Martinique Island 3 Day Itinerary

Martinique 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discovering the Capital and Beaches

Morning:

  • Breakfast at a local bakery (e.g., Le Pain Quotidien) or café in the city center of Fort-de-France, Martinique’s capital.
  • Visit Schoelcher Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a focal point for the abolition of slavery movement.
  • Explore the bustling market in the heart of Fort-de-France to buy local products such as bananas, mangoes, and spices.

Afternoon:

  • Travel to Anse Dufour Beach (approx. 1h drive) for a relaxing afternoon. This secluded beach offers calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Visit nearby Anse Couleuvre Beach (5 min walk), known for its clear waters and rich marine life.

Evening:

  • Dine at Le Chalet, a restaurant located on Rivière Salée offering Creole cuisine with stunning views of the sea.

Day 2: Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Morning:

  • Drive to Mount Pelée (approx. 1h30 drive) and take the guided tour to the summit of the active volcano. Don’t forget to visit the volcanology museum before your ascent.
  • Head to nearby Balata Botanical Garden (15 min drive), home to numerous exotic plant species, including orchids and giant ferns.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the spectacular Grand Rivière waterfall (2h30 drive) and enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters. Pack a picnic lunch!
  • On your way back, stop by Salines Beach for some sunset viewing and relaxation (45 min drive from the waterfall).

Evening:

  • Dine at La Case d’Anne, an upscale Creole restaurant in Le François, offering exquisite dishes such as curried goat and grilled fish.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Morning:

  • Travel to Trois-Ilets (approx. 40 min drive) to explore the colonial architecture, including the historic church and town square.
  • Visit the Rhum JM distillery (15 min drive from Trois-Ilets) for a tour and tasting of Martinique’s famous rum.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Le Morne Rouge Beach (30 min drive) for more swimming, sunbathing, or water sports like jet skiing or windsurfing.
  • Explore the charming village of Sainte-Anne (15 min drive), known for its colorful houses and artisanal boutiques.

Evening:

  • Dine at La Cabane Creole in Sainte-Anne, where you can sample traditional Martinican dishes like grilled fish, rice with beans, and colombo stew.

Things to Know:

  1. Martinique is a French department, so EU citizens do not need a visa. Other nationalities should check the latest travel advisories for visa requirements.
  2. The official language is French, but Creole is also widely spoken. English and Spanish speakers will find many locals who can communicate in these languages as well.
  3. The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for small purchases.
  4. Taxis are abundant, but rental cars are recommended for exploring the island. A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient to rent a car in Martinique.
  5. The island is located in the Atlantic hurricane belt, so it’s best to check weather forecasts before traveling during the hurricane season (June - November).