The Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit in Martinique

French culture meets laidback West Indian vibes in Martinique. This unique and rugged Caribbean island, part of the Lesser Antilles, has beautiful beaches in abundance. Each offers the peaceful white-sandy magic you’d expect from this tropical setting. Some come with beautiful coves, bays dotted with islets of streaks of black volcanic sand. Why not sail around the island and explore a few in one day. Here are the most beautiful beaches to look out for.
Discover these pristine beaches.

On Martinique’s Atlantic coast Le Robert is known locally as a beautiful tranquil bay with a scattering of ten islets, including Chancel islet, home to the remains of an old sugar plantation and a large colony of Lesser Antillean iguanas. Other islets include Madame islet, with its white sandbanks and turquoise waters and Rats islet (which isn’t overrun by rodents). Why not hire a catamaran, take out a kayak or explore with a snorkel and flippers?

Want a beach day with a picture postcard setting? Here you’ll find a quaint church, perfectly aligned with a pontoon that juts straight out to sea and a beach of white silky sand. This spot on the south Caribbean coast is known for its quiet coves such as the Big Cove (Grande Anse), which are accessible by yacht. The warm waters are full of tropical fish and curious turtles. Things get lively come nightfall in cute cafes and bars along the promenade.

You’ll find this sandy stretch in the town of Le Diamant, which is named after the basalt formation (Diamond Rock) that stands out at sea opposite the beach. The best views of the rock can be captured at Le Diamant headland. Rarely crowded, locals and well-informed visitors choose this southwestern beach in an undeveloped area over the more touristy spots. It’s a brilliant diving spot – though be aware the surf can be a bit rough – and enjoys its own pleasant microclimate.

A silky ribbon of fine powdery sand flanked by tall coconut trees. The water here is calm and great for swimming and snorkelling: discover huge starfish on the beach, schools of tropical fish and colonies of sea urchins a little further out (don’t put your foot down). The building with a stone chimney and blue shutters close to this beach is The Ecomuseum of Martinique. Established in 1993, it’s an old distillery that houses heritage objects from the island.

Rugged, remote and wave-beaten, this curve of beach is accessible via private land. You need to drive 15 minutes down a dirt track before the natural beauty of Anse Trabaud Beach reveals itself. What you get is your own desert island. It’s a favourite spot for surfers, but mostly the waves are low and safe. Wooden tables and benches under the trees make perfect picnic spots.

Another off-radar beach. Sinai is not well known due to its isolation in the north of Martinique. It’s a bit of a trek to get to it, but you’ll be rewarded with a secluded arc of silky black sand at the foot of Mount Pelée. Bordered by wild shrubs and sprawling coconut palms, it sits just left of a sea wall close to the fishing port of Grand Rivière and hasn’t been interrupted by touristy joints or water sports. From here you can enjoy a clear view of Dominica Island.

Great Anse des Salines offers visitors the best of both worlds. It has classic Caribbean deserted beach vibes, all-white sands, shady palm trees and turquoise waters, but it’s also close to sandy snack bars and restaurants – making it a popular weekend spot for locals. Accessibility is easy too. It’s located south of the town of Sainte-Anne and there are hundreds of parking spaces just back from the sand. Les Salines gets its name from Étang des Salines, the large salt pond that backs it.

A quiet beach close to the town of Sainte Luce. When it comes to the Caribbean, this is exactly what you came for. The white sand is trimmed with palms and never gets crowded. There’s a quaint selection of snack kiosks, bars serving Creole food and picnic tables, which means it’s easy to stay for a whole day sunbathing or reading a book from the comfort of a hammock. Behind the beach, you’ll find a green park which is a great spot for picnics.

Beat the crowds.

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