What to visit in Martinique: a comprehensive guide to the 20 must-see places from Bambou Resort

Martinique, nicknamed the Island of Flowers, offers a breathtaking array of landscapes between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With a majestic volcano in the north, sandy beaches in the south, and colorful fishing villages in the west, every corner of Martinique is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. From rivers winding beneath the tropical canopy to the secret mangroves of the Atlantic coast, via Creole villages steeped in history, the island offers a unique diversity. But you still need to know where to start to make the most of your stay.

Located right on the beach at Anse Mitan in Trois-Îlets, Bambou Resort is ideally situated for exploring the whole island. Just 25 minutes from Aimé Césaire Airport and only 20 minutes by boat from Fort-de-France thanks to the shuttle service that departs directly from the hotel's pontoon, it is the perfect base camp for exploring Martinique without wasting time on the road. Whether you're planning a trip to Martinique in January to escape the European winter or a stay in Martinique in July to enjoy the summer holidays, this guide gives you all the ideas you need to organize your days.

Here is our selection of 20 must-see places to visit in Martinique, organized by geographical area, with distances and practical advice to help you plan your days from the resort.

Summary at a glance

Why start from Bambou Resort to explore Martinique?

Bambou Resort is not just a 3-star beachfront hotel: it is a true base for exploration in the heart of the Caribbean coast. Several advantages make it the ideal starting point for exploring the island.

Located in Anse Mitan, in the town of Trois-Îlets, the resort puts you at a crossroads: the white sand beaches of the south and the wild nature of the north are less than an hour's drive away. But the real highlight is the Anse Mitan pontoon at the foot of the hotel. In 20 minutes by shuttle boat, you can reach Fort-de-France without the hassle of traffic—a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the capital for a day.

The resort team knows the island like the back of their hand and selects the best excursions for you: boat trips, hikes tailored to your level, and great places to visit off the beaten track. You benefit from trusted service providers at retail prices, with no extra fees—a real time-saver that allows you to make the most of every day of your stay.

Thanks to the resort's partnerships, you can have your vehicle delivered directly to the hotel or pick it up in just a few minutes' walk at the partner agency in Pointe du Bout. This means you can set off to explore the island at your own pace first thing in the morning, whether you head east towards Montagne du Vauclin on the Atlantic coast, or north towards Le Prêcheur and its black sand beaches at the foot of Mount Pelée.

The 20 must-see places to visit in Martinique

Southern Zone: Trois-Îlets and the south coast – 6 locations

The south of Martinique is the most accessible area from Bambou Resort. Here you will find the perfect blend of culture, Martinique's history, and idyllic beaches. It's the ideal place to spend your first day exploring.

1. Anse Mitan Beach – direct access from Bambou Resort

Start at the beginning: Anse Mitan beach is literally right in front of the resort. Fine sand, calm turquoise waters, panoramic views of Fort-de-France Bay and the Pitons du Carbet in the background. It is one of the liveliest beaches in Trois-Îlets, lined with restaurants right on the sand and water sports providers offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy between sessions of relaxation.

For families staying at Bambou Resort, this is a considerable advantage: children can swim safely in the protected waters of the bay, while their parents enjoy a cocktail at the Barik Bar by the pool. And in the evening, the sunset over Fort-de-France lights up the terrace of the Bòdlanmè restaurant—the perfect opportunity for a souvenir photo of your vacation.

2. La Savane des Esclaves – 5 min by car

This is probably the most memorable cultural visit in Martinique and a highlight of the island's heritage. This open-air museum, created by Gilbert Larose in the countryside of Trois-Îlets, traces 400 years of Martinique's history through the reconstruction of a traditional village. Set in a 3-hectare park on the edge of a forest, you will discover 25 huts built using traditional materials and techniques, a reconstructed Amerindian village, a Creole garden, and a medicinal plant garden. It is a true treasure trove of authenticity that bears witness to Martinique's collective memory.

The tour is self-guided (audio guide via QR codes on your smartphone) and lasts about 1.5 hours. It is both an educational and moving experience, essential for understanding the island's identity behind its seaside facade. At the end of the tour, don't miss the fresh fruit juices and homemade ice cream made with fruit from the garden—a real treat.

3. The Musée de la Pagerie – 5 min by car

Located in the Pagerie district of Trois-Îlets, this museum occupies the former sugar plantation where Joséphine de Beauharnais, future Empress of France and wife of Napoleon, was born. A visit to the museum provides insight into the lifestyle of Creole planters in the 18th century and the remarkable destiny of this Martinican woman who became empress. The museum displays period documents, furniture, and personal items—a fascinating subject for history buffs and the simply curious alike.

4. La Maison de la Canne – 5 min by car

Housed in a former sugar factory, the Maison de la Canne traces the history of sugar cultivation and rum production in Martinique. Visitors learn how sugar cane shaped the economy, landscape, and society of Martinique for several centuries, from the darkest periods of slavery to the creation of large modern distilleries. The tour is fairly quick but very informative—allow about 45 minutes.

5. Diamond Rock – 19 km (25 min by car)

An iconic symbol of Martinique, just like Mount Pelée, Diamond Rock is a 175-meter-high volcanic islet that rises out of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of the town of Le Diamant. Its history is fascinating: during the Napoleonic Wars, the British occupied it for 17 months, installing a garrison and cannons to control the sea passage to Saint Lucia.

Now classified as a nature reserve, it is forbidden to land there. But you can admire it from the magnificent Diamant beach—more than 2 km of fine sand lined with coconut trees—or take a boat trip around it from Trois-Îlets. For experienced divers, the seabed around the rock is among the most spectacular on the island, with underwater caves, turtles, and rays. It is also one of the most popular spots for travel photography in Martinique.

6. Salines Beach and Anse Michel – 45 minutes by car

It would be impossible to compile a guide to places to visit in Martinique without mentioning Les Salines beach in Sainte-Anne, at the southernmost tip of the island. Considered the most beautiful beach on the island, it offers picture-postcard scenery: a vast expanse of fine sand fringed with coconut trees, shallow turquoise waters, and an atmosphere that feels like the end of the world. It's the perfect spot for a day of complete relaxation.

Right next door, the small, quieter, and less crowded Anse Michel beach attracts families with its calm waters and sandy seabed. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby salt marsh—a protected natural area where you can watch birds—and the trails that run along the mangrove swamp to the southern tip of the island.

Western Zone: Anses d'Arlet and the Caribbean coast – 5 locations

Just a 20-minute drive from Bambou Resort, the town of Anses d'Arlet offers some of the most beautiful scenery in western Martinique. Authentic fishing villages, picture-perfect beaches, and exceptional marine life: it's the ideal place for a day spent between land and sea.

7. L'Anse Dufour – swimming with turtles – 20 min by car

This is one of the most magical experiences to be had in Martinique. Anse Dufour is a small white sand beach nestled between Trois-Îlets and the village of Anses d'Arlet, lined with picturesque fishing boats. Its calm, shallow waters are home to green turtles that come to feed daily in the bay's seagrass beds. All you need is a mask and snorkel: the turtles are used to the presence of swimmers and are easy to observe.

This spot is accessible to beginners and children. Launching is gradual from the beach, and the sea is generally calm, with little or no current. It's the perfect activity for anyone who wants to discover marine wildlife without any prior experience.

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8. L'Anse Noire – the volcanic sand beach – 20 min by car

A few hundred meters from Anse Dufour, Anse Noire stands out with its black volcanic sand and lush vegetation. It is a preserved haven of peace, one of the most authentic beaches in Martinique. Underwater, you will easily encounter green turtles and a variety of marine life, including blue surgeonfish, wrasses, and sergeant majors.

9. The village of Anses d'Arlet – 25 minutes by car

With its picturesque Saint-Henri church, wooden pier, and turquoise waters, the village of Anses d'Arlet is one of Martinique's most iconic images. This fishing village has retained all its Creole charm and disarming authenticity. Stroll through the colorful streets, have lunch in one of the small restaurants on the waterfront, then dive into the waters of Grande Anse for some excellent snorkeling—the seabed is teeming with fish and green turtles are a common sight.

The village also has a marked underwater trail (Sentier Lakay), consisting of four buoys with information panels arranged around the reef—perfect for a first introduction to snorkeling with the family.

10. The Cap 110 Memorial – 30 minutes by car

Located in the town of Le Diamant, facing the sea, this striking memorial pays tribute to the victims of the slave trade. Fifteen white statues, each 2.5 meters tall and facing the Gulf of Guinea, commemorate the sinking of a slave ship off the coast of Le Diamant in 1830. Laurent Valère's work, inaugurated in 1998 to mark the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, is a powerful place of contemplation. This impressive part of the island's memorial heritage is a must-see.

11. The Pottery Village – 10 min by car

A former Jesuit convent converted into a village, the Village de la Poterie is now home to shops and artisan workshops in Les Trois-Îlets. Here you will meet passionate potters who continue to practice their ancestral craft, a factory producing handmade soaps with exotic scents, and designers of handmade jewelry. It is the ideal place to find authentic souvenirs and support local craftsmanship—a living heritage that Martinique possesses in abundance.

Northern Zone: Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée, and tropical forest – 5 locations

The north coast of Martinique offers a radically different landscape: volcanic, wild, and lush. It is the domain of hikers, history buffs, and epicureans. Allow a full day to explore this area from Bambou Resort.

12. Balata Garden – 1 hour by car

On the Route de la Trace, 10 km north of Fort-de-France, the Balata Garden is a must-see for all nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of Martinique's regional nature park, this exceptional botanical garden is home to more than 3,000 species of tropical plants from around the world, including orchids, bromeliads, royal palms, porcelain roses, hibiscus, and tree ferns.

The highlight of the visit: the suspended walkways that literally allow you to walk through the canopy, offering spectacular views of the Pitons du Carbet and Fort-de-France Bay. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds flitting between the flowers—a magical sight, especially in the morning.

13. Saint-Pierre and the ruins of Saint-Pierre—the Pompeii of the Caribbean—1 hour by car

Once the economic and cultural capital of Martinique, Saint-Pierre met a tragic fate. On May 8, 1902, the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pelée completely destroyed the city and killed nearly 30,000 people in a matter of minutes. Today, the ruins of Saint-Pierre form a striking historical circuit: the Cyparis dungeon (one of the few survivors, protected by the thick walls of his cell), the ruins of the theater and the old Figuier district. Since September 2023, the Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique have been officially listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites—an international recognition that attests to the exceptional value of this natural and cultural heritage.

The Franck Perret Museum, located on the hillside, displays objects charred and deformed by the heat of the pyroclastic flow—a striking testament to the power of the volcano. The market in Saint-Pierre is also worth a visit for its local atmosphere. Continuing north, you will reach Le Prêcheur, the last village on the Caribbean coast and the starting point for magnificent hikes to Anse Couleuvre through vegetation where bananas grow in abundance on the slopes of the volcano.

14. Mount Pelée – climb to the summit – 1 hour 15 minutes by car

The highest point in Martinique at 1,397 meters above sea level, Mount Pelée is an active volcano that offers one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. The most popular trail starts from the Aileron car park (4.7 km one way). On a clear day, the 360° panorama from the summit is breathtaking: you can see the neighboring islands of Dominica and Saint Lucia.

15. Rum distilleries – 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car

Martinique is the world capital of agricultural rum, the only rum with an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designation. Visiting a distillery is one of the island's must-do experiences. Here are three places you won't want to miss, each with its own unique character.

Habitation Clément (Le François, ~40 min by car) is Martinique's most famous distillery. In addition to rum and its historic cellars, the estate offers a magnificent park, a restored Creole house, and a contemporary art center. It was here that George Bush and François Mitterrand met in 1991.

The Depaz Distillery (Saint-Pierre, ~1 hour by car) charms visitors with its spectacular setting at the foot of Mount Pelée. The estate stretches across the slopes of the volcano, overlooking Saint-Pierre Bay.

The Neisson Distillery (Le Carbet, ~50 min by car) is a small family-run distillery that produces one of the finest rums on the island. Visitors receive a warm and authentic welcome, with the opportunity to chat directly with the artisans at work during the week.

16. Fort-de-France – 20 min by boat

The capital of Martinique is just a stone's throw away from Bambou Resort thanks to the shuttle boat that departs directly from the hotel's pier. In 20 minutes, you'll arrive at the quays of Fort-de-France, avoiding traffic jams—a real advantage in terms of transportation.

The capital's must-see attractions: the Grand Marché covered market, a veritable temple of spices, tropical fruits, and local crafts, is a festival of colors and flavors. The Schoelcher Library, classified as a historic monument, surprises visitors with its exceptional metal architecture—a jewel of Martinique's heritage. Fort Saint-Louis, whose construction began in 1638, overlooks the bay and offers a remarkable view of the Pitons du Carbet. The Parc de la Savane, the city's green lung, is perfect for a stroll. Andthe Notre Dame de l'Assomption church (Saint-Louis Cathedral), built in 1895, is worth a visit for its unique Creole architecture.

Atlantic Zone: peninsula and wild coast – 4 locations

The Atlantic coast of Martinique is often less crowded than the Caribbean coast, but it is full of spectacular landscapes and unspoiled natural sites. As you travel along this coast, you will discover a more rugged Martinique, battered by the trade winds, where the swell sometimes offers ideal conditions for surfing.

17. Caravelle Island and Dubuc Castle – 1 hour by car

The Caravelle Peninsula, in the town of La Trinité, is one of Martinique's natural gems. Caravelle Island is home to a protected nature reserve within Martinique Regional Nature Park, with a 3.5 km hiking trail that winds through mangroves, dry forest, and rocky coastline battered by Atlantic waves.

At the tip of the peninsula stand the ruins of Château Dubuc, a former 18th-century sugar plantation. This archaeological site tells the story of the planters and colonial trade. The view from the ruins is impressive, with a 180° panorama of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a site of remarkable heritage, combining nature and the history of Martinique.

18. Sainte Marie and the North Atlantic coast – 1 hour by car

The town of Sainte Marie, on the north Atlantic coast, is the birthplace of banana cultivation in Martinique. It is home to the Banana Museum, which traces the history of this crop that has shaped the island's economy. Sainte Marie is also home to the Saint-James Distillery, housed in a former plantation estate, whose Rum Museum is a must-see for any enthusiast—an important part of cultural tourism in Martinique.

From the coast, you can see Îlet Sainte-Marie, connected to the mainland by a tombolo—a spectacular geological phenomenon where the sea opens up to allow walkers to cross at low tide. And the village church, with its colorful façade, perfectly illustrates the island's Creole architectural heritage.

19. Vauclin Mountain – 45 minutes by car

The highest point in southern Martinique at an altitude of 504 meters, Mount Vauclin offers an exceptional panorama of the entire island and the Atlantic Ocean. The climb, which is shorter and less demanding than that of Mount Pelée, takes about 1.5 hours round trip. On a clear day, the view from the summit is one of the most beautiful on the island: you can see the Atlantic coast, the Caravelle Peninsula, and, in the distance, the islands of Saint Lucia and Dominica.

At the foot of the mountain, the village of Le Vauclin is a charming fishing village. The nearby Pointe Faula beach is one of the few beaches on the Atlantic coast offering calm waters thanks to the coral reef—perfect for families. Surf enthusiasts will prefer the stronger swell of the neighboring beaches.

20. La Baignoire de Joséphine – 45 min by car

La Baignoire de Joséphine is located on the Atlantic coast, between Îlet Oscar and Îlet Thierry, off the coast of Le François. It takes about 45 minutes to drive there from the resort. Once there, boat trips take you to these shallow waters where the turquoise water is no deeper than waist-high, with traditional planteur aperitifs and accras served on a floating bar—a quintessential Martinican experience.

Activities by type of traveler

Martinique offers experiences for all types of travelers. Here are our personalized recommendations based on your travel style.

How to organize your visits from Bambou Resort?

The concierge service, your best ally

The Bambou Resort concierge service organizes and books all your activities and excursions without commission. This valuable service is provided by locals who know the island like the back of their hand. Boat trips, diving reservations, hiking trips tailored to your level, restaurant recommendations—don't hesitate to ask the team for help as soon as you arrive to plan your itinerary and make the most of your stay.

Car rental

A vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Martinique at your own pace, especially for places in the north (Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée, distilleries) and on the Atlantic coast (Caravelle Island, Mount Vauclin). Rental cars are available directly on site at the resort—convenient for setting off first thing in the morning without wasting any time.

The ferry to Fort-de-France

The shuttle pontoon is located in front of the hotel. In 20 minutes, you can reach Fort-de-France without a car, which is ideal for a day trip to the capital or to take the Route de la Trace north from the city center. It is the most pleasant mode of transportation to reach the Schoelcher Library, Fort Saint-Louis, or Notre Dame Church.

Boat trips

Many excursions depart from Pointe du Bout (500 meters from the resort) or directly from Anses d'Arlet: tour of Rocher du Diamant, snorkeling with turtles, dolphin watching (from December to April during the cetacean migration), catamaran days. The concierge service will direct you to the best providers.

Best time to visit each place

Martinique enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season (or "Lent"), from December to April, offers the most favorable conditions: blue skies, calm seas, and ideal temperatures (26-30°C). This is the peak tourist season, when the island welcomes the most visitors—especially in January and during the European winter holidays. The wet season (or "hivernage"), from June to November, brings showers that are sometimes intense but generally brief, and lower prices. Martinique in July remains a very pleasant destination, with even more lush vegetation.

Estimated budget by activity

FAQ: your questions about places to visit in Martinique

Plan your stay at Bambou Resort

Bambou Resort is much more than a hotel: it is your gateway to all the wonders of Martinique. With its Anse Mitan beach, commission-free concierge service, shuttle boat, and central location in Trois-Îlets, it offers you the freedom to explore the island while returning each evening to the comfort of your beachfront bungalows.

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