A little more
Martinique.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Martinique: what to know before you go

Martinique is a mountainous Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles and an overseas region of France, so it is part of the European Union and uses the euro. Rainforest on the slopes of Mount Pelée, white-sand beaches in the south and the distilleries behind its rhum agricole give it plenty of variety. It suits beach lovers, hikers and anyone curious about French Caribbean culture.

Where to go

• Mount Pelée. The active volcano in the north of the island is a demanding hike through cloud forest to a summit often wrapped in mist.
• Saint-Pierre. Once the island's main city, Saint-Pierre was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902, which killed almost the entire population.
• Les Salines. On the southern tip near Sainte-Anne, a long arc of white sand lined with coconut palms is regarded as the island's most beautiful beach.
• Jardin de Balata. A botanical garden in the hills above Fort-de-France with thousands of tropical plants, hummingbirds and a canopy walkway of rope bridges between the trees.

Best time to visit

The dry season, known as carême, from about December to May, is the most popular time, with sunshine and steady trade winds. Carnival, held in the days before Ash Wednesday, fills the streets of Fort-de-France with parades.

Staying online in Martinique

Mobile coverage is good in Fort-de-France, the southern beach towns and along most main roads, with 4G widely available. In the rainforest of the north, on the slopes of Mount Pelée and in some valleys and coves, signal can be weak or absent. Hotels, guesthouses and many cafés offer Wi-Fi. EU roaming rules generally apply to French overseas regions for EU plans, but check yours. Visitors from elsewhere should install an eSIM before they fly and switch it on when they land.