Martinique (island): description, photos and reviews of tourists about the rest

In 1502, H. Columbus opened a new island Martinique and called it "the most beautiful country in the world". His admiration is understood by guests who have visited the Edenic corner, buried in greenery. A wonderful resort with an extraordinary nature attracts and developed infrastructure, allowing tourists to feel at home. There is everything you can dream about: luxurious beaches, comfortable hotels, miraculous attractions, from the beauty of which captures the spirit.

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. Madinin, as the Indians called their native land, has a mountainous terrain and extends more than a thousand square kilometers. "Island of Flowers" attracts all lovers of ecotourism.

Warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, washing paradise resort, volcanic landscapes, virgin nature make tourists fall in love with him forever.

History of Martinique

The fourth expedition of Columbus, reaching the coast of Martinique, was struck by the beauty of the fairytale corner. However, the main goal of the team was gold and minerals, which were absent on the island, so the Spaniards did not stay here and went on a new journey.

Upon learning of the discovery 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 - the Caribbean Indians, who protested against the invaders, and the colonial administration had to bring slaves from Africa.

At the beginning of the last century, a volcanic eruption occurred at the resort, as a result of which the French city of Saint-Pierre with a population of 30 thousand people was completely wiped off the face of the earth. Only one prisoner remained alive who 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 able 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 welcomes its guests affably. The weather in the paradise town pleases the tourists, who dream of luxuriant sunshine. The tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 26 degrees is mitigated by sea winds. In the south of the island it is much warmer than in the north, where the 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 season starts in July and ends in October.

Population

The island is inhabited by about 400 thousand inhabitants. The Martinics are descendants of French slaves brought from Africa, but there are immigrants from India, China, Italy. Most local residents preach Catholicism (85 percent).

Passive and active rest

Embodiment of paradise on earth, the tropical island of Martinique, whose photo serves as an excellent testament to its wondrous beauties, is a continuous beach area. The resort is in a hurry not only for fans of passive recreation, but for everyone who wants to try themselves in sea sports. There are annual regattas for sailing, windsurfing, yachting, and some status competitions take place within the framework of the World Cups.

But most of all happy, perhaps, divers, because there are excellent conditions for meeting their needs: coral reefs, clear water and even perfectly preserved wrecks. Most often, the extremals stop on the volcanic island of Roche du Diamant.

If we talk about the beaches, they are divided into wild and equipped. The latter will be pleased with a white or black sand and water of an emerald shade. The largest is Pointe de la Sherry, stretching for 12 kilometers. You can note Enns-Terin, En-Siron, En-Letan, famous for their picturesque views. Near them are hotels and restaurants, and to the shores of wild beaches, divorced from civilization, too much garbage is beaten.

The 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 color. Mansions in the colonial style, modern office buildings, port facilities are combined with a huge number of cozy cafes and cute shops, which are typical for the capital of France.

Located in the heart of Fort-de-France, La Savan Park is full of beautiful fountains, palm alleys and spacious outdoor areas, where various city events take place. Among the age-old trees, which give the shadow necessary in the heat, it is so nice to hide and enjoy the solitude with nature. Here is the sculpture of the wife Bonaparte - born in Martinique.

Fort St. Louis, once representing a wrong pentagon and defending against pirate raids, is popular with tourists. It is curious that during the Second World War thousands of gold bars of France were kept here.

A wonderful park Floral will amaze guests of the resort with a variety of plants and flowers. You can not ignore the city library with a dome in Byzantine style, a cathedral that appeared at the end of the XIX century, a museum of history and ethnography.

Natural attractions

Not in vain is recognized as the ideal place for all nature lovers sunny island of Martinique. Sights created by Mother Nature are visited by thousands of tourists, charmed by untouched beauty.

One of the most picturesque places is on the mountain river Alma. Majestic waterfalls, from the kind of which captures the spirit, attract romantic couples, because according to local legends, everyone who has been here in the heart of love breaks out.

Known for the tragic events that occurred in 1902, the Mon-Pele volcano admires its power. A dormant giant, watched by scientists, will always be a living reminder of the catastrophe that took the life of the whole city. Now St. Pierre rose from the ruins, but lost important economic importance for Martinique.

In the south of the resort there 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: resorts

Belvedere from all sides of the beaches of the overseas territory of France is a huge resort.

One of the most colorful corners of the earthly paradise is the Grand Riviera, lying at the foot of the coastal cliffs. The former fishing village enjoys deserved popularity among fans of water sports. The main center of beach recreation will please 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 to accommodate a huge number of tourists.

Presqu'es-Caravel is famous for its nature, untouched civilization. This corner is chosen by guests of the island, who dream of secluded rest.

Developed tourist infrastructure

It is not by chance that travelers from all parts of our planet attract the wonderful island of Martinique, whose hotels are distinguished by highly professional staff. Tourists have a place to stay, as the resort has a very developed hotel infrastructure. Comfortable hotels of different price categories (some of them are even located in historical mansions) and inexpensive hostels are always waiting for guests, however, for New Year's and Christmas holidays, rooms should be booked several months before 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 hotel-rich resort in the Caribbean.

Hotels for every taste and wallet

The five-star Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, located near the airport in the city of Le Francois, will be liked by those who are accustomed to luxury rest. 50 rooms, many of which are located in luxury villas, restaurants and bars, spa centers, swimming pools, gym - this is just a small list of what the hotel has to offer its guests. The complex in the Creole style will appeal to family couples with children, big companies and lovers who dream of seclusion. Almost all the rooms, the area of which is from 60 to 130 square meters, have a sea view and are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

Hôtel Diamant Les Bains (the city of Le Diamant) is a two-star hotel, spread out on the beach. The rooms, painted in green shades and executed in a tropical style, will please those who do not wish to pay a lot for comfortable living. Air conditioning, cable TV, safe deposit box, clean pool will be a pleasant bonus for student youth companies spending all their free time on the beach. It is impossible not to mention the delightful local cuisine, which is famous for the hotel.

Le Domaine Saint Aubin 3 * (La Trinite) in the east of the Caribbean pearl provides tourists with 28 rooms, including suites and apartments. For its guests, a comfortable boutique hotel offers a top-level service, to which no one will have any complaints. Its main feature is the provision of rooms for people with disabilities. It's not just a great place to relax, but also business people 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. Reviews of tourists only confirm the high quality of service.

What do you need to know the guests of the island?

• There is no direct communication between Russia and Martinique, therefore flights are carried out through Paris.
• The official language is French, but locals prefer to speak their dialect "patois".
• A visa and a foreign passport are required for entry. All documents are submitted to the consular department of the French Embassy. Without proof of financial solvency (at the rate of $ 100 per day of stay), the visa will not be granted.
• The amount of imported and exported money 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 small thefts is large enough, so it's worthwhile to beware of thieves at airports, public institutions, not to carry valuables with them and not leave them unattended.
• Local shops work strictly until 6 pm, a day off - Sunday. Since the end of October, the season of sales starts, and prices for all goods are significantly reduced.
• The main currency of the island is the euro, which is equal to one hundred cents. Also accepted are US dollars.

Interesting Facts

The flag of the island with the image of a spear-shaped snake appeared more than three hundred years ago, but has not yet received official consolidation.

Once Martinique (island), on which the first coffee tree was brought, had great merits in spreading the invigorating drink. Unfortunately, now the resort stopped producing it for commercial purposes.

Here was born the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte - Josephine, and this fact is extremely proud of the islanders who opened a museum dedicated to the life of the great empress.

The charming island of Martinique, whose photo is unlikely to convey its identity, is famous for its colorful carnival procession and gay street dancing.

On the eighth of May, residents walking out onto the streets with lit candles celebrate the day of memory of the eruption of the volcano.

Traveler Reviews

Harmonious fusion of different ethnic groups gave birth to a unique color, which attracts its guests covered with romanticism, the island of Martinique. Reviews of tourists are full of ecstasy from the resort with a rich history. Everyone admits that they want to return here again and live the happiest days again.

Guests of the resort consider it an ideal place for recreation, and ecotourists, who have visited different countries, admire the amazing nature, the beauty of which there are no equal.

A large number of entertainment will appeal to tourists of all ages, because according to the number of holidays Martinique does not concede to Brazil. Colorful carnival processions, various festivals and events timed to Christmas, remain in 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 do not want to leave the exotic paradise.