Otherwise known as the Island of Flowers for its abundance of blooms and verdant greenery spread across its rugged and unspoiled terrain, Martinique is impressively and magnificently beautiful.
Still today an overseas department of France, the unmistakable European influences are found everywhere from its array of marvelous bakeries to the language you will hear spoken on the streets. However, this is also an island which very obviously displays its Caribbean heritage and such a blending of cultures gives Martinique a charm both distinct and unique.
Aside from the many magical elements of such a colorful culture it is hard not to be seduced by a country which offers tropically idyllic beaches, mountains luxuriantly cloaked in rainforest and a seemingly endless variety of things to explore.
Water-lovers can head out to magnificent coral garden snorkel sites, paddle a kayak around tranquil coves or head out on a boat cruise to watch whales and dolphins frolicking in their natural environment. Those who want to learn a little about the island’s history have a wealth of sites to choose from too ranging from the childhood home of Empress Josephine of France to exploring castle ruins, grand old plantations or a reconstructed slave village.
Anse Mitan is a lovely little settlement in the island’s south, backed by a beautiful dazzling white-sand beach which is known for the wide array of water sports it offers. Nearby is the town of Tres Ilets and any number of other places to visit within easy access from here while the capital of Fort-de-France is just a short ferry ride across the sun-drenched bay.
Some arrive in this rugged paradise to feast their way around the island taking advantage of the delectable French/Creole cuisine. Others have nothing more in mind than lazing around in its crystal-clear waters between topping up the tan on a palm-fringed beach and sipping rum punches while others still want to fill every hour here being active and immersed. No matter which of these most appeal to you it is impossible to run out of options on Martinique which offers 430 square miles to explore and a wealth of experiences of the totally new kind.