Martinique cuisine reflects this hybrid culture with mixed elements of African, French, South Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Martinique offers more than 150 restaurant choices making it one of the widest selection of restaurants in the Caribbean.
The northern part of the island features a rugged, mountainous landscape characterized by dense forest, rivers, waterfalls and four ensembles of volcanos and mountains, several of which are active. The highest mountain is Mount Pelee. Its ash has created black and grey sand beaches in the north, which contrast greatly with the white sandy beaches of the south. The Lamentin Plain, made up of small, rounded hills and enclosed valleys that slope toward the south, dominates the center part of the island. The southern side of the island is characterized by a gentler landscape of rolling hills. It features many picturesque coves and bays and a plethora of white sand beaches with clear, calm waters protected by the coral reefs. The most southern part of the island contains a savanna of petrified trees. It is the southern side that draws the bulk of tourist activity, in part due to the fact that it is more easily travelled and accessible. The size of the island makes everything accessible.
With a fairly mild climate, Martinique is often referred to as the "Island of Never-ending Summer," rarely experiencing excessive heat and benefiting from a pleasant breeze compliments of two trade winds. The island is characterized by lush vegetation including tropical forests, groves, savannas and many species of trees, fruits, plants, and flowers. It is an island of exceptional gardens. It also boasts a wide variety of eco-tourism tours with two thirds of the island designated a Regional Nature Park which means that most of the territory is protected and natural. Martinique also provides the opportunity to participate in a great variety of land and water based activities and sports.
One of the benefits of Martinique's ties to mainland France is that the finest French products are available, and along with local products, this provides a delightful shopping experience. Martinique is also renowned for producing the best rums in the world. Rum distilleries abound and invite visitors to come and sample their wares. This magical island provides the ultimate vacation destination and is sure to provide you with lasting memories and unceasing pleasure.
