Even with its scenic views, tropical beaches, and picturesque towns, Martinique remains one of the most underrated travel destinations. Fortunately, there is a plethora of fun activities and awesome views to entice new travelers to visit.
To help you explore some of the best attractions, we created a list of the best things to do in Martinique. From island getaways to heartbreaking museums, this list will take you on a much more immersive experience on the “Pearl of the Antilles” than any other.
Saint Pierre
In 1902, the Mount Pelée volcano erupted and killed more than 30,000 people. It was a devastating event but, in a surprising twist, now houses one of the most picturesque towns in Martinique.
Saint Pierre, built in the old ruins of the pre-1902 Saint Pierre, is a bright and eclectic town with many fun activities. During our stay, we enjoyed eating the local food and hiking to Mount Pelée summit, where we enjoyed an unforgettable view.
Fort De-France
After the 1902 eruption that took the old Saint Pierre, Fort De-France became the new capital city of Martinique. Since then, it’s grown into a massive beachside city with an array of fun activities and local markets, with a long and vivid history.
Besides keeping busy, Fort De-France is also great for travelers looking to sightsee. We were overwhelmed by the bright beauty of the French and Caribbean-inspired art and architecture.
Jardin De Balata
The most immersive experience we had in Martinique was Jardin De Balata. The botanical garden tours take you deep into the hot and lush landscape, where you can experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Martinique.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you to visit Jardin De Balata, then visit for the canopy walkways. Suspended above the jungle, traversing through the trees felt like a surreal movie moment we won’t ever forget.
Martinique Zoo
The Martinique zoo is definitely one of our top Martinique attractions. Near Saint Pierre sits the oldest house in Martinique, which houses one of the most epic zoos we’ve ever visited.
The zoo, spread out across the historic ruins, is home to local animals like monkeys, flamingos, and jaguars. This, combined with the lush jungle, makes for a magical scene straight out of The Jungle Book.
Anse Dufour
No Martinique visit would be complete without a trip to the beach. And to us, the best place for a beach visit is Anse Dufour. This small stretch of beach kept us busy the whole day and was a great reprieve on our trip.
Besides the amazing water and schools of bright fish, the beach is also well known for snorkeling. The facilities are amazing and if you’re lucky, you could even witness turtles going about their daily business in the crystalline water.
Cap 110 Memorial
Erected in Anse Cafard, the 4-ton Cap 110 memorial is a modern monument to the struggles and hardships of slavery. It’s an amazing site to visit, with awe-inspiring sculptures and heartbreaking history.
To us, visiting the Cap 110 memorial was a stark but necessary reminder of the mourning of the Caribbean and its people. It allowed us to visit the island with open eyes and connect better with the locals and their history.
La Savane Des Esclaves
Another historical spot worth a visit is La Savane Des Esclaves. A short way from Trois-Ilets, the park depicts the lives and living conditions of the slaves that were brought in from Africa, India, and France.
With the life-sized models and the detailed accounts, it is a fascinating and heartbreaking learning experience.
Begin Your Martinique Adventure Today
Martinique embodies the Caribbean and French spirit and has become one of our favorite travel destinations. Even though it’s still a very underrated spot, we’re confident this beach paradise will capture the heart of anyone who visits. Just like it did ours.
Don’t miss out on visiting Martinique, the tropical paradise of your dreams. Book your tickets, pack your bags, and make sure to hit every spot on this list before you leave.
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