Martinique or Guadeloupe: which island to choose for your vacation ?

Are you dreaming of spending your next vacation on a Caribbean island? But torn between Martinique and Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe and Martinique are two overseas departments located in the Caribbean Sea. They share similar charms such as lush nature, dream beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. However, Guadeloupe is larger than Martinique with its archipelago of islands. Martinique is nicknamed “the Island of Flowers” (Madinina) for its lush flora, while Guadeloupe is known as “the Island of Beautiful Waters” (Karukera) for the beauty of its marine life.
In this guide, we highlight the main treasures of these two islands to help you choose between Martinique and Guadeloupe. Which destination suits your desires and expectations best? Let’s find out!
Martinique, the Island of Flowers
History and Culture of Martinique
Legend has it that Christopher Columbus discovered Martinique in 1502, though some historians attribute the discovery to another navigator, Alonso de Ojeda. The history of Martinique is as rich as it is complex.
What is certain is that the island is distinguished by the diversity of its population: descendants of African slaves, Europeans, Asians, and Amerindians. These cultures blend under the strong influence of Creole and Caribbean culture. From this rich and mixed culture emanates a warm atmosphere.
Must-See Activities in Martinique
Nature Activities
For nature lovers, don’t miss hiking at the Crève-Coeur volcano or Mont Pelée, the Morne viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the coast, exploring the mangroves at Étang des Salines, or the Diamond Rock, a refuge for local wildlife and flora.
Martinique presents itself as an open-air botanical garden with its extraordinary flora, from sugarcane fields to landscapes adorned with tropical flowers.
Culture in Martinique
In Martinique, culture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.
Visit Fort-de-France with its colorful markets, colonial-style architecture, Fort Vauban, or its cathedral.
Stop by an agricultural rum distillery: Clément Distillery, Depaz Distillery, or Neisson Rum Distillery;
Explore one of the many museums on the island: the Regional History and Ethnography Museum in Fort-de-France, the Martinique Ecomuseum at Anse Figuier, the Savane des Esclaves, or the 1902 Memorial on the burial of Saint Pierre, the former capital, under lava.
Beaches and Water Activities
Martinique offers beautiful beaches for visitors eager to swim and relax in the sun. There is something for everyone:
- L’Anse couleuvre: a volcanic beach in the north of the island. You will be charmed by its black sand and wild setting. It is perfect for snorkeling. When there is wind, surfing is possible;
- La Grande Anse du Diamant: ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts like paddleboarding and windsurfing;
- La plage du Cap Macré: a white sand spot bordered by turquoise water and away from the crowds;
- Plage de l’Anse Michel: the white sand and crystal-clear water will delight both sunbathers and snorkeling lovers.
Martinique also offers numerous beaches with a magical setting. Additionally, in the bay of Saint-Pierre, you can enjoy wreck diving.
The diversity of activities in Martinique, all within a warm atmosphere, is particularly suited to families, budding botanists, and other nature lovers, as well as hiking enthusiasts.
2 – Guadeloupe, the island of beautiful waters
History and culture of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is believed to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus, who named it, just as he did with the islands of Marie-Galante and La Désirade, which are part of the archipelago.
The population is mainly made up of descendants of African slaves and Europeans. The Amerindians are the descendants of the island’s first inhabitants. Like in Martinique, all these cultures are strongly influenced by Creole culture.
The atmosphere is authentic and festive on the island of beautiful waters! Guadeloupe owes its nickname to the richness of its maritime heritage.
Must-Do Activities in Guadeloupe
Nature Activities
It is impossible to list all the must-see sites and possible hikes. However, do not leave Guadeloupe without hiking to the top of La Soufrière, exploring the tropical rainforest at the heart of the Guadeloupe Natural Park, diving in the Cousteau Reserve or the Grand Cul de Sac Marin, or enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful beaches of Marie-Galante.
Culture in Guadeloupe
In Guadeloupe, don't miss the capital Point-à-Pitre and its Mémorial ACTe dedicated to the history of slavery.
Visit a rum distillery or a sugar cane plantation. Take a trip to Marie-Galante to visit the Bellevue distillery, whose rum has been awarded medals since 1769!
Discover the local gastronomy through the many markets: the 5 markets of Pointe-à-Pitre (fish, flowers, spices…) or one of the 5 night markets to taste Guadeloupean street food.
Enjoy a celebration to dive into the heart of Guadeloupean culture. The carnival, which lasts for two months, is a true cultural institution!
Beaches and Water Activities
Guadeloupe is famous for its paradisiacal beaches: Grande Anse beach for its blonde sand, Saint Anne beach for kite surfing and enjoying its white sand, or the small Rocroy beach to play Robinson Crusoe on a black sand cove surrounded by tropical forest.
Spend a few days on Marie-Galante, where you’ll find the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Caribbean.
You can enjoy many water activities: kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and of course snorkeling and diving to explore the extraordinary underwater world.
With its authentic and festive atmosphere and its fantastic beaches, Guadeloupe particularly appeals to water sports enthusiasts, sunbathers, and all travelers looking for authenticity.
3- Guadeloupe or Martinique: A Comparison
It is very difficult to compare these two islands as they both offer extraordinary pleasures. However, it is possible to distinguish them based on the type of holiday you desire.
Martinique | Guadeloupe | |
Nature | Known as the Island of Flowers, Martinique offers more varied and colorful vegetation. | Known as the Island of Beautiful Waters, Guadeloupe offers rich marine life and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. More exposed to the wind, it is ideal for windsurfing or kitesurfing. |
Culture | Numerous museums and a strongly emphasized Creole identity. | Numerous markets and distilleries producing some of the best rums in the world. |
Atmosphere | Warm and family-friendly. | Festive, relaxed, and authentic. |
Cost of Living | Higher prices than in Guadeloupe. | Lower prices than in Martinique. |
Criteria for Choosing
The choice is a tough one. Indeed, Martinique and Guadeloupe have similar assets: climate, beaches, nature, and water activities.
The decision will depend on your desires and the type of trip you want.
Guadeloupe is larger than Martinique as it is actually an archipelago. If you have time, you can explore the different islands that make it up: Marie-Galante, La Désirade, Les Saintes...
If you are traveling with young children, Martinique is perfect for a stay because its beaches are shallow and sheltered from the wind, ideal for swimming. However, you will also find shallow waters in Guadeloupe.
If you are traveling with teenagers, choose Guadeloupe, which offers many nature and sports activities to help them burn off energy! Moreover, if you plan to practice water sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing, Guadeloupe is more suitable as it is more exposed to the wind.
Want to party? Opt for Guadeloupe, which has more places to go out. However, if you dream of peace and quiet, head to the peaceful haven that is Marie-Galante.
For divers and other snorkelers, both islands offer spectacular underwater worlds, with a slight advantage for Guadeloupe and its Cul de Sac Marin, as well as the coral reefs around Marie-Galante.
Regarding budget, if your wallet had to decide the destination, it must be said that life is more expensive in Martinique than in Guadeloupe.
Finally, the weather is quite similar between these two Caribbean islands separated by Dominica. The best time to visit Martinique and Guadeloupe is from November to April. With an average temperature of 28°C, the Caribbean Sea will feel like a delicious bath to dive into!
Martinique is a colorful island with exuberant flora and offers many activities ideal for families.
Guadeloupe's more festive character might appeal to the youth in search of sun and fun. However, if you dream of a peaceful haven, head to Marie-Galante.
For beaches and water activities, Guadeloupe slightly outshines Martinique.
Martinique and Guadeloupe both have wonderful assets for unforgettable holidays. It's up to you to decide what you prefer!
Because it is quite possible to enjoy both islands and discover their complementary treasures thanks to the reliable and regular services of FRS Express des Îles.
With 5 to 7 round trips per week between Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France, we make it easier for you to travel between Guadeloupe and Martinique, whether it's for a short stay or a thorough exploration of both destinations.
Moreover, you have the option to transport your vehicle on board or rent one locally from our partners: MAGALOC, AUTO DISCOUNT LOCATION, or SIXT ANTILLES.
You are free to organize your trip according to your desires and fully enjoy these two Caribbean gems.
So for you, will it be Kakureka or Madidina? Or maybe… both?
Book your tickets for traveling in the Caribbean with FRS Express des Îles!