Martinique
Martinique, the island of flowers, charms visitors with its beaches, the bay of Fort-de-France and the Trois-Îlets peninsula. Our apartments and villas with sea views and pools are perfect for a seaside stay.
At a glance
- Area
- 1,128 km²
- Capital
- Fort-de-France
- Population
- ~360,000 inhabitants
- Status
- French overseas department and region (DROM)
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- French + Martinican Creole
- Time difference
- -5 h in winter / -6 h in summer vs Paris
- Dialing code
- +596
Practical info
Formalities
A French ID card is enough (French territory). No passport or visa for EU nationals.
Health
No mandatory vaccine. Dengue and chikungunya are present: mosquito repellent recommended. Tap water is drinkable across most of the island.
Money & electricity
Euro, bank cards accepted everywhere. Plugs 230 V type E, no adapter.
Connection
Very good mobile and fiber coverage across the whole island.
When to go?
Martinique follows the rhythm of two seasons:
- Carême (December to April) — the dry season, the best period: sunshine, calm sea, carnival atmosphere in February-March. It is the high season, book early.
- Hivernage (June to November) — hotter and more humid, short tropical showers, and the hurricane season (peak in August-September). The upside: low rates and lush nature.
Temperature between 24 and 31 °C all year round. The sea never drops below 26 °C.
Getting there & around
Getting there
Aimé Césaire airport (Le Lamentin), direct flights from Paris (≈ 8 h 30) with Air France, Air Caraïbes, French Bee and Corsair, plus inter-island connections to Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia. Expect 400 to 800 € for a round trip depending on the season.
Getting around
Rent a car: the island is 80 km from north to south, but the winding roads of the North double travel times. A ferry links Fort-de-France to Les Trois-Îlets (the most pleasant way to cross the bay).
💡 Hostel Toucan's tip : Combine accommodation + car from 35 €/day with airport pickup — essential to explore the wild North.
Book a car →Top things to do
The beaches of the South
Les Salines in Sainte-Anne (the postcard), Anse Dufour and Anse Noire (white sand and black sand side by side, snorkeling with the turtles), Grande Anse des Salines for the sunset.
Montagne Pelée & Saint-Pierre
The volcano that destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902, a UNESCO site. A hike to the summit (1,397 m) in clear weather, then a visit to the ruins of the former "little Paris of the West Indies".
The Rum Route
The Martinican signature: Clément, Depaz, Saint-James, La Mauny, Trois-Rivières distilleries. A tasting of the only rum in the world with a protected designation of origin (AOC).
The Balata Garden
A tropical botanical garden on the heights, suspended bridges in the canopy, a view over the pitons.
The Caravelle peninsula
Nature reserve, coastal trails, ruins of the Château Dubuc and surf spots at Tartane.
Les Trois-Îlets & the Fort-de-France market
The birthplace of Empress Joséphine, and the capital's large covered market for spices, rhum arrangé and crafts.
Where to stay: towns to know
| Town | For whom? | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Les Trois-Îlets | First time, families | Beaches, marina, activity, view over the bay |
| Sainte-Anne | Dream beaches | Les Salines, seaside village in the south |
| Le Diamant | Couples, quiet | Diamond Rock, long wild beach |
| Fort-de-France | Culture & city life | Capital, market, museums |
| Tartane / La Trinité | Surf & nature | Caravelle peninsula, wild coast |
Martinique FAQ
Do I need a passport?
No, a French ID card is enough.
What is the best season?
The Carême, from December to April, for the sun and the carnival.
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, strongly recommended to explore the North and the beaches of the South.
What budget should I plan for?
Flight 400–800 €, car from 35 €/day, accommodation from 70 €/night. Expect 90–130 €/day/person excluding the flight.
Where to stay in Martinique?
Our accommodations in Martinique
See all →
Residence · 3 units Les Trois-Îlets
Horizon Caraïbes — Vue Mer & Piscine
Apartments with panoramic sea views and a swimming pool, ideal for a group of up to 8 people looking for an exceptional setting.
Fort-de-France
Fort-de-France — Appart Cosy Vue Imprenable
A cosy apartment in Fort-de-France with a breathtaking view over the bay: the perfect base for exploring Martinique's capital.
Residence · 6 units Gros-Morne
Résidence Écrin du Morne
The upscale "Écrin du Morne" residence with a villa and pavilions bearing Creole names (Ananas, Corossol, Maracuja) nestled in a tropical garden.
Reading about Martinique
See all →
Settling in Car in Martinique: Should You Buy or Rent?
Just arrived in Martinique and torn between buying or renting a car? Practical guide: indicative costs, paperwork, used market, long-term leasing and tips to start right.
Settling in Renting Long Term in Martinique Without a Guarantor
Long-term rentals in Martinique without a guarantor: application file, alternative guarantees, best towns, indicative budget and short-term solutions when you land.
Settling in Transferred to Martinique's University Hospital: Finding a Home
Healthcare worker transferred to the CHU de Martinique? A practical guide to housing in Fort-de-France, arriving from mainland France, picking your neighbourhood and settling in calmly.
Business stays Long-stay business trips in Martinique: how sliding-scale rates work
Long-term business stays in Martinique: sliding-scale rates, invoicing in your company's name, compliant expense claims, bank transfer payment and VAT. Our practical benchmarks.
Settling in Schooling your children in Martinique
Enrolling your children in school in Martinique after a job transfer: registration, state and private schools, term dates, housing and a smooth move.
Settling in Moving to Martinique: Healthcare and Everyday Life
Relocating to Martinique from mainland France: healthcare, social security, housing, banking and paperwork. The practical guide for new arrivals.
Settling in Moving to Martinique: Where to Stay Your First Few Months
Relocating to Martinique? A practical guide to housing for your first months: towns, neighbourhoods, indicative budgets, temporary furnished stays and paperwork.
Business stays Corporate group bookings in Martinique
Corporate group bookings in Martinique: invoicing in the company name, compliant expense claims, bank transfer payment, VAT and long-stay rates.
Settling in Your First Weekends: Discovering Martinique
Just moved to Martinique? A practical guide to planning your first weekends: beaches, towns, hikes, markets and the right habits to settle in smoothly.
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Companies and institutions that book their stays in French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe with Hostel Toucan.
