The capital in Martinique is Fort-de-France, and is also the Largest city in the French Antilles. The best time to visit Martinique for the best weather experience is from Mid-September to Early April based on average temperature and humidity.
The climate in Martinique is tropical and humid, it has a cool and dry season called carême (Lent), from January to mid-April; and a hot, humid and rainy season called hivernage from mid-June to mid-November.
Despite the influence of their colonial masters, the French, the people of Martinique still have a distinct Creole culture that many islanders identify with, and the Creole language which is a blending of French, Spanish, Portuguese and Caribbean patois, is spoken commonly in Martinique, and is an important part of the island's rich oral tradition.
The predominant religion in Martinique is the Roman Catholic, and Martinique cuisine reflects the many cultures of the country, meals are typically a single course of fish or meat with rice and local vegetables, fruits and spices.
There are about three ethnic groups in the country, and it is known to be one of the safest countries in the caribbean.
There are 4 airports in Martinique, getting around in Martinique is easy as there are various means of transportation like car rentals, taxi and ferry-boat. The most popular city in Martinique is Fort-de-France, which also the capital city.
Martinique is home to many festivals and events some of which are; Vaval - held every February is a four day celebration all over the country; Bastille Day - This celebrates the formation of the French republic after the French revolution in 1789, it is held every year on the 14th of July; Le Tour de Martinique - similar to the “tour de france” of their colonial masters, it features an annual cycling race is held in Martinique in July; Tour de Yoles Rondes - This is the biggest boating event in Martinique, held every August. Sailor from around the world must use a traditional fishing yacht to compete in several stages around the island.
There are over various tourists attractions and things to do while in Martinique, some of these areas may include:
- Balata Botanical Garden - Located close to the city capital, Fort-de-France, the garden features more than 3,000 species of tropical plants and flowers that cascade down a hillside, past ponds punctuated with water lilies and lotus blossoms.
- Les Salines - Located South of Sainte-Anne, known to be one of the most beautiful and popular of the many beaches on Martinique. It was named after the nearby salt pond.
- Les Trois-Ilets - Located South of the capital city, Fort-de-France, it is a popular tourist area, with hotels, restaurants, and several attractions that illustrate the island's history and culture.
- Saint-Pierre - Saint-Pierre is built among the ruins of old Saint-Pierre. The town was once Martinique's main city and port, a beautiful city once known as the Pearl of the West Indies until Mount Pelée erupted in 1902.
- Boat Tours from Pointe du Bout - This is one of the most popular thing to do in Martinique. Cruisers, sailboats, skiffs, catamarans, and other craft depart from the tourist enclave of Pointe du Bout, and from other places in Trois Ilets, on the south shore of the bay.
There are over 500 hotels and accommodations in Martinique. One amazing fact about Martinique, despite being a tiny island in the Caribbean, a total of 4 queens who have ruled France, Holland and Turkey, have all been born in Martinique.
