Many wonder where the name “Martinique” came from. The Indian names Madiana (“Island of Flowers”) and Madinina (“Fertile Island with Luxuriant Vegetation”), which the Caribs allegedly told Christopher Columbus in 1502, are most likely the sources of the name Martinique. Fort-de-France is the chief town and administrative capital. 436 square miles (1,128 square kilometers) in size. Martinique is roughly 50 miles (80 km) long and up to 22 miles (35 km) wide. Martinique has one of the highest population densities in the Antilles and is one of the smallest French overseas territories.
With a combined population of nearly 2.6 million, the twelve overseas territories include Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and the Wallis and Futuna islands.
France is the only EU nation with a presence in three different oceans due to its overseas territories. They play a significant role in the implementation of France’s maritime and “blue growth” policies and help solidify the country’s ranking as the second-largest maritime power in the world. As the “100% renewable energy” pioneers of the energy transition and the advancement of clean transportation, these regions embody the energy of the future.
In terms of traffic and top airport infrastructure, Martinique’s port infrastructure ranks seventh in France. For both domestic and foreign investors considering establishing a business in Martinique in priority development sectors, this quickly growing market offers a significant opportunity.
With its robust banana and sugar cane production, the primary sector (including fishing) contributes 4% of GDP.
Martinique Is A Business Friendly Destination
Incubator for innovative projects, business cooperative, incubator, coworking space, a network of actors supporting entrepreneurs in their projects, and important financial tools (regional subsidies, European funds honor loans, guarantees, etc.) are just a few of the important tools Martinique offers to entrepreneurs.
There are 65 locations on the island set aside for the development of commercial ventures.
The growth in the tourism industry resulted in a 40% increase in cruise passengers (453,364 people) and an 18.5% increase in visitor numbers in 2017 (just over one million), the best performance since 1998. The annual capacity of Martinique’s international airport is 2.5 million passengers.
Tourism is expected to generate job growth for Martinique-based businesses, and efforts are being made to raise its GDP contribution to a level comparable to that of the Lesser Antilles’ sovereign islands, where it accounts for 20% to 50% of GDP.
What To Do In The Martinique
While some parts of the island feel like a cozy neighborhood of Paris, others have a distinctly Pirates of the Caribbean vibe. While the smaller towns around the rest of the island tend to have a more relaxed vibe, the capital, Fort-de-France, is unquestionably the center of the destination. Although Les Trois-Îlets has some of the greatest beaches and travel amenities, you should look through our guides to discover other popular destinations for your upcoming trip to Martinique.
Martinique is a gorgeous volcanic island with a variety of landscapes, a sophisticated, cosmopolitan culture, world-class beaches, shopping, dining, excitement, and history. Visit Fort St-Louis, a huge fort from the 17th century, stroll through a rainforest botanical garden at Jardin de Balata, or unwind on beaches fringed with palm trees at locations along Grande Anse des Salines
Everyone will enjoy the quirky Musée de la Banane, an actual banana museum, and children will adore the Zoo de Martinique. The magnificent remains of an 18th-century theater that was destroyed in the volcano’s 1902 eruption are also open for visits.
What To Eat and Where To In Martinique
From high-end fine dining to food trucks and outdoor markets, Martinique’s food and dining scene will take you on an exciting culinary adventure that will please even the pickiest foodie. You’ll savor the best wines in town along with classic French fare like cheeses and baguettes. Additionally, you will sample sustainable farm-to-table cuisine from Cover Market and other world-renowned chefs. There are charming, picturesque sidewalk cafes all over the streets.
French Caribbean fusion cuisine can be found at some of Martinique’s most well-known eateries, such as The Yellow, Chez Carole, and La Luciole. For fast food from the Caribbean, visit Express Tropical.
A variety of lobsters and snapper are available for those who enjoy fish and seafood. Your palate will be captivated by lambi prepared with the island’s and the Caribbean wolf’s flavors. Cod in accras, fierce avocado, or coconut milk is another of the island’s culinary specialties.
If you’re a meat lover, try Colombo. It is highly spicy and can be made with chicken, lamb, or pork, depending on your preferences. Don’t overlook the blancmange or apple cinnamon for dessert. The island of Martinique offers a plethora of flavors to explore.
Saint-Pierre and Cap 110 are two outstanding historical sites that are not to be missed.
It would be impossible to discuss the island’s history without mentioning Cape 110 and Saint-Pierre. The first one features fifteen busts in remembrance of the era of slavery. These are white, reinforced concrete structures that face the sea. The island’s indigenous people revere this site, which is full of memories.
Regarding Saint-Pierre, it is a village that provides a moving and creative display. Constructed in the 1800s, it fell apart following Mount Pelee’s eruption. Although it is a little risky, it is possible to climb it and get a close-up look at the volcano. You can explore theremains of theport and theold village.
The city of Fort de France
You can’t avoid going to the capital. It is vibrant and extremely active. There are plenty of places to see while you’re there. The large covered market in Fort-de-France is still referred to as the spice market among them. Fresh goods, handicrafts, and mementos like madras can be purchased. Additionally, the city of Fort-de-France is replete with historical sites and monuments.
Along the route, you will pass the Cathedral Saint-Louis and its renowned bell tower, as well as Fort-Saint-Louis, also known as Royal, which has been there since 1638. A must-see is the Old Palace of Justice, which was rebuilt following the 1839 earthquake. Book lovers will love exploring the Schoelcher Library’s historic monument and learning about its distinctive book collection.
Visitable green areas
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the island is the perfect location. You can reflect and enjoy yourself in the Beauregard Canal or the Balata Garden.
You can find up to 3,000 different types of tropical plants at the Balata garden. Hummingbirds and a variety of flower species are also present. There are benches or bridges in this excellent botanical garden for those who want to pause and take in the view from above.
About 10 kilometers separate it from the capital. The detour is well worth it for the scenery. Take in the many types of bamboo, palm trees, hibiscus, and other plants if you enjoy plants.
The most stunning location in Martinique
Heavenly scenery abounds on the island, with some being more exquisite than others. The island boasts stunning scenery that makes it one of the first tourist destinations, from the Anse Caffard Memorial to the Beauregard Canal, which passes by the Pelee Mountain or the Caravelle peninsula.
The Presqu’île de la Caravelle is a popular destination because of its exceptional beauty. It collects a wide variety of trees that make up an excellent vegetable cover. The best visual contrast is created by the overlap of banana plantations, rich meadows with a variety of shrubs, dry vegetation, and a rich forest that is shared by many species.
The peninsula features beautiful beaches and cliffs deep within the ocean. Apart from the numerous plant species,
