In 1502, H.Columbus opened a new island Martinique and called it "the most beautiful country in the world." His admiration is understood by guests who have visited the Edenian corner, buried in verdure. A wonderful resort with an extraordinary nature attracts and developed infrastructure, allowing tourists to feel at home. There is everything you can dream about: luxurious beaches, comfortable hotels, miraculous sights, from the beauty of which is breathtaking.
Fairy Island
Martinique is an island located in the West Indies.Located in the center of the Lesser Antilles, it is the overseas department of France in the Caribbean. Madinin, as the Indians called their native land, has a mountainous terrain and extends more than a thousand square kilometers. "Island of Flowers" attracts all lovers of ecotourism.
Warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, washing paradise resort, volcanic landscapes, virgin nature make tourists fall in love with him forever.
History of Martinique
The fourth expedition of Columbus, reaching the coastMartinique, was struck by the beauty of a fairytale corner. However, the main goal of the team was gold and minerals, which were absent on the island, so the Spaniards did not stop here and went on a new journey.
Having learned about the opening of the expedition, on Madininthe French appeared and founded their colony, which became the first European settlement. In 1664, Martinique (the island) was bought by the French government, whose troops exterminated the indigenous inhabitants - the Caribbean Indians, who protested against the invaders, and the colonial administration had to bring slaves from Africa.
At the beginning of the last century at the resort occurredvolcanic eruption, resulting in the French-founded city of Saint-Pierre with a population of 30 thousand people was completely wiped off the face of the earth. Only one prisoner survived in the cell.
After the abolition of the colonial right islandMartinique, whose description and history is given in the article, was given the opportunity to elect four of its representatives to the French parliament. Thus, the population has all the rights of residents of a European country.
Climate and weather
Friendly meets his guests fabulouslybeautiful island of Martinique. The weather in the heavenly place pleases tourists who dream to soak up the sunshine. The tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 26 degrees is softened by the sea winds. In the south, the island is much warmer than in the north, where weather conditions depend on the height of the place.
Tourists need to know that the dry season lasts from December to May, and the wet season starts in July and ends in October.
Population
The island is inhabited by about 400 thousand inhabitants.Martinicans are the descendants of slaves imported from France by Africa, but there are people from India, China and Italy. Most of the locals preach Catholicism (85 percent).
Passive and active recreation
Embodying paradise on earth a tropical islandMartinique, a photo of which serves as an excellent testimony to its wondrous beauty, is a solid beach area. Not only passive recreation lovers rush to the resort, but also everyone who wants to try sea sports. Annual regattas on sailing, windsurfing, and yachting are held here, with some status competitions taking place within the World Cup.
But most of all happy, perhaps, divers, becauseThere are excellent conditions for meeting their needs: coral reefs, clear water and even perfectly preserved wrecks. Most often, extreme sports stop on the island of volcanic origin Roche-du-Diamant.
Если говорить о пляжах, то они делятся на дикие и equipped. The latter will be pleased with white or black sand and water of emerald hue. The biggest is the Pointe de la Sherry, stretching for 12 kilometers. It can be noted Ens-Terin, Ens-Siron, Ens-Letan, famous for their scenic views. Near them there are hotels and restaurants, and too much garbage is nailed to the shores of wild beaches, cut off from civilization.
The capital of the island
The resort’s administrative center is the mainport fort de france. The largest city is called "little Paris" for its unique flavor. Mansions in the colonial style, modern office buildings, port facilities combined with a huge number of cozy cafes and lovely shops, which are typical for the capital of France.
Located in the heart of Fort de France ParkLa Sawan is replete with beautiful fountains, palm avenues and spacious outdoor areas where various city events take place. Among the age-old trees, giving the necessary shade in the heat, it is so nice to hide and enjoy solitude with nature. Here is a sculpture of the wife of Bonaparte - a native of Martinique.
Fort St. Louis, once representingirregular pentagon and defended from pirate raids, is popular with tourists. It is curious that during the Second World War thousands of gold bars of France were kept here.
The wonderful Floral Park will amaze guests of the resorta variety of plants and flowers. You can not ignore the city library with a dome in the Byzantine style, the cathedral, which appeared in the late XIX century, the Museum of History and Ethnography.
Natural attractions
No wonder that the sunny island of Martinique is recognized as an ideal place for all nature lovers. Things created by mother nature are visited by thousands of tourists, fascinated by untouched beauty.
One of the most picturesque places is located on the mountain.the Alma River. The majestic waterfalls, the sight of which is breathtaking, attract romantically-minded couples, because, according to local legends, everyone who has been here has love flashes in their hearts.
Known for the tragic events thatoccurred in 1902, the Mont Pele Volcano admires with its power. The dormant giant, which scientists observe, will always be a living reminder of the catastrophe that took the life of an entire city. Now Saint-Pierre has risen from the ruins, but has lost important economic importance for Martinique.
In the south of the resort there is a lake, the water in which is very salty. Ethan de Salin attracts tourists with wonderful landscapes resembling scenery for a fairy tale.
Martinique Island: Resorts
The overseas territory of France, girded on all sides by the beaches, is a huge resort.
One of the most colorful corners of the earth’s paradiseGrand Rivière, lying at the foot of the coastal cliffs, is considered. The former fishing village is deservedly popular with water sports enthusiasts. The main center of the beach holiday will delight travelers who dream of the exotic.
The coast of Les Salines is one of the most beautiful.Even when heavy clouds hang over the main part of the island, the sun always shines here, and the developed hotel chain allows you to accommodate a huge number of tourists.
Presquil Caravel is famous for its untouched nature. This corner is chosen by guests of the island who dream of secluded relaxation.
Developed tourist infrastructure
It is no coincidence that attracts travelers from differentthe ends of our planet is the wonderful island of Martinique, whose hotels are distinguished by highly professional service personnel. Tourists have a place to stay, because the resort has a very developed hotel infrastructure. Comfortable hotels of different price categories (some of them are even located in historic mansions) and low-cost hostels are always waiting for guests, however, on New Year and Christmas holidays, rooms should be booked a few months before the trip.
Most hotels have their own beaches and places forwalks. The island of Martinique, where the rest turns into a real fairy tale, is the most saturated resort in the Caribbean.
Hotels for every taste and budget
Five Star Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa,located near the airport, in the city of Le Francois, will appeal to those who are accustomed to a luxurious holiday. 50 rooms, many of which are located in fashionable villas, restaurants and bars, spas, swimming pools, a gym - this is just a small list of what the hotel can offer its guests. Creole-style complex will appeal to couples with children, big companies and lovers who want to retire. Almost all rooms, whose area is from 60 to 130 square meters, have a sea view and are equipped with everything necessary for comfortable rest.
Hôtel Diamant Les Bains (Le Diamant) istwo star hotel, sprawled on the beach. Rooms, painted in green shades and made in a tropical style, will appeal to those who do not want to pay a lot for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning, cable TV, safe deposit box for money, clean swimming pool will be a pleasant bonus for student youth companies spending all their free time on the beach. It should be noted the delicious local cuisine, which is famous for the hotel.
Le Domaine Saint Aubin 3 * (La Trinité) in the eastThe Caribbean Pearl provides tourists with 28 rooms, including suites and apartments. Its guests a comfortable boutique hotel offers a service at the highest level, to which no one will have any complaints. Its main feature is the provision of rooms for people with disabilities. People come here not only to have a great rest, but also businessmen from all over the world work. One of the best hotels located close to the main attractions of the resort, the island of Martinique is famous. Guest reviews only confirm the high quality of service.
What should guests of the island know?
- There is no direct connection between Russia and Martinique, therefore flights are carried out through Paris.
- The official language is French, but the locals prefer to speak their own patois dialect.
- For entry visa and passport are required.All documents are submitted to the consular department of the French Embassy. Without evidence of financial solvency (at the rate of $ 100 per day of stay) a visa will not be provided.
- The amount of imported and exported cash is not limited, but the amount of more than seven thousand euros must be declared.
- Martinique - an island with low crime,but the number of petty thefts is large enough, so you should beware of thieves at airports, public institutions, do not carry valuables with you and do not leave them unattended.
- Local shops are open strictly until 18.00, the day off is Sunday. From the end of October, the sales season begins, and the prices of all products are significantly reduced.
- The island’s main currency is the euro, which equals one hundred cents. US dollars are also accepted.
Interesting Facts
The flag of the island with the image of a spear snake appeared more than three hundred years ago, but still has not received official consolidation.
Когда-то Мартиника (остров), на которую было The first coffee tree was introduced; it had enormous merit in distributing an invigorating drink. Unfortunately, the resort has now ceased to produce it for commercial purposes.
Here was born the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte - Josephine, and this fact is extremely proud of the islanders, who opened the museum dedicated to the life of the great empress.
The charming island of Martinique, whose photo is unlikely to convey its originality, is famous for its colorful carnival procession and fun street dances.
On May 8, residents who go out to the streets with lighted candles celebrate the volcano eruption day.
Traveler Reviews
The harmonious merging of different ethnic groups gave rise toThe unique flavor that attracts its guests to the romantically island of Martinique. Reviews of tourists are full of enthusiasm from a resort with a rich history. Everyone admits that they want to come back here again and live the happiest days again.
Guests of the resort consider it an ideal place to relax, and ecotourists, who have visited different countries, admire the amazing nature, the beauty of which has no equal.
Большое количество развлечений придется по вкусу tourists of all ages, because by the number of holidays, Martinique is not inferior to Brazil. Colorful carnival processions, various festivals and events dedicated to Christmas, remain in the memory for a long time.
Most tourists agreed with the opinion of Columbus, who recognized the island as a wonderful country, and said that they did not want to leave exotic paradise at all.
