Journey to Martinique: Succumb to the Charm of the Island of Flowers

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For your next vacation, are you dreaming of sunshine, stunning landscapes worthy of the most beautiful postcards? Do you want to enjoy beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and a friendly atmosphere? Then, head to Martinique. On this island located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, you can combine beach pleasures, nature hikes, water activities, all while discovering local cuisine and Creole culture. If you still need to be convinced, there are many reasons to succumb to the charm of the Island of Flowers and to set down your bags for your next vacation.

Martinique: The History of the Island

As part of your vacation, enjoy a trip to Martinique to learn about its history. Martinique is not only characterized by its beautiful white or black sandy beaches, its dazzling landscape, and its surprising vegetation. This island indeed tells a story that is both tumultuous and fascinating.

Human presence in the Lesser Antilles dates back between 10,000 and 5,000 years before our era. The oldest archaeological sites prove the presence of the Amerindians in the first century of our era. Coming from the Amazon, the Arawaks were the first inhabitants of Martinique. They lived by fishing, gathering, and agriculture. Moreover, they crafted beautiful colored ceramics.

In 1502, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered Martinique. However, other sources claim that the discovery was made in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda. The Island of Flowers served as a passage point for Europeans until 1635 when the French decided to settle there. The indigenous people were mass exterminated.

After establishing their first colony in Martinique, the French built their first sites, including the town of Fort-Royal, which would become Fort-de-France, and Fort Saint-Pierre. At the request of the Company of the Islands of America, the first sugar mill in Martinique was established there in 1640. This promoted the cultivation of sugar cane and the development of the sugar economy.

To address the labor shortage, the first slave trades began in Martinique in the 17th century. The recruitment of slaves was done regularly, as sugar is a very physical and demanding crop. This led to a surge in the number of slaves by 1680. On April 27, 1848, slavery was officially abolished. The new labor force then came from India, China, and Congo, which later contributed to the cultural diversity of Martinique.

Where to Stay in Martinique?

There are numerous accommodation options on this island that suit all budgets.

Stay in the South or Center of Martinique

Depending on the time of your arrival in Martinique, you may opt for a hotel near the airport. You will likely spend your first night in Fort-de-France. There are many hotels in this city that offer a good quality/price ratio.

To fully enjoy the island and visit it more pleasantly, it is recommended to take several accommodations. Indeed, it can be time-consuming and difficult to reach all corners of Martinique from a single place. For a 10-day stay, for example, you might spend 5 days in the south and the other 5 in the north.

The south of the Island of Flowers is more touristy. Thus, it is the ideal destination for surfers and for a more relaxing stay. You will find beautiful beaches, and the weather in this region of the island is generally more favorable (less rain and less cloud cover). The terrain is also less elevated than in the north. The south is home to many famous beaches such as Les Salines, Anse Figuier, Le Diamant, Anse Noire, Anse Dufour, and Anse-d’Arlet.

If you prefer to stay in one place and travel across the entire island, the ideal option is the center. In this part of the island, many possibilities are available to you. You can settle in Fort-de-France or its surroundings (Case-Pilote, Schœlcher, etc.). You can also stay on the east coast, towards Le François or Le Robert.

Stay in the North of the Island of Flowers

The north of Martinique is less touristy. It is more suited for explorers. However, there are many things to do and discover in this region. You can enjoy an unforgettable hike, such as climbing Mount Pelée. You may also visit charming villages like Saint-Pierre or Grand’Rivière.

Whether you are more of a fan of physical activities or beaches, you will enjoy discovering the wonders of the Island of Flowers from north to south. Besides hotels, Martinique offers other types of accommodation. You can choose between guesthouses or Airbnb-type rentals.