How to prepare for your trip to Martinique?

To me, a successful trip is always at least a little prepared. And as a Martinican, I wanted to share a few tips to help you prepare your stay so you can fully enjoy the treasures of my island.

Martinique is located in the Caribbean, more precisely in the Lesser Antilles arc, roughly eight hours by plane from Paris. There are also direct flights from Bordeaux. The island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.

This island offers so much in terms of culture and food, with paradise beaches and lush nature, that there is something for everyone. Whether you love nature, food, or simply want to enjoy white sand beaches while sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand, you will find your own kind of happiness here.

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If you are coming from mainland France, you do not even need a passport: a valid ID card is enough.

Vaccines

No mandatory vaccines are required for travel from mainland France.

Flight time

Expect about eight hours of flying from Paris, with direct flights also available from Bordeaux.

When should you go to Martinique?

Honestly, all year round. There is a rainy season between July and October, which is also hurricane season. But rain here has nothing to do with Asian monsoons: it can pour for fifteen minutes and then give way to bright sunshine.

If you want to avoid rainy days as much as possible during your stay, the best period is from December to late May. And for reference, the high tourist season is mainly between December and March.

Overview of the best months to travel to Martinique

You can visit Martinique year-round, with a clear preference for the period from December to May.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Flights: which airline should you choose for Martinique?

Corsair, Air Caraibes, or Air France? Honestly, the three airlines offering direct flights from Paris to Martinique are all good choices. From Bordeaux, only Corsair currently flies direct. It happens to be my favorite, but that is just a personal opinion.

Let’s be honest: flights between mainland France and Martinique can be expensive. A small tip: keep an eye on promotional periods. All three airlines sometimes offer interesting deals, especially during Black Friday or other campaigns throughout the year.

Where should you stay in Martinique?

The south of the island? The north? Both? There is no secret here: it depends entirely on you, your wishes, and what you expect from this trip. But do not worry, whatever you choose, the island remains small: it is about 70 km long and 30 km wide. Driving calmly, it takes about two and a half hours to go from the southernmost point to the northernmost point.

The south of the island is the more touristic area. This is where you will find white sand beaches and postcard scenery. You will also find many restaurants, a wide range of accommodation, water activities, and for the more athletic among you, some superb kite-surfing spots.

The north of the island is the wilder side. This is where you will find most of the hikes, with denser vegetation. It is also where Saint-Pierre is located, once the island’s economic capital before the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee destroyed the town. At 1,397 meters, it is the highest point in Martinique and can be seen from many places across the island.

Some travelers choose to spend most of their stay in the south and a few days in the north. Others prefer to keep the same accommodation throughout the trip and explore by car. Honestly, both options make sense: it all depends on the way you like to travel.

Should you rent a car in Martinique?

The answer is a big YES. You will quickly feel limited without a car. Even though more transport options are gradually appearing on the island, public transport is still quite limited.

The main roads in Martinique are generally in good condition. Just remember that this is still an island: some beach accesses involve stone or dirt roads. Drive slowly so you do not damage your rental car and everything will be fine.

What should you pack in your suitcase?

Although you can find everything you need on the island, prices are much higher than in mainland France. It is one of the island’s major issues: the high cost of living. So it is worth packing smart.

• Do not forget sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, and your everyday essentials.
• Most hotels provide beach towels: check with them before packing extra things you do not need.
• Bring beachwear, pareos, and everything you need to enjoy the coastline.
• Across most of the island, it is frowned upon to walk around town, go shopping, or even be barefoot in swimwear. Pack a light outfit to cover up.
• If you come between December and March, a light sweater can be useful in the evening because of the trade winds.
• Do not forget your sneakers for hikes.
• For masks and snorkels, first check whether your hotel lends them. Otherwise, you can rent them on some beaches.

What do people eat in Martinique?

Ah, the culinary culture of my island. It is something I am proud of, and you are going to love it. Saucy dishes, colombo curries, conch fricassee, octopus fricassee, grilled or raw fish, accras, balaous, Creole blood sausage, avocado feroce, rum, coconut flan, or coconut sorbet on the beach... you will have plenty to enjoy.

For travelers with specific diets, including vegetarian or vegan, there are also many options. Taste our vegetables, dachine, yam, and local sweet potato. There is something for everyone.

Enjoy your ti punch on a sunny beach, put time on pause, and take in the soft and delicious way of life that a stay in Martinique offers.

As you can tell, Martinique is an island with many faces, and everyone can experience it differently depending on their wishes. A trip with at least a little preparation will let you enjoy it fully, without stress and without missing its finest treasures. And if you want a trip designed around you, filled with hidden gems and local addresses chosen by a Martinican, I would be delighted to help you imagine your tailor-made trip to Martinique. You can write to me on WhatsApp or by email.