Traveling to Martinique: Practical guide for a successful vacation

Practical information

Before departure, make sure you have:

a valid ID card
or a valid passport

Information about customs and police formalities is provided for reference only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with the authorities' requirements.

To prepare for your trip, we recommend contacting the Martinique Tourism Board in Paris:

32 Boulevard Haussmann - 75009, Paris
Phone: 01 44 77 86 00
Website: www.martinique.org

Good to know

No vaccinations are required to travel to Martinique. However, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.

Once there

Store hours

Shops are generally open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with a break between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Transportation

There is only one bus company, which covers a large part of the island. Since bus schedules can be irregular, renting a car may be a better option depending on your plans. Otherwise, locals often use shared taxis, although they are not the most economical means of transport. Finally, regular ferry services make it easy to reach the neighboring islands.

Safety

While enjoying Martinique’s beautiful beaches, make sure to follow safety guidelines such as swimming flag signals.

Services

Post offices are open until 4:00 pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. Bank branches are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with a break between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Some banks are also closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Holidays and celebrations

Martinique Carnival
Easter
Ascension Day
Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
Martinique Trade Fair (Foire Expo)
Labour Day – May 1st
Victory Day – May 8, 1945
Abolition of Slavery Day – May 22
Bastille Day – July 14
Fort-de-France Cultural Festival
End of the sugarcane harvest in Sainte-Marie
Assumption – August 15
All Saints’ Day – November 1
Armistice Day – November 11, 1918
Festival of the Senses in Saint Lucia
Christmas – December 25
New Year’s Eve – December 31

Must-sees

Exploring the island (by 4x4, on foot, or on horseback) and enjoying beach activities will make your stay unforgettable. Set out to discover its wild landscapes, waterfalls and streams, untouched forests, volcanic terrain, and stunning Caribbean beaches with their lagoons and coral reefs.

Numerous hiking trails also await in areas rich in tropical forest, such as the Absalon loop, Fond Baron, Absalon fountain, or Plateau Michel. And the adventure doesn’t stop on land — there are many fantastic spots for scuba diving!

On the “island of flowers,” you can also visit sugarcane fields, explore the city of Fort-de-France and its vibrant markets, or admire the breathtaking scenery of Mount Pelée. Several museums and historic sites offer insights into the island’s past and its rich ecosystem.

Gastronomy

Martinican cuisine is simple and generous. A blend of all the cultures that have passed through the island, it is diverse and flavorful, with strong African, French, and Indian influences (such as colombo).

Mostly based on seafood, Martinican dishes often involve marinating meat or fish in a spiced seasoning — frequently using local chili peppers — to enhance the flavor. Cassava flour is also widely used in many recipes.

Blood sausage, accras (fritters), avocado féroce, grilled fish are just a few of the standout Creole specialties. Rum is the island’s traditional drink, and you can discover its secrets by visiting one of the many distilleries across Martinique!

Culture

The homeland of Aimé Césaire

Fort-de-France is deeply connected to the renowned poet and political figure from Martinique. A true guiding force for the city, which he served as mayor for 46 years, Aimé Césaire passed away in 2008. He was the founder of the Négritude literary movement and a staunch opponent of colonialism. A prolific writer, he is buried at La Joyau Cemetery near Fort-de-France.

Festive spirit during Martinique's Carnival

Carnival is the must-see Creole celebration in Martinique. Held in February, it features several days of vibrant parades and a joyful atmosphere across the island. Expect lively songs and dance competitions set to the infectious rhythms of zouk, biguine, and calypso.

Climate

Temperatures in the Caribbean are ideal year-round, with a steady average of around 27°C. The water temperature averages 26°C.

The region experiences two seasons under its humid tropical climate: the dry season — the most pleasant — from February to April, and the wet season from July to October. From August to October, the island may also be affected by cyclones of varying intensity, so it’s important to stay informed about weather conditions during this period.

Discover Martinique with Corsair

Traveling to Martinique with Corsair guarantees a unique and memorable experience. By choosing our airline, you’ll enjoy direct flights to Fort-de-France from Paris-Orly airport, high-quality service, and the best fares. Take advantage of our special offers to explore this paradise island, known for its white-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush forests.

Whether you're into hiking, scuba diving, or cultural discovery, Martinique has something for everyone. Book your flight with Corsair now and uncover the treasures of the “island of flowers” under the Caribbean sun. Our teams are here to make your journey unforgettable.