Martinique
Martinique is a captivating island shaped by a rich past—and energized by a bright, forward-looking spirit. Discover what makes it so unique in our Martinique guide.
History of Martinique
From the first Arawak settlements to the abolition of the slave trade and Martinique’s status as a French department, the island’s story is powerful, complex, and deeply human. It’s a history marked by many peoples, influential figures, and moments that have shaped a distinct identity—along with the birth of a vibrant language and traditions that still thrive today.
Biodiversity in Martinique
Explore the lush landscapes behind Martinique’s nickname, the “Island of Flowers,” from colorful gardens and tropical forests to hidden waterfalls, pristine beaches, and green hiking trails. With dramatic peaks, a warm tropical climate, endemic wildlife, and fragile ecosystems, Martinique offers remarkable natural diversity—and a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
Read More
Culture in Martinique
Martinique is authentic and full of life—generous, radiant, and proudly its own. You’ll feel it in the island’s architecture, taste it in its vibrant cuisine, and experience it in the energy of its festivals and celebrations. This is a culture to discover with curiosity: to listen to, to share, to savor and sip… to speak in Creole and dance to the rhythm of the island’s songs.
Green Paradise
Head inland and you’ll find Martinique at its most lush: layered forests, hidden waterfalls, mangroves, and emerald peaks. It’s the perfect playground for exploring on foot or on horseback—plus hiking, climbing, diving, and even adrenaline-filled adventures like parachute jumping.
Blue Paradise
With crystal-clear waters, postcard-perfect beaches, and spectacular seabeds, Martinique is a jewel set between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Dive into an island where the ocean holds endless treasures and water activities rule the day—swim in the morning, dive in the afternoon, sail at sunset, and discover Martinique at its most breathtaking.
Dining
Savor a French-Caribbean Feast: Martinique’s food scene is a delicious blend of cultures—shaped by African and Indian roots, French culinary flair, and generations of fishing and farming traditions. Fresh catches like mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), snapper, and tuna come from the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic, while the island’s fertile land produces tropical favorites like bananas, coconuts, and pineapples.
Chefs turn these ingredients into beloved Creole specialties, from blaff de poisson (fish gently poached and brightened with lime, garlic, and peppers) to crabes farcis (stuffed crab) and green papaya gratin. Save room for dessert: blanc manger coco (a silky coconut pudding scented with vanilla, lime zest, and cinnamon) plus artisanal fruit sorbets and ice creams bursting with island flavor.
You’ll also find the influence of South Asian heritage in dishes like colombo—a fragrant curry-style stew where chicken, lamb, or pork simmers with coconut milk, ginger, and a Colombo spice blend featuring turmeric, mustard seed, coriander, and cumin.
And of course, French savoir-faire is never far away: think crusty baguette sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie, and even classic bistro favorites like soufflé or filet mignon.
For the ultimate Martinique bite, don’t miss accras—crispy cod fritters found everywhere from roadside stands to elegant restaurants—best enjoyed with a Ti’ Punch, made with the island’s signature rhum agricole. Learn More
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: French and Creole, English is spoken in tourist areas
Banks & Banking Hours: Banks are generally open from 7:30 AM to noon and from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM weekdays. ATMs are available. Fees may apply.
Currency: Euro.
Climate: Martinique has a tropical climate that is hot and humid throughout the year
Dress Code: In Martinique’s warm, tropical climate, lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton or linen is ideal. Casual wear—shorts, sundresses, and t-shirts—is fine for daytime, but swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool, always paired with a cover-up when off the sand. For hikes or outdoor activities, wear athletic clothes and sturdy shoes. Evenings call for smart casual attire—dresses or collared shirts with neat pants or skirts. Avoid overly revealing outfits in towns, and dress modestly when visiting churches. Don’t forget sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a light sweater for breezy nights.
Driving: In Martinique, drivers drive on the right side of the road 1 2. This is consistent with driving laws in France, as Martinique is a French overseas region. American driver’s licenses are accepted.
Electricity: Voltage is 220 AC. Power adapters required. Visitors travelling with hair dryers, electric razors, and other appliances made for use in North America will require power adapters.
Time Zone: Martinique is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, (GMT -4). This time zone does not observe daylight savings time.
Water: Tap water is drinkable everywhere.
Photo Gallery
Standup paddleboarding around Anse Chaudière
Carnival: Dimanche Gras in Fort-de-France
Les Salines; wonderful beaches to explore
Crique Abricot, a dive site worth exploring
Rivière Alma
Habitation Clément, one of our many rum producers
Mt. Pelée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Schœlcher Library in historic Fort-de-France
Anse d'Arlet
Activities
Dive into the heart of the island and discover the real Martinique—cascading waterfalls, vibrant underwater worlds, unforgettable hikes, and those perfect moments shared over a glass of world-class AOC rum.
Watersports & Nautical Adventures in Martinique
Make the most of Martinique’s sparkling coastline with a day on the water—take a surfing or kiteboarding lesson, paddle out on a kayaking adventure, or unwind on a relaxing sailing trip.
Hiking, Trekking & Outdoor Exploration
See Martinique’s wild beauty up close with a guided nature excursion, a scenic hike, a horseback trek, or—if you’re craving adrenaline—an unforgettable canyoning experience.
A Taste of Martinican Culture
Step into Martinique’s history and traditions through Carnival celebrations, fascinating museums, and iconic events like the Tour de Martinique des Yoles Rondes. You can also experience seasonal favorites such as Matoutou de Pâques at Easter and the joyful Christmas tradition of Chanté Nwel.
Wellness, Relaxation & Reset Time
Balance adventure with pure downtime. Treat yourself to a massage, spa day, Jacuzzi, or soothing wellness treatment—because there’s no better place to recharge than on a beautiful Caribbean island. Learn more
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
Direct, non stop flights are available from Miami into Fort-de-France (FDF) — Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport.
American Airlines offers flights from Miami on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; flying time from Miami is approximately 4 hours. AA flights to Martinique
Entry Requirements for Americans
American citizens may enter without a visa for stays of up to three months, however a valid passport is required (the traveler’s passport must be valid for three months after the return date).
Entry Requirements for Long Stays
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, a visa for a longer stay would be required. Learn More.
Entry or exit taxes: There are no entry or exit taxes for visitors arriving and departing by air or cruise.
For additional information, follow this link: US State Department/Martinique
Getting Married
The laws around getting married in La Martinique require that visitors be on island for at least 40 consecutive days prior to the marriage (French laws are followed).
You are able to have a symbolic wedding or renewal of vows ceremony however. Looking for a romantic photo shoot? There are endless locations for fantastic wedding photos. Learn More
Cultural/Annual Events
La Martinique has many festive activities planned throughout the year including carnivals, music festivals, food festivals and sporting events. Learn More.
Public and Government Holidays observed throughout the year:
The Government of Martinique observes the following holidays each year: (Please note that on holidays, most stores remain open at least until midday however, restaurants are open. Government-run establishments are closed on all of the holidays listed below.)
Please note: Supermarkets, banks and pharmacies are closed each Sunday afternoon. Restaurants remain open.
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Monday and Tuesday, February 16+17, 2026 – Carnival / Shrove Monday and Tuesday (most restaurants are open except for in Marigot due to Carnival festivities)
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labor Day
Friday, May 8, 2026 – Victory Day (Commemorates the end of WWII in Europe)
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Ascension Day
Friday, May 22, 2026 – Abolition Day (Commemorates the abolition of slavery in French colonies)
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – National Day (Marks the date of the French Revolution/storming of the Bastille)
Saturday, August 15, 2026 – Assumption Day
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – All Saints’ Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Armistice Day (Commemorates the armistice signed at the end of WWI)
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Medical & Dental Information
Martinique offers excellent medical care with the infrastructure, technology and standards you would expect from a French region.
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pierre Zobda-Quitmann (main hospital)
Maison De La Femme, De La Mère et De L’enfant (maternity hospital)
State-of-the-art equipment; the hospitals offer a full range of services including emergency care, surgery, maternity and specialized medicine.
Located in Fort-de-France
Phone: +596 596 55 20 00
Medical Emergencies : Dial 15 (like 911 in the U.S.).
Other hospitals located in Martinique:
Centre Hospitalier General Louis Domergue, Trinité
Phone +596- 596 66 46 00
Saint-Esprit Hospital
Phone: +596 596 77 31 11
Le Lamentin Hospital
Phone: +596 596 57 11 11
Le Carbet Hospital
Phone: +596 596 78 02 20
Lorrain-Basse-Pointe Hospital
Phone: +596 596 53 27 27
Private Clinics :
Clinique Saint Paul, Fort de France
Phone: +596 596 39 40 00
Clinique Sainte Marie, Schoelcher
Phone : +596 596 71 22 22
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE CLINICS:
There are many dental clinics from which to choose, most are located closer to the capital of Fort-de-Frances; we’ve highlighted a few as examples:
Madinina Smile Centre Dentaire, Le Lamentin: PH +596 596 56 45 90
Cabinet Ô Dentaire, Le Lamentin: PH +596 596 02 28 28
Dr. Kévin Gros-Desormeaux, Les Trois-Îlets: PH +596 596 76 66 09
Dentiste Sayah Hannouche, La Trinité: PH +33 5 96 58 22 04
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a hyperbaric chamber. It is available at the main hospital of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pierre Zobda-Quitmann. Learn More.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the United States.
Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) : Learn More
Airport Services:
The following services are available:
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access are placed throughout the terminals
- Accessible parking in the short-term parking lots
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps are available
There are additional priority services for those travelling with disabilities. Learn More.
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Martinique, please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
Sustainability
Sustainability Commitment
Martinique is weaving sustainability into virtually every aspect of its tourism offering — from port infrastructure and eco-retreats to community empowerment and marine conservation — positioning itself as one of the Caribbean’s most committed destinations for responsible travel.
Unesco Biosphere Reserve In September 2021, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme granted biosphere reserve status to the entire island of Martinique — landmass and surrounding marine zones alike. The designation recognizes the French Caribbean island’s ecological corridors, biodiversity hotspots, and commitment to sustainable development across its more than 12 million acres. Crucially, the designation also honors the traditions, knowledge, and cultural heritage of local communities as an inseparable part of what makes Martinique worth protecting — acknowledging that the island’s human story is as integral to its identity as its natural one. By encompassing the island in its entirety, the reserve safeguards a remarkable range of habitats in one cohesive designation, from volcanic peaks and ancient rainforests to coastal mangroves and coral reefs.
Mangrove & Environmental Conservation Grassroots organizations like Roots of the Sea (see below) are actively restoring mangrove ecosystems on the island — an initiative that also connects local communities and youth to conservation efforts.
Frédérique Fardin, co-founder of the exclusively female association Roots of the Sea, is among the five 2026 laureates of the Yves Rocher Foundation’s Terre de Femmes Prize. The Martinican entrepreneur launched the association in 2020. Today, Roots of the Sea is restoring 6,000 m² of mangrove along both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts of the island, replanting four local species cultivated in nurseries. Its flagship program, Mangwov Bòkay Nou (our neighborhood mangroves), involves residents of all ages in fieldwork. The Terre de Femmes Prize will be used to expand the nurseries, create jobs, and help young Martinicans find their place on their island. A collective effort that roots ecology in its territory — with and for its communities.
Eco-Friendly Wellness & Accommodations Several eco-wellness retreats have been introduced across the island, with sustainability measures including solar power, rainwater collection, and biodegradable materials in spa services.