Travel Guides

Martinique

Car Rental in Martinique

The Caribbean island of Martinique is still part of French territory so the currency is the Euro, despite it being quite close to America and the dollar. Getting to the island which lies south of Dominica is best from Miami and from the air facility a quality car rental can be collected for touring the island. It’s a bit of a round about route from the American mainland as flights go to San Juan or St Lucia and then call in to the islands Fort de France Airport. These routes are operated by American Eagle, and there are also Air France flights from Miami five time a week.

Travelers favorites

Martinique has the best beaches, the most colorful lifestyle, and the finest food to attract tourists from all corners of America. The sea activities are second to none so many head straight for the coastal center of St Pierre for diving activities. The ambient water temperature of around 82 degrees makes for any sort of sea based activity one to savor. Of the two sides the southern Caribbean coast has the finer white sandy beaches of La Saline, whilst the northern beaches feature the black volcanic sand as found at La Carbet.

Those travelers who are not relaxing on the sandy beach may like to look around at the historical landmarks of the main city of Fort de France. The cathedral is 18th century an there is a Sacre Coeur look a like at Balata.

Best time to Visit

The climate can get quite humid in the middle of the year with humidity rising to 90% in June. So the best time is around the end of the year from December through to April is when the island gets very popular with some of the beaches a little overcrowded. Les Salines is particularly busy in these months. Having a car hire will provide a better opportunity to tour around and pick the quieter places, even in the high season.

Driving in Martinique

Being French the driving of the car hire is that of Europe so American visitors will be pleased to know it is the same as at home. There is the typical laid back feel to Martinique and a favorite vehicle is the open top jeep. In comparison to some of the other Caribbean islands the roads here are well maintained, such that there are opportunities to speed, so the Gendarmerie are putting up speed cameras to counter this.