Martinique amazed us. This small island has all the makings of a big one! Discover our top picks for natural, cultural and gastronomic beauties for an unforgettable vacation.
Les Anses d'Arlet
Four superb beaches nestling on the South Caribbean coast. Les Anses d'Arlet was our little swimming paradise. L'Anse Noire for its isolated, wild and Robinson-like setting. L'Anse Dufour for its assiduous turtles, Grande Anse for its little restaurants and bars on the beach and then the village with its picturesque Saint-Henri church and colorful Creole houses that complete the Martinique picture postcard.
Ascent of Morne Larcher
What took us by surprise in Martinique? In addition to its stunning beaches, the island offers fantastic hiking opportunities suitable for all skill levels. As an avid climber who seeks out the most breathtaking vistas, we couldn't resist tackling Morne Larcher. The panoramic views from the summit, featuring the iconic Diamant rock, the island of Saint Lucia, and the entire Diamant beach, are simply breathtaking. While the ascent is challenging, reaching the top is truly rewarding - a feast for the eyes!
Grande Anse des Salines
The best-known and most popular beach on the island, and rightly so! Les Salines is almost two kilometres of coconut palms lining fine white sand hemmed in by the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. You're guaranteed to have a wonderful time in this postcard of Martinique.
Balata Garden
A passionate and talented landscape gardener returns to his grandparents' Creole home and transforms the family estate into a sublime leisure garden. This is the story of Jean Philippe Thoze and his finest achievement, Balata, created in the 1980s. A collection of tropical plants, trees and flowers that greets visitors along the way. Porcelain roses, balisiers, hibiscus, giant bamboos and a palm grove provide a pleasant setting for a stroll.
Distillerie JM
Martinique and rum cannot be separated. With the only AOC in the world, rum is an island pride. The JM distillery in Macouba, in the north of the island, nestled in a lush setting, offers an interesting tour of the different stages in the processing of sugar cane. Special mention should be made of their olfactory workshop, which awakens the senses, because rum also has a delicious smell.
Pulling the net
Participating in a fishing trip with locals is a rare experience that doesn't happen everywhere or every day. In Martinique, on the early morning beaches of Le Carbet, we have the opportunity to help pull in the seine—a net that spans several hundred meters and is manually dragged back to shore. This traditional technique combines an element of sport with a warm, communal vibe, ensuring that everyone walks away with a share of the catch. It's a unique and cultural experience.
Anse Couleuvre
It's impossible to resist the raw, untamed beauty of Anse Couleuvre. A natural jewel in the North Caribbean, it's a must for any trip to Martinique, even if it has to be earned! The road to get there is winding and it's the end of the line on the coast. Treading the sand in the setting sun is an unforgettable experience.
Eco-excursion in Le Vauclin
We end this trip with a unique adventure that strays from the usual path. Join Marc, Fleurdo's expert naturalist guide, for an eco-excursion in the Vauclin bay, featuring its stunning white seabed and lush mangrove swamps. We'll navigate the waters in one of the island's most distinctive vessels—a transparent-bottomed pirogue. As we glide through the bay, we'll discover the local ecosystems and the environmental challenges they encounter, all in an engaging and informative manner. It's a fantastic opportunity to deepen our understanding while immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature.
Find out more:
- Plan your trip to Martinique -
Also read:
Martinique from the sky... Dive in!
and Our 6 favourite spots to admire the sunset in Martinique.

By Elisa & max bestjobers
Elisa & Max, artist photographers and travelers since 2013, when they won the big Best Job in the World competition launched by Australia. They travel the world and France in search of natural beauty and focusing on ecotourism.