Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1493 and called it 'the most beautiful country in the world'. This is not surprising, since it is encircled on all sides by beaches. It is an amazing green island that the living here Indians called Madinina, or the 'island of flowers'. In fact, the whole island is a large resort, and its every corner has something interesting. First of all, tourists are attracted by the local nature: the excellent beaches, secluded coves, lush tropical forests, and numerous places for scuba diving and other sports. Of considerable importance is the excellent recreation infrastructure with many luxury hotels, small picturesque towns with colonial architecture, well-developed transport and communications, as well as traditional distillery and nature reserves. The beautiful mountain rivers form numerous waterfalls.

Fort-de-France is the capital of the island, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the French West Indies. It was often referred to by the locals as 'Little Paris'. The city is marked by narrow streets running from the bay of Bahia de Flamans and colorful colonial-style mansions, numerous parks, the domes of churches and office buildings and a variety of port facilities. A great variety of shops and cafйs, that are so typical of the streets of Paris, remind of France.

Downtown area is a large park of La Sawan, full of fountains, palm avenues and open concert venues. In the southeast side of the park, one will find the Fort Saint-Louis that once defended the city against pirates. Another scenic spot of the city is the great Floral Park, where you can safely walk among palm trees and eucalyptus trees. The sights of Fort-de-France also include a beautiful building with a dome, the cathedral of Saint-Louis, the Palace of Justice, the Museum of Archaeology, the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography, as well as a wonderful aquarium.

Special attention is given to Route-de-la-Tracy, a tourist trail winding between the mountainous areas and the pristine rainforest. The main attractions of the route include a magnificent botanical garden Jardim Balata, lying 10 km northwest of Fort-de-France, Balata Church, which is almost an exact replica of the famous Paris Sacre Coeur, as well as the waterfalls on the River Alma.

The city of Saint-Pierre once was the capital of Martinique. Then the eruption of Montagne Pelee, that was 40 times more powerful than the atomic bomb explosion over Hiroshima, virtually destroyed the city. Of the whole population of Saint-Pierre, only one man survived in the local prison. The city was long considered the most beautiful place of the West Indies. It virtually ceased to exist, but then it was gradually restored. The capital of the island was transferred to Fort-de-France, and Saint-Pierre regained only a shadow of its former greatness. Going to this city, it is necessary to visit the local museum of volcanology, the ruins of the old theater, the house-museum of Paul Gauguin, the ruins of the city jail and a long sandy beach of Anse-Terin south of the city.

Grand Riviere is one of the most picturesque settlements of the island. The remote fishing town lies at the foot of the coastal cliffs at the northernmost point of Martinique. Coastal waters are excellent for water sports, this place is very popular among the fans of sport fishing.

Sainte-Marie is the capital of rum production in Martinique. The local museum demonstrates all the technology of rum production from cane sugar collection to bottling rum.

Le Saline is famous among tourists at any time of the year. The well-developed hotel network and a system of magnificent beaches provide unlimited opportunities for recreation. The capital of the peninsula, the town of Sainte-Anne, is famous for the church of white sandstone and charming houses.

Travel agencies in Martinique can be contacted at Tripcook.com to request a tour offer. Martinique tour operators are the specialists who can offer specific land travel services such as hotel booking, transport and excursions.