In 1502, H. Columbus discovered the new island of Martinique and called it "the most beautiful country in the world." His admiration is understood by the guests who have visited the corner of Eden, immersed in greenery. A wonderful resort with extraordinary nature attracts with a developed infrastructure that allows tourists to feel at home. Everything you can dream of is here: luxurious beaches, comfortable hotels, miraculous sights, the beauty of which is breathtaking.
Fairy Island
Martinique is an island located in the West Indies. Located in the center of the Lesser Antilles, it is a French overseas department in the Caribbean. Madinina, as the Indians called their homeland, has a mountainous terrain and extends over more than a thousand square kilometers. The Island of Flowers attracts all lovers of ecotourism.
The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, washing the paradise resort, volcanic landscapes, virgin nature make tourists fall in love with it forever.
History of Martinique
The fourth expedition of Columbus, which reached the shores of Martinique, was struck by the beauty of the fabulous corner. However, the main goal of the team was gold and minerals, which were absent on the island, so the Spaniards did not linger here and set off on a new journey.
Having learned about the opening of the expedition, the French appeared on Madinin and founded their colony, which became the first European settlement. In 1664, Martinique (the island) was bought by the French government, whose troops exterminated the native inhabitants - the Carib Indians, who protested against the invaders, and the colonial administration had to import slaves from Africa.
At the beginning of the last century, a volcanic eruption occurred in the resort, as a result of which the city of Saint-Pierre, founded by the French, with a population of 30 thousand people, was completely wiped off the face of the earth. Only one prisoner survived in the cell.
After the abolition of colonial rights, the island of Martinique, the description and history of which are given in the article, was able to elect four of its representatives to the French parliament. Thus, the population has all the rights of residents of a European country.
Climate and weather
The fabulously beautiful island of Martinique welcomes its guests. The weather in a paradise place pleases tourists who dream of soaking up the sun. The tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 26 degrees is softened by sea winds. In the south of the island it is much warmer than in the north, where weather conditions depend on the altitude of the place.
Tourists need to know that the dry season lasts from December to May, and the wetstarts in July and ends in October.
Population
The island is inhabited by about 400 thousand inhabitants. Martinicans are the descendants of slaves brought by the French from Africa, but there are people from India, China, and Italy. Most of the locals are Catholic (85 percent).
Passive and active recreation
Embodiment of paradise on earth, the tropical island of Martinique, the photo of which is an excellent evidence of its wondrous beauties, is a continuous beach area. Not only lovers of passive recreation rush to the resort, but also everyone who wants to try their hand at sea sports. It hosts annual regattas in sailing, windsurfing, yachting, and some status competitions are held as part of the World Cups.
But divers are the happiest of all, because there are excellent conditions for meeting their needs: coral reefs, clear water and even perfectly preserved shipwrecks. Most often, extreme people stop on the island of volcanic origin Rocher-du-Diamant.
If we talk about beaches, they are divided into wild and equipped. The latter will delight with white or black sand and emerald water. The largest is the Pointe de la Cherry, which stretches for 12 kilometers. Ens-Therin, Enns-Siron, Enns-Letan, famous for their picturesque views, can be noted. Near them are hotels and restaurants, and too much garbage is nailed to the shores of wild beaches, cut off from civilization.
Capital of the island
The administrative center of the resort is the main port of Fort deFrance. The largest city is called "little Paris" for its unique flavor. Colonial-style mansions, modern office buildings, port facilities are combined with a huge number of cozy cafes and cute shops that are typical of the French capital.
Located in the heart of Fort-de-France, La Savane Park is replete with beautiful fountains, palm-lined avenues and spacious open-air venues where various city events take place. Among the centuries-old trees that give the shade necessary in the heat, it is so nice to hide and enjoy solitude with nature. Here is a sculpture of Bonaparte's wife, a native of Martinique.
Fort Saint-Louis, once an irregular pentagon and protected from pirate raids, is popular with tourists. Curiously, thousands of French gold bars were stored here during World War II.
Wonderful Floral Park will impress the guests of the resort with a variety of plants and flowers. You can not ignore the city library with a Byzantine-style dome, the cathedral, which appeared at the end of the 19th century, the museum of history and ethnography.
Natural Attractions
It is not for nothing that the sunny island of Martinique is recognized as an ideal place for all nature lovers. Landmarks created by mother nature are visited by thousands of tourists enchanted by the untouched beauty.
One of the most picturesque places is located on the mountain river Alma. The majestic waterfalls, which take your breath away, attract romantic couples, because according to local legends,everyone who has been here, love flashes in the heart.
Known for the tragic events that took place in 1902, Mont Pele volcano is admired for its power. The slumbering giant, which scientists are watching, will always be a living reminder of the catastrophe that claimed the life of an entire city. Now St. Pierre has risen from ruins, but has lost its economic importance for Martinique.
In the south of the resort there is a lake, the water in which is very s alty. Etang de Saline attracts tourists with wonderful landscapes, reminiscent of scenery from a fairy tale.
Martinique Island Resorts
Girded on all sides by beaches, the overseas territory of France is a huge resort.
One of the most picturesque corners of the earthly paradise is the Grand Rivière, lying at the foot of the coastal cliffs. The former fishing village is well-deservedly popular with water sports enthusiasts. The main beach holiday center will delight travelers who dream of the exotic.
The coast of Les Salines is one of the most beautiful. Even when heavy clouds hang over the main part of the island, the sun always shines here, and a developed hotel chain allows a huge number of tourists to be accommodated.
Presqu'il Caravel is famous for its nature, untouched by civilization. This corner is chosen by guests of the island who dream of a secluded vacation.
Developed tourism infrastructure
It is no coincidence that this wonderful island attracts travelers from different parts of our planetMartinique, whose hotels are distinguished by highly professional staff. Tourists have a place to stay, because the resort has a very developed hotel infrastructure. Comfortable hotels of different price categories (some of them are even located in historic mansions) and inexpensive hostels are always waiting for guests, however, for the New Year and Christmas holidays, rooms should be booked a few months before the start of the trip.
Most hotels have their own beaches and walking areas. The island of Martinique, which turns into a real fairy tale, is the most hotel-rich resort in the Caribbean.
Hotels for every taste and budget
Five-star Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, located near the airport, in the city of Le Francois, will appeal to those who are accustomed to luxury holidays. 50 rooms, many of which are located in luxurious villas, restaurants and bars, spa centers, swimming pools, a gym - this is just a small list of what the hotel can offer its guests. The Creole-style complex will appeal to couples with children, large companies and lovers who dream of seclusion. Almost all rooms, ranging from 60 to 130 square meters, have sea views and are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Hôtel Diamant Les Bains (Les Diamant) is a 2-star hotel located on the beach. The rooms, painted in shades of green and made in a tropical style, will appeal to those who do not want to pay a lot for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning, cabletelevision, a safe for storing money, a clean pool will be a nice bonus for student youth companies spending all their free time on the beach. Not to mention the delicious local cuisine for which the hotel is famous.
Le Domaine Saint Aubin 3 (La Trinite) in the east of the Caribbean pearl provides tourists with 28 rooms, including suites and apartments. A comfortable boutique hotel offers its guests a service at the highest level, to which no one will have any complaints. Its main feature is the provision of rooms for people with disabilities. People come here not only to have a great rest, but also to work businessmen from all over the world. One of the best hotels, located close to the main attractions of the resort, is famous for the island of Martinique. Tourist reviews only confirm the high quality of service.
What do island visitors need to know?
- There is no direct connection between Russia and Martinique, so flights are operated via Paris.
- French is the official language, but the locals prefer to speak their own Patois dialect.
- A visa and a foreign passport are required to enter. All documents are submitted to the consular section of the French Embassy. Without proof of financial solvency (at the rate of $100 per day of stay), a visa will not be granted.
- The amount of imported and exported funds is not limited, but the amount of more than seven thousand euros must be declared.
- Martinique is an island withlow crime rate, but the number of petty thefts is quite high, so you should beware of thieves at airports, public places, do not carry valuables with you and do not leave them unattended.
- Local shops are open strictly until 18.00, the day off is Sunday. From the end of October, the sales season begins, and the prices of all products are significantly reduced.
- The main currency of the island is the euro, which is equal to one hundred cents. US dollars are also accepted.
Interesting facts
The island's flag with the image of a spear-shaped snake appeared more than three hundred years ago, but has not yet received official approval.
Once Martinique (the island), where the first coffee tree was brought, had a great merit in spreading the invigorating drink. Unfortunately, the resort has now ceased commercial production.
Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Josephine, was born here, and the islanders are extremely proud of this fact, having opened a museum dedicated to the life of the great empress.
The charming island of Martinique, the photo of which is unlikely to convey its originality, is famous for its colorful carnival procession and cheerful street dances.
On the 8th of May, residents taking to the streets with lit candles celebrate the day of remembrance of the volcanic eruption.
Travel Reviews
The harmonious fusion of different ethnic groups has created a unique flavor that attracts its guests to the romantic island of Martinique. Reviews of tourists are full of enthusiasm for the resort with a richhistory. Everyone admits that they want to come back here again and live the happiest days again.
Guests of the resort consider it an ideal place to relax, and ecotourists who have visited different countries admire the amazing nature, the beauty of which has no equal.
Tourists of all ages will enjoy a lot of entertainment, because Martinique is not inferior to Brazil in terms of the number of organized holidays. Colorful carnival processions, various festivals and events dedicated to Christmas remain in the memory for a long time.
Most tourists agreed with the opinion of Columbus, who recognized the island as a wonderful country, and said that they did not want to leave the exotic paradise at all.
