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 guests who have visited a corner of Eden, surrounded by greenery. The wonderful resort with its extraordinary nature also attracts with developed infrastructure that allows tourists to feel at home. There is everything you can dream of: 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 the overseas department of France in the Caribbean. Madinina, as the Indians called their homeland, has a mountainous terrain and extends over more than a thousand square kilometers. "Flower Island" attracts all ecotourism lovers.
The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, washing the paradise resort, volcanic landscapes, pristine nature make tourists fall in love with him forever.
History of Martinique
The fourth expedition of Columbus, which reached the shores of Martinique, was struck by the beauty of a 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 went 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 indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, who protested against the invaders, and the colonial administration had to import slaves from Africa.
At the beginning of the last century, a volcano erupted 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 law, the island of Martinique, the description and history of which is given in the article, was given the opportunity to elect four of its representatives to the French parliament. Thus, the population has all the rights of the inhabitants of a European country.
Climate and weather
The fabulously beautiful island of Martinique warmly welcomes its guests. Weather in a paradise pleases tourists who dream to soak up the sun. The tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 26 degrees is softened by sea winds. The south of the island is much warmer than the north, where weather conditions depend on the height of the place.
Tourists need to know that the dry season lasts from December to May, and the wet begins in July and ends in October.
Population
The island is inhabited by about 400 thousand inhabitants. Martinists are descendants of African slaves brought by the French, but there are immigrants from India, China, Italy. Most locals preach Catholicism (85 percent).
Passive and active leisure
The tropical island of Martinique, the embodiment of paradise on earth, whose photos serve as excellent evidence of its wondrous beauties, is a continuous beach area. Not only lovers of passive relaxation rush to the resort, but also everyone who wants to try their hand at sea sports. It hosts annual regattas on sailing, windsurfing, yachting, and some status competitions are held as part of the World Cups.
But the divers are most happy, perhaps, because excellent conditions have been created to meet their needs: coral reefs, clear water, and even perfectly preserved sunken ships. Most often, extremals stop on the island of volcanic origin Roche du Diamant.
If we talk about the beaches, then they are divided into wild and comfortable. The latter will please with white or black sand and emerald green water. The largest is the Pointe de la Sherry, stretching over 12 kilometers. It can be noted Ans-Terin, Ans-Siron, Ans-Letan, famous for picturesque views. There are hotels and restaurants near them, and too much garbage is nailed to the shores of wild beaches torn from civilization.
Capital of the island
The administrative center of the resort is the main port of Fort de France. 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 lovely shops, which are typical for the capital of France.
Located in the heart of Fort de France, La Sawan Park abounds with beautiful fountains, palm alleys and spacious open-air venues where various city events take place. Among the centuries-old trees, giving the necessary shade in the heat, it is so nice to hide and enjoy the solitude with nature. Here is a sculpture of the wife of Bonaparte - a native of Martinique.
Fort St. Louis, once a wrong pentagon and protected from pirate raids, is popular with tourists. It is curious that during World War II thousands of gold bars of France were stored here.
The wonderful Floral Park will amaze the guests of the resort with a variety of plants and flowers. One cannot ignore the Byzantine-style city library, the cathedral, which appeared at the end of the 19th century, the museum of history and ethnography.
Natural attractions
It is not in vain that the sunny island of Martinique is recognized as an ideal place for all nature lovers. Sights created by Mother Nature are visited by thousands of tourists, fascinated by unspoilt beauty.
One of the most picturesque places is located on the mountain river Alma. The majestic waterfalls, from the view of which are breathtaking, attract romantic couples, because according to local legends, everyone who has visited here flashes love in their hearts.
Known for the tragic events that took place in 1902, the Mont-Pelet volcano delights with its power. The slumbering giant the scientists are observing will always be a living reminder of the disaster that claimed the life of the whole city. Now St. Pierre has risen from the ruins, but has lost its important economic importance for Martinique.
In the south of the resort is a lake, the water in which is very salty. Ethan de Salin attracts tourists with wonderful landscapes reminiscent of the scenery for a fairy tale.
Martinique Island Resorts
The overseas territory of France, surrounded by beaches on all sides, is a huge resort.
One of the most picturesque corners of the earthly paradise is the Grand Riviere, lying at the foot of the coastal cliffs. The former fishing village is well-known among water sports enthusiasts. The main center of beach vacations will delight travelers who dream of exoticism.
The coast of Le Salin is one of the most beautiful. Even when heavy clouds hang over the main part of the island, the sun always shines here, and the developed hotel chain allows accommodating a huge number of tourists.
Preskil Caravel is famous for its nature untouched by civilization. This corner is chosen by guests of the island who dream of a secluded vacation.
Well-developed tourism infrastructure
It is no coincidence that the wonderful island of Martinique attracts travelers from different parts of our planet, whose hotels are distinguished by highly professional staff. Tourists have places 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, rooms should be reserved for New Year and Christmas holidays a few months before the start of the trip.
Most hotels have their own beaches and places for walking. The island of Martinique, the rest of which turns into a real fairy tale, is the most saturated resort in hotels in the Caribbean.
Hotels for every taste and budget
The 5-star Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, located near the airport in Le Francois, will appeal to those who are accustomed to a luxurious vacation. 50 rooms, many of which are located in luxury villas, restaurants and bars, spa centers, swimming pools, a gym - this is just a small list of what the hotel can offer its guests. Creole-style complex will appeal to couples with children, large companies and lovers who dream of privacy. Almost all rooms, whose area is from 60 to 130 square meters, have sea views and are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
Hôtel Diamant Les Bains (Le Diamant) is a two-star hotel located on the beach. The rooms, painted in green shades and made in a tropical style, will appeal to those who do not want to pay a lot for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning, cable TV, 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. One cannot fail to note the delicious local cuisine that the hotel is famous for.
Le Domaine Saint Aubin 3 * (La Trinité) in the east of the Caribbean pearl provides tourists with 28 rooms, including suites and apartments. A comfortable boutique hotel offers its guests the highest level of service, 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 good rest, but also to work with businessmen from all over the world. One of the best hotels located near the main attractions of the resort, the island of Martinique is famous. Reviews of tourists only confirm the high quality of service.
What do guests of the island need to know?
- There is no direct communication between Russia and Martinique, so flights are carried out through Paris.
- French is considered the official language, but locals prefer to speak their dialect "patois".
- To enter, a visa and a passport are required. All documents are submitted to the consular department of the French Embassy. Without evidence of financial viability (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 with a low crime rate, but the number of petty thefts is quite large, so you should beware of thieves at airports, public institutions, 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. Since the end of October, the sales season begins, and prices for all goods 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 flag of the island with the image of a spear-shaped snake appeared more than three hundred years ago, but still has not received official fixing.
Once Martinique (the island), on which the first coffee tree was brought, had enormous merits in the distribution of an invigorating drink. Unfortunately, now the resort has ceased to produce it for commercial purposes.
The wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Josephine, was born here, and the islanders who opened the museum dedicated to the life of the great empress are extremely proud of this fact.
The charming island of Martinique, whose photo is unlikely to convey its originality, is famous for its colorful carnival procession and cheerful street dancing.
On May 8, residents taking to the streets with candles light up a memorial day for the volcanic eruption.
Traveler Reviews
The harmonious merger of different ethnic groups gave rise to a unique flavor, which attracts its guests the island of Martinique fanned by romance. Reviews of tourists are full of enthusiasm from a resort with a rich history. Everyone admits that I want to come back here again and relive the happiest days.
The guests of the resort consider it an ideal place for relaxation, and ecotourists who have visited different countries admire the amazing nature, the beauty of which is unrivaled.
A large number of entertainments will appeal to tourists of all ages, because Martinique is not inferior to Brazil in the number of holidays organized. 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.