- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Martinique
Martinique
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and a member
of the French West Indies, Martinique is one of the many islands to
make up the group of Lesser Antilles, affectionately referred to as
the 'Breezy Islands'. This vibrant island has all the charm of a
small village in the south of France stirred together with a little
Créole flavour and a lot of spice.
With such a rich and diverse history, culture lovers will enjoy
the many historical sites including La Pagerie, where Napoléon's
Empress Joséphine was born in 1763, Diamond Rock, a 600-foot (182m)
pinnacle in the sea and St-Pierre, a somewhat modern day Pompeii,
if you will. It was Martinique's principal city until 1902 when Mt.
Pelée volcano erupted, wiping out the city and its 30,000 people in
just three minutes.
Featuring two beautiful peaks, Carbet and Mont Pelée, the now
dormant volcano that is the highest mountain on the island at 4,586
feet (1398 metres), this area is also home to Martinique's
legendary tropical rainforest. The unspoiled beauty of this area
will inspire visions of the lush Caribbean landscape from centuries
ago, romancing visitors into believing the Garden of Eden still
exists.
There is something for just about everybody on the beautiful
island of Martinique, with plenty of water activities such as
kitesurfing, yachting, diving, surfing and sailing as well as
mountain biking, hiking and the adventure sport of 'canyoning',
throwing yourself down waterfalls into pools below. For the less
adventurous, warm sunny days can be spent lazing on the sandy white
palm-fringed beaches, many of which are something to write home
about. Salines Beach at the southernmost tip of Martinique is like
something straight out of a picture perfect postcard.
Information & Facts
Climate
The average monthly temperatures in Martinique are surprisingly
constant. This stability is due to the refreshing breezes that blow
from the northeast, known as the trade winds
(Les Alizés). The dry season is December through May, while
June through November is the more humid season. However rain
showers can occur at any time throughout the year. Average air
temperatures in coastal regions range from 72ºF - 86ºF (22ºC -
30ºC) while the inland areas average from 66ºF - 81ºF (9ºC - 27º
C). The rainforests are naturally slightly cooler and warmer
coastal waters average between 68ºF and 74ºF (20ºC and 23ºC).
Hurricanes may occur any time from June through November and are
most common in September.
Communications
The international dialling code for Martinique is +596. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). As there are no coin phones, a
Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier
and less expensive. They are sold at Post Offices and other outlets
marked
Télécarte en Vente Iciand are used in special booths marked
Télécomfound all over Martinique. Many phones now accept
VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls.
Instant Internet connection is not yet widely available in
Martinique.
Customs
Unlike many tropical islands, Martinique has a thriving economy
and is not solely dependent on tourism. Relaxed, informal clothing
is acceptable around town, but scanty beach wear and short-shorts
are considered improper in urban areas. The only officially
designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in
Guadeloupe and St. Martin. At hotel pools and at beaches near
hotels, topless swimming and sunbathing is common.
Duty Free
Those travelling to Martinique may import the following goods
duty-free: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco, two litres of
liquor, and perfume, gifts and film in amounts reasonable for
personal use. Currency must be declared on arrival.
Electricity
Electrical current in Martinique is 220 volts (50Hz).
European round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Health
Medical and health care facilities in Martinique are on a par
with those of France and are considered to be some of the best in
the French West Indies. Specialist treatment is also available.
There are around 20 hospitals and clinics located on the island,
the largest of them being Hospital Pierre Zobda Quikman, which has
24-hour emergency room. Travellers should be up to date on common
vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and measles boosters
before travelling to Martinique. Medical insurance is advised.
Language
French is the official language of Martinique, but
Antillean Creole (Créole Martiniquais) is mostly spoken amongst
islanders. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels
and tourist areas.
Money
The local currency is Euros but US Dollars, traveller's checks
and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Passport Visa
Martinique is part of the French Antilles. All foreign
passengers to Martinique must hold a return or onward ticket, the
necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and
sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country.
Schengen visas are also valid for travel to Martinique, provided
they are endorsed as such. Note that a yellow fever vaccination
certificate is required to enter Martinique, if arriving in the
country within six days of leaving or transiting through an
infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport
has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date
of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Safety
There is very little crime in Martinique but visitors should
take sensible precautions and avoid isolated areas, including
beaches, after dark and not carry large amounts of cash or
jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible,
be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Tipping
As in France, tips are usually included in restaurant bills in
Martinique and taxes and service charges are included in hotel
rates.