Sainte-Anne, at the very southern tip of Martinique, packs several of the island’s most beautiful beaches into a single town. But between Les Salines, Caritan and Pointe Marin, the experience changes completely depending on whether you’re traveling with family, looking to swim, planning a water sport, or simply wanting to lay your towel down far from the crowd. After years of walking these coves at every hour of the day, here is our honest comparison so that a Sainte-Anne beach in Martinique truly matches your profile — not the Instagram photo.
Sainte-Anne in brief: the gateway to southern Martinique
Sainte-Anne is Martinique’s southernmost town, about 40 km from Aimé Césaire airport in Le Lamentin, or 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. The village is charming, with its church, its market and its small restaurants facing the Caribbean Sea. A car is highly recommended: while Pointe Marin is walkable from the center, Les Salines lie 10 km to the south down a road that ends in a dead end.
A few useful pointers before you set off:
- Best season: the dry season, the Carême, from December to April. Calm sea, clear skies, but also peak crowds during school holidays and weekends.
- Currency: the euro (Martinique is a French overseas department).
- Time difference: -5h in winter, -6h in summer compared to Paris. Use it to your advantage: you’ll naturally wake up early, the ideal time to have the beach to yourself.
- Phone code: +596.
Les Salines: the postcard, but not for everyone
It’s hard to talk about Sainte-Anne without starting with Les Salines, arguably the most photographed beach in Martinique. A kilometer-long crescent of golden sand, lined with coconut palms and sea grapes, facing shallow turquoise water.
Who is it for?
Les Salines suits lovers of scenery and families willing to do a bit of planning. The water is calm and the slope very gentle, ideal for children. Natural shade, however, fills up quickly: arrive early to claim a coconut palm.
Crowds and timing tips
This is the key point. Les Salines fills up from 10–11 a.m., especially on Sundays, the day of the local family picnic. Our resident’s tip:
- Before 9 a.m.: nearly empty parking, cool sand, magnificent light for photos.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: heavy crowds, saturated parking on weekends, many roaming vendors.
- After 4:30 p.m.: the crowd thins out, the light softens again, perfect for a quiet end to the day.
Real services
- Several free parking areas along the road.
- Small stands selling bokits, coconut sorbet, accras and cold drinks (count on €3 to €6 per snack).
- Basic restrooms: bring your own water and something to rinse off with.
- No organized sun-lounger rentals: this is a wild beach, you come with your own towel.
At the southern end, don’t miss the Savane des Pétrifications and the Salines pond, wilder spots for a stroll at sunset.
Pointe Marin: the right balance of family and services
A stone’s throw from the village, Pointe Marin is Sainte-Anne’s most “equipped” beach. A long strip of light sand, sheltered waters and all the logistics within reach.
Who is it for?
This is the family and comfort beach. If you’re traveling with young children, or if you want to combine swimming, lunch and an aperitif without moving the car, this is the place. The proximity of the village and the neighboring Club Med ensures a lively but never overwhelming atmosphere mid-week.
Crowds and timing tips
- Morning: families with children, smooth water, ideal for the first swims.
- Midday: the beach partly empties at lunchtime — a good moment to grab a spot in the shade.
- Late afternoon: relaxed vibe, perfect for a sunset with your feet in the water and a ti-punch.
Real services
- Maintained showers and restrooms.
- Children’s playground and a zone shaded by filao trees.
- Restaurants, snack bars and beach bars right nearby (mains around €14 to €22).
- Kayak and paddle rentals depending on the season (around €15 to €20 per hour).
- Parking near the village, paid or free depending on the spot.
It’s also a handy departure point to reach the Chevalier islet or the fonds blancs of Le Marin by boat.
Caritan: the discreet one for tranquility
Less known to passing visitors, Anse Caritan nestles just south of the village. Smaller and more intimate, it appeals to those who flee the bustle.
Who is it for?
Caritan is the tranquility and couples beach. Its lush setting, clear water and moderate crowds make it a pleasant refuge, even at the height of the dry season. It’s also a favorite spot for snorkeling: mask and snorkel reveal fish and seagrass beds near the lateral rocks.
Crowds and timing tips
- All day: overall lighter crowds than at Les Salines.
- Mornings remain the best window for snorkeling, the water being clearer before the sand gets stirred up.
- Weekends: a few more people, but you’ll always find a spot.
Real services
- Access via the Caritan hotel and parking nearby.
- Dining on site or in the village, a few minutes away.
- Family-friendly and calm atmosphere, without roaming vendors.
