Island Activities

Martinique has plenty of beaches for relaxing, including some nice white-sand beaches south of Fort-de-France. Anse Corps de Garde in Ste-Luce and Les Saline in Ste-Anne are among the nicest.

You'll get a better taste of the island if you take part in the myriad outdoor activities. Martinique is a major sailing center; windsurfing is also popular, as is deep-sea fishing. On land are canopy tours, mountain-biking excursions, and horseback riding.

Shoppers will enjoy inexpensive French wines and the fresh-from-France fashions available in Fort-de-France's boutiques. Locally made jewelry and baskets can also be good buys.

As they are duty-free in Fort-de-France, fine jewelry, crystal, china, perfume, and the island's high-quality rums are well priced. Duty-free also extends to port stores in Le Marin, airport shops, and other tourist zones.

Most hotels have entertainment during the high season, but there are also plenty of nightspots for dancing, though the crowds tend to be younger (and mostly local).

Enjoying fine French and creole cuisine is also at the top of many people's lists; the island has many wonderful restaurants. Travelers looking to save on high euro prices may find relative bargains on the many prix-fixe menus (some of which include wine).