerary:

  1. Visit Fort Saint Louis: Spend a few hours touring this historic site, learning about its history and enjoying the panoramic views.
  2. Lunch at Le Marin: Indulge in a delicious Creole lunch at one of the many restaurants in this charming seaside town.
  3. Afternoon:
    • Relax on the beach at Anse Dufour or explore the vibrant waterfront of Les Trois-Îlets.
  4. Evening:

Things to know:

  • Currency: The Euro (€) is used throughout Martinique.

Day 2: Beaches & Relaxation

  • Morning: Head to the southern coast and spend the morning soaking up the sun at Anse Mitan, a beautiful beach known for its calm waters and white sand.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the beach, followed by an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.

Things to do:

  • Visit Fort-de-France’s Fort Saint Louis: Explore the history of this fort and admire the stunning views of the city.
  • Relax at Anse Noir: Enjoy a secluded beach experience with black sand and a unique natural setting.
  • Explore the southern coast: Discover charming coastal towns like Les Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne, or explore the beaches and coastline independently.

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Nature

  • Visit the Montagne Pelée: Witness the beauty of this active volcano with a hike to the summit (remembering it’s an active volcano!), where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the top and experience its volcanic history firsthand.
  • Take a dip in waterfalls and natural pools:

Explore the beautiful rainforest trails around the Mont Pelée, hike to the cascading waters of Les Cascades des Écrevisses (the Shrimp Falls) or explore the unique black sand beaches at Anse Dufour.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Jardin de la Martinique: Take a break from the climb and enjoy this lush botanical garden.
  • Take a boat tour to the Les Saintes: Explore the pristine beauty of these nearby islands.

Day 4: Culture & Cuisine

  • Explore Fort-de-France’s Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by browsing the stalls and trying fresh produce, seafood, spices, and rum.
  • Visit a local distillery: Experience the process of making the famous Rhum Agricole (agricultural rum) and sample some rum punch made with fresh ingredients.

Things to know:

  • Rum tasting: Enjoy a taste of Martinique’s history and heritage by visiting one of the many distilleries,

Beaches & Cuisine:

  • Learn about the different types of rhum agricole:

This unique style of rum is made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses.

  • Enjoy the beaches of Fort-de-France:

Fort-de-France is a bustling port city with a variety of beaches, including some popular ones like Anse Mitan and Anse aux Pins.

Things to note:

  • No visa needed for short stays: For US citizens, the

French island of Martinique is part of the French Caribbean Overseas Departments. This means you can enjoy these experiences:

Enjoy a Rum Punch at a beachfront bar:

  • J’aime le Sucre (I Love Sugar): Try different variations of this iconic cocktail and experience the local flavors.

Things to see:

  • The Pitons:

Visit the iconic peaks of Martinique’s coastline, like the Diamond Pitons or the Mont-Pelée rum distillery.

  • Taste the Local Cuisine:

Experience the unique cuisine of Martinique with a delicious rum punch at a beachside bar.

Enjoy the island’s beaches:

  • Anse Dufour: A beautiful and secluded beach on the western coast, known for its calm waters and stunning views.

Things to do:

  • Visit the local rhum agricole distilleries:

Experience the beauty of traditional distilleries with a tour and tasting.

Explore Martinique’s history:

  • Visit the historical sites in Fort-de-France: Learn about the island’s colonial past and its significance in Caribbean history.

Enjoy the nightlife:

  • Discover the local bars and restaurants:

Experience the vibrant nightlife scene of Fort-de-France with live music, dancing, and a variety of local drinks.

  • Sample the Creole Cuisine: Indulge in the unique flavors of Martinique by tasting dishes like accras (cod fritters), colombo (a spicy curry-like dish), and chicken bouyi (a traditional stew).

Things to remember:

  • Bring a raincoat or umbrella: Be prepared for occasional showers, especially during the rainy season.
  • Mosquito repellent is essential: The island has mosquitoes year-round, so pack some DEET-based repellent.

Enjoy a variety of activities in Fort-de-France:

  • Visit the Jardin de Balata Botanical Garden:

Enjoy the beauty and diversity of Martinique’s flora and fauna.

  • Explore the local markets: Discover fresh local produce, spices, seafood, and crafts.
  • Visit the Fort-de-France market: This is a great place to experience the island culture.

Things to see:

  • The beaches are often steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes for exploring and consider bringing water shoes for comfort in the water.
  • Explore the historical center:

Discover the charming streets and colonial architecture of Fort-de-France.

  • Sample a variety of rums: Enjoy the different flavors and types of rum available, from white to aged varieties.

Things to do:

  • Take a boat tour to the nearby Les Saintes islands: Explore the pristine beaches and learn about the unique process of making the island’s famous “rhum agricole.”
  • Visit Fort-de-France’s bustling waterfront markets: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sample local delicacies.