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Martinique travel guide
French Caribbean island of flowers, rum and volcanoes.
Martinique is a French overseas region known as the island of flowers. Its north has rainforest and the Mount Pelée volcano, while the south has calm white-sand beaches.
Travel tools
Getting there
Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport near Fort-de-France has flights from France, the Caribbean and North America. Ferries connect the island with Guadeloupe, Dominica and Saint Lucia.
Best time to visit: Dec–May – dry season with plenty of sunshine.
Tougher months: August–October: the peak of the hurricane and rainy season.
Weather by month in Fort-de-France
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Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: America/Martinique. Compare with your local time.
Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-08-20). Read the advisory.
Source and more: Martinique travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Martinique are based around Fort-de-France, Saint-Pierre or Mount Pelée. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$70–100 for a backpacker and US$150–280 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Martinique page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: C, E. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +596.
Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Fort-de-France (Capital · markets and history): The capital, with the Schoelcher Library, Fort Saint-Louis and lively markets.
- Saint-Pierre (North Caribbean coast · historic ruins): The former capital, with ruins, a volcano museum and dive sites on old shipwrecks.
- Mount Pelée (North · volcano): The island's highest peak, with challenging hikes and rainforest scenery.
- Sainte-Anne (South · beaches): Beautiful beaches including Les Salines, and a lively seaside atmosphere.
- Les Anses-d'Arlet (Southwest · fishing village): A postcard village with a seaside church and excellent snorkelling.
- La Caravelle Peninsula (Atlantic coast · nature reserve): Hiking trails, mangroves and beaches on a wild peninsula.
- Les Trois-Îlets (Southwest · heritage and beaches): Birthplace of Empress Joséphine, with a pottery village and nearby beaches.
- Jardin de Balata (Near Fort-de-France · botanical garden): A lush garden in the hills with exotic plants and canopy walkways.
Things to do
- Hike Mount Pelée. Climb the volcano's slopes through cloud forest to sweeping views over the island and sea.
- Explore Saint-Pierre's ruins. Walk among the remains of the 'Paris of the Caribbean', destroyed by the 1902 eruption.
- Swim at Les Salines. Relax on a long, palm-fringed white-sand beach near Sainte-Anne.
- Snorkel with turtles. Spot sea turtles grazing in the calm bays of Les Anses-d'Arlet and Grande Anse.
- Tour a rum distillery. Learn how rhum agricole is made from fresh sugarcane juice.
- Wander the Jardin de Balata. Stroll among tropical flowers and walk treetop bridges with views of the Pitons du Carbet.
- Sail past Diamond Rock. See the iconic rocky islet off Le Diamant, once commissioned as a 'ship' by the British navy.
- Hike La Caravelle. Follow trails on a wild peninsula with mangroves, cliffs and the ruins of an old estate.
Source: full Martinique guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Accras – salt-cod fritters
- Colombo – Creole curry
- Blaff – fish poached in lime broth
- Ti' punch – rum, lime and cane sugar drink
Source: RoamSun Martinique guide
Money and safety
Currency: Euro (EUR). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Service usually included; rounding up is appreciated.
Emergency numbers: 112 general · 17 police · 18 fire · 15 ambulance.
- Martinique uses the euro; cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and small snack stands.
- ATMs are easily found in towns.
- Martinique is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas at night and don't leave valuables in cars.
- Never shelter under manchineel trees, whose sap and fruit are toxic; they are often marked with red paint.
Source: RoamSun Martinique facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Martinique?
Dec–May – dry season with plenty of sunshine. Tropical and warm all year, with more rain from July to November.
What time zone is Martinique in?
Martinique uses America/Martinique.
What plug and voltage does Martinique use?
Martinique uses plug type C, E at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Martinique?
The international calling code for Martinique is +596.
Do you tip in Martinique?
Service usually included; rounding up is appreciated.
What is the emergency number in Martinique?
112 general · 17 police · 18 fire · 15 ambulance.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Martinique?
Traffic drives on the right.