Road Trips in Martinique

While sightseeing around Martinique, you can't miss the island's capital - Fort-de-France. It is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean offering plenty of interesting attractions, from stunning landmarks and museums to picturesque beaches and gardens. While rambling along its streets, you should definitely take a short stopover by the Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Schœlcher Library, and Fort Saint-Louis. A must-see attraction is the local botanical garden of Jardin de Balata. 

Martinique is also a place studded with extremely scenic towns. Your holiday list should definitely include Diamant with the beautiful 3-kilometer Grande Anse du Diamant Beach, Tartane, known for its picturesque location in a sandy cove, and Grand’Rivière, with the 19th-century Church of St Catherine. 

If you want to stay in a typical tourist resort, you should head for Saint-Pierre located at the foot of Mount Pelée volcano. While traveling around the southern part of the island, you shouldn’t forget about the paradise beach of Las Salinas which is extremely popular among residents and tourists. 

Suggested Road Trips in Martinique:

• Route de la Trace: This is one of the most scenic drives in Martinique, taking you through lush rainforests, picturesque villages, and scenic vistas. The road stretches from Fort-de-France to Morne Rouge, passing through the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Martinique and offering stunning views of the island's tropical landscapes.

• Atlantic Coast Road: This road takes you along the scenic Atlantic coast of Martinique, passing through charming fishing villages, rocky coves, and stunning beaches. Highlights along the route include the village of Tartane, the Caravelle Nature Reserve, and the beaches of Anse l'Etang and Anse Charpentier.

• Southern Route: This road trip takes you through the southern part of Martinique, offering a chance to explore the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Highlights along the route include the Habitation Clément plantation, the town of Sainte-Anne, and the historic village of Saint-Pierre, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902.

Each of these road trips offers a unique perspective on the island of Martinique, showcasing its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. Whether you're interested in exploring the island's rainforests, beaches, or historic landmarks, there's a road trip in Martinique that's sure to suit your interests and preferences.

Travelling around Martinique isn't a very difficult task. The island covers a small area and offers a wide choice of taxis and buses that move between larger cities. It is also possible to sightsee around the island by bicycle or on a horse's back. Another option is hitch-hiking; however, residents aren't too willing to take the tourists with them. 

If you value full freedom and independence, it's worth considering renting a car. Car rental companies can be found at the Fort-de-France Airport and in larger cities. Remember that when renting a car, you need to be at least 21 years old, and if you are planning to stay for a period longer than 20 days, you should get an International Driving Permit. 

As opposed to other Caribbean countries, Martinique enjoys a well-developed road infrastructure. The speed limits span from 50 to 90 km/h depending on the road type. While travelling between the airport and Fort-de-France, you can drive at a speed of 110 km/h. While travelling around local roads, you should stay extra vigilant as native motorists drive pretty chaotically and have a tendency to break basic traffic regulations. 

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Martinique.

• The roads in Martinique can be narrow and winding, so be prepared for potentially challenging driving conditions.

• Road signage can be limited, so it's a good idea to have a map or GPS navigation system with you.

• Parking can be difficult in some areas, especially in urban centers. Be prepared to park farther away from your destination and walk.

• Be aware of local driving customs, such as the practice of honking to signal passing or turning.

• The speed limit is generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways, but be aware that road conditions may require driving at slower speeds.

• Be cautious of potholes and uneven road surfaces, especially on rural roads.

• Be aware of the possibility of heavy rain, which can cause flooding and landslides on some roads.

• Be cautious of other drivers, especially motorcyclists and scooters, which are a common mode of transportation in Martinique.

• Be aware of local wildlife, such as monkeys and iguanas, which may cross the road in rural areas.

In conclusion, taking a road trip in Martinique requires awareness of potentially challenging driving conditions, limited road signage, parking difficulties, local driving customs, road conditions, heavy rain, other drivers, and wildlife. By staying alert and cautious while driving, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip in Martinique.

The best time to take a road trip in Martinique is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30°C). The dry season also offers lower humidity and less rainfall, making for more comfortable driving conditions.

The rainy season in Martinique runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in September and October. While the island is still beautiful during this time, the increased rainfall can make driving conditions more challenging, with the possibility of flooding and landslides on some roads.

Another factor to consider when planning a road trip to Martinique is the peak tourist season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the island can be more crowded and prices for accommodation and activities may be higher. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season of May to November, when prices are generally lower and the island is less crowded.

In conclusion, the best time to take a road trip in Martinique is during the dry season of December to April, when the weather is pleasant and driving conditions are generally good. However, the island can be visited year-round, with the shoulder season of May to November offering lower prices and fewer crowds.

The cost of a road trip in Martinique can vary depending on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the type of accommodation and meals, and the activities and attractions you choose to participate in. Here are some general estimates for the cost of a road trip in Martinique:

• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary widely, depending on the type of lodging you choose. Budget-friendly options such as hostels or camping can cost around 30-50 EUR per night, while mid-range hotels or vacation rentals can cost around 70-150 EUR per night.

• Food and drink: The cost of food and drink can also vary depending on your preferences. Budget-friendly options such as street food or grocery store meals can cost around 15-25 EUR per day, while dining at restaurants can cost around 25-50 EUR per meal.

• Transportation: The cost of transportation can include gas, car rental, and parking fees. Gas prices in Martinique are typically around 1.40-1.50 EUR per liter. Car rental prices can vary depending on the type of vehicle and rental period, but typically start around 30-50 EUR per day.

• Activities and attractions: The cost of activities and attractions can vary widely, depending on the type of activity and whether it requires admission fees. For example, outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting parks are typically free, while museums or other attractions can cost around 10-20 EUR per person.

Based on these estimates, a budget-friendly road trip in Martinique can cost around 60-80 EUR per day, while a mid-range trip can cost around 120-200 EUR per day. A week-long road trip can cost around 420-1400 EUR, while a month-long trip can cost around 1800-6000 EUR.

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of a road trip in Martinique can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences.

here are some guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in Martinique:

• Martinique Road Map: This is a detailed road map of Martinique that shows all major roads, highways, and towns. It's published by IGN, the French national mapping agency.

• Lonely Planet Martinique Guidebook: This guidebook covers all aspects of travel in Martinique, from beaches and hiking trails to local cuisine and culture. It also includes maps and suggested itineraries for exploring the island by car.

• Martinique Tourist Guide: This guidebook is published by the Martinique Tourism Authority and provides information on attractions, accommodations, and events throughout the island. It also includes a map of Martinique.

• Michelin Martinique Map: This is a fold-out map of Martinique published by Michelin, which is known for its high-quality maps. It shows all major roads, as well as scenic routes, points of interest, and beaches.

• Martinique Island Guide: This guidebook is written by a local author and provides insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Martinique. It also includes a map of the island.

• Martinique Travel Adventures Guidebook: This guidebook is geared towards adventure travelers and provides information on hiking trails, water sports, and other outdoor activities in Martinique. It also includes maps and suggested itineraries.

I hope this helps you plan your road trip in Martinique!