Beachcomber Pete Logo

 World Explorer Map

Beachcomber Pete World Map
Martinique Flag and Country

Home

Travelogue

 Destination Guides

Travel Photos

Travel Directory

Contact

About

North America

South America

Caribbean

Europe

Africa

Middle East

Asia

South Pacific

 

 

Where do you want to go?

Loading
 

Discover
 Martinique

Looking for more
Beachcomber Pete

facebook_badge

flickr_badge

twitter_badge

 

Travel and Explore Martinique


 

 With sweeping white sand beaches on all sides, and tall mountains running through the center, the island of Martinique is picture perfect. Rain forest covers the mountains on the northern side of the island, while the southern part is drier, and has savannah-type vegetation. Poinsettia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, mango trees, and coconut palms are abundant across the island, making it easy to see why the native Carib Indians named it the Island of Flowers. The best beaches are found on the southern, more populated, side of the island. Forty miles long by 12 miles wide, Martinique is one of the Windward Islands, part of the Lesser Antilles.

 The climate is tropical, with temperatures in the 70-80 degree F all year. June to October is the rainy season, while November to May is high tourist season. Natural resources include the beauty and climate that attracts tourists, as well as rich, arable soil. Pineapples, sugarcane, bananas, vegetables, flowers, and avocados are all grown here. Rum, sugar, oil refining, cement, construction, and of course, tourism are the industries on the island.Map of Martinique

 A large part of the island is a beautiful Natural Reserve. Hiking trails make it easy to get around the entire island. With beaches and ocean all around, water sports are plentiful. Tourists come by plane or cruise ship to enjoy the beaches, culture, and shopping. Martinique has one of the highest standards of living of any of the islands, as well as a high literacy rate.

 Christopher Columbus discovered Martinique in 1502. However, the island remained unsettled until the French started a colony there in 1635. The island has remained primarily French in culture ever since. Subsequently, both British and French settlers developed Martinique and the other Windward Islands. For centuries, Martinique was part of the world-wide struggle for dominance between France and England.

 African slaves were brought to Martinique in the early years of the French colonization, and slavery was a way of life there until it was abolished in 1848. Many of the inhabitants are Creoles, descendants of African slaves, Carib Indians, and white settlers. French is the official language, but the Creole patois is spoken by many. The high-energy island music and delicious Creole food of Martinique reflects this mixed heritage.

 


 In 1946, Martinique formally became a department of France; her official name is Département d'outre-mer de la Martinique, which translates into English as Overseas Department of Martinique. To visit Martinique today is to experience a little France in the Caribbean. The Euro is the official local currency, although US dollars are accepted in many places. Just like in France, most shops close down at noon and reopen mid-afternoon.

 Fort-au-France is the largest city on Martinique, and the governmental capital. It is large and bustling, and quite cosmopolitan. The French influence is seen in the architecture, as well as in the exclusive restaurants, glamorous shops, and fashionable hotels. Tourists enjoy not only French and other international brands, but fine quality items crafted by artisans and designers on the island.

 

Not what you were looking for?
 Search Google and Beachcomber Pete

Custom Search
 

Beachcomber Pete Travel Tips

NewspaperPeriodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
Learn from fellow traveler’s like yourself the secrets at your next Travel destination.

 

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter
For Email Marketing you can trust

Who in the World is Checking out ?
Beachcomber Pete

 

Link to this page from another website, blog or social networking site? The URL of this page is

http://www.euroradialyouth2016.com/caribbean/

E-mail: phagemann@euroradialyouth2016.com
Copyright 2007-2011  Beachcomber Pete  All Rights reserved.
Linking to Beachcomber Pete web site is allowed and encouraged

Travelogue

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

 

 

Map and Compass 2

Travelers Health

Foreign Currency

Passport

Visa

Packing Tips

Homeland Security

Learn Spanish Online

Write for Us

apartments
Short term accommodation WorldWide
Do you want feel at home on the road? Seville accommodation is the way to go. Sleep like royalty with Madrid accommodation. With the conveniently located apartments you will not only save money but also have everything in close reach to make you feel like the king of the city. Do you hear Catalonia calling you, inviting you in with Barcelona accommodation ? From world class soccer to an impressive cultural heritage, the city has it all. You will get the best with over 300 Lisbon accommodation possibilities to choose from. Don’t waste time and get packing!
The cheapest way to travel
 

Advertise Beachcomber Pete

Last Minute Deals from hotels.com! 

Cruise to the Caribbean! Click Here