If, like me, you asked yourself the question: which island to choose between Martinique or Guadeloupe? Here is some useful information that may help you decide between these 2 beautiful Caribbean islands.
Personally, for my short stay in1 week in the French Antilles, I was primarily looking for the island where the most beautiful beaches are located, the most easily accessible in order to have the best stay relaxing in the sun.
But I didn't want to choose between Guadeloupe and Martinique based solely on the beaches and so I then compared the assets of these two islands, particularly in terms of landscapes and gastronomy.
Best time to go to Martinique or Guadeloupe
The two islands which are very close enjoy the same climate: Good weather and sun all year round !!! Whether in Martinique or Guadeloupe, you will have heat and a water temperature that will vary between 25 and 30 ° C.
However, the best time to enjoy Martinique or Guadeloupe is between November and April (dry season). Outside of this period, the weather remains mild but a few showers may punctuate the end of the day.
A small period from July to early October is more delicate because tropical storms and sometimes cyclones occur during the summer.
Where are the most beautiful beaches in Martinique or Guadeloupe?
Even if some will say that it rains a little more in Martinique than in Guadeloupe, it is not the climate that will make the difference between Martinique and Guadeloupe. Indeed, the temperatures in Martinique as in Guadeloupe are ideal for enjoying a seaside vacation!
No, to make my choice, it is first of all the beauty of the beaches of each island that will make a difference and weigh in the balance.
The beaches in Martinique
Grande Anse des Salines, Pointe Marin, Anse du Diamant, Anse Dufour… The beaches of Martinique are known and recognized as the most beautiful in the Antilles. In addition, they are numerous and different (white sand beach, black sand beach, large coves, small bays, etc.), there is something for everyone (see my article The most beautiful beaches in Martinique).
The beaches in Guadeloupe
Of course in Guadeloupe, the coast also matters some wonderful beaches (see photo below) but many of them are less easy to access or are located off the surrounding islands (Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, La Désirade).
However, Guadeloupe being larger than Martinique, its coasts are longer which allows it to have more beaches. It should also be noted that a good number of Guadeloupe beaches are very exposed to the wind. This is an advantage for lovers of water sports but for lovers of swimming and lazing around, it is not ideal. See : Where are the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe?
Best diving spots in Martinique or Guadeloupe
Diving in Martinique
La Martinique offers to divers splendid seabed in particular around Rocher you diamond, Saint-Pierre or François. But I am not a specialist because I do not dive ...
Diving in Guadeloupe
But on the diving side, I could read that the Guadeloupe is more attractive than Martinique. Moreover, the Lonely Planet puts Guadeloupe in 1st place like best destination for diving in the Caribbean : https://www.lonelyplanet.fr/article/les-plus-beaux-spots-de-plongee-au-monde.
In addition, in Guadeloupe there is an incredible spot called the Cousteau reserve. This protected nature reserve is located in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park in front of Malendure beach in Bouillante. It is a small paradise for observing multicolored fish, corals, turtles, humpback whales ...
Which island to choose for the most beautiful landscapes?
For nature and hiking lovers, it will be more difficult to choose between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Indeed, these two islands display very similar landscapes, each with a volcano (Soufrière for the Guadeloupe and Mount Pelée at the Martinique), lush tropical vegetation and important national parks.
A little extra for Martinique nicknamed Flower Island which has more than 1 floral species to discover and its famous Balata garden where are acclimatized floral species from all tropical regions around the world (over 3 species of tropical plants).
Martinique or Guadeloupe for national parks?
National parks in Guadeloupe
There I think the Guadeloupe wins against Martinique. Indeed, the Guadeloupe national park in Basse Terre allows you to discover the vegetation of the island thanks to the 300 km of marked hiking trails passing, among others, by exceptional sites such as the Deux Mamelles, the splendid Carbet waterfalls or the famous Soufrière volcano more than 1400 meters. This magnificent park covers nearly 22 hectares, including 000 hectares of tropical forest and 17 hectares of humid and marine environments.
National parks in Martinique
Martinique also remains attractive in terms of nature and landscapes. Its Regional Natural Park covers 63 hectares and occupies a large part of the island. From Mount Pelée, passing through the impressive Pitons du Carbet or the magnificent Caravelle peninsula, Martinique, too, offers landscapes that are worth seeing. Moreover, the island has developed more than 000 km of marked trails.
Guadeloupe or Martinique for tourist visits?
Even if we do not necessarily choose Martinique or Guadeloupe for a tourist circuit, there is still a lot to discover in the two islands. But for lovers of history and architectural heritage, it may be in Martinique that it will be necessary to go ...
Heritage and tourist visits in Martinique
I really enjoyed the cultural visits and the discovery of Martinique's heritage for:
- Conclusion colonial-style which is well marked especially at Fort de France;
- Its large residences still present in rum distilleries such as the famous Habitation Clément,
- Its architectural heritage with for example the Saint-Louis Cathedral in Fort-de-France or Fort St. Louis.
- Its cultural heritage from the time of slavery that can be found in the Anse Caffard Memorial ;
- Its historical and traditional heritage that can be discovered in the Slave Savannah located in Trois Îlets.
For more details, here is my programa week of visits to Martinique.
Heritage and tourist visits in Guadeloupe
As for the visits, here are the ones that I appreciated the most in Guadeloupe:
- La Notre-Dame Cathedral of Guadeloupe in Basse-Terre which was the first Catholic sanctuary in Guadeloupe and which has been an integral part of the heritage of Guadeloupe since 1736.
- Le Zévallos estate worth a visit. It is a magnificent colonial mansion perfectly well preserved.
- La Longueteau distillery worth the detour. It is the oldest rum distillery in Guadeloupe and which is still in operation today!
- Le Louis Delgrès sacrifice memorial which was inaugurated in 2002 on the occasion of the bicentenary of this event. It pays homage to the sacrifice of Louis Delgrès who was an anti-slavery and abolitionist Métis and to the victims of the rebellion of 1802.
Where do you eat best in Martinique or Guadeloupe?
In terms of gastronomy, the Martinique and Guadeloupe have the same cooking basics. Both islands carry on a tradition of Creole cuisine with African and Indian influences. Culinary culture is therefore very similar in Guadeloupe and Martinique and local products as well: coconut, exotic fruits, fish ...
In Guadeloupe or Martinique, tasty and well spiced colombos, various acras and the famous smoked chicken are tasted, the latter being more common in Martinique as well as rum, of which that of Martinique is considered to be the best in the world.
Where to go to party in Martinique or Guadeloupe?
This is not a subject that interested me because for my one week stay in the Antilles, I was looking for peace and quiet. On the other hand, I could read here and there that the Guadeloupe has more fun places to party. On the Gosier marina in particular there are many restaurants, clubs and bars which attract many tourists.
Which island is the easiest to get around on?
There, the two islands are tied! Whether for the Martinique or Guadeloupe, the only means of transport to visit these 2 islands will be the car.
Having said that, it's very easy to rent a car in Guadeloupe to organize a small tourist road trip for a week.
And, likewise, you will have no difficulty in rent a car in Martinique in order to go around the island in complete freedom!
Martinique or Guadeloupe for 1 week?
So finally, Guadeloupe or Martinique for a 1-week stay? Well for me, it was Martinique for its beautiful beaches and beautiful landscapes.
This destination turned out to be paredone for a short week of quiet vacation, in the sun on heavenly beaches. However, if I had had the chance to leave for longer, I would not have hesitated to combine a stay in Martinique and Guadeloupe. I think the formula would be ideal for a 2 week stay.
My choice of hotel in the Antilles
After deciding between Guadeloupe or Martinique, I had to study the different coasts of Martinique to choose the most beautiful place for my stay (see Which coast to choose in Martinique?).
Indeed, For a relaxing stay, I wanted a quiet hotel on a beautiful beach in a nice and convenient setting for the sightseeing I planned to do. Of course it had to be comfortable, clean and have a good restaurant. Finally, it was the Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa that I booked and it turned out to be a great choice!
Today I read many bad reviews that discourage me from recommending it to you ...
Here is a good, well-rated hotel where you will be sure to have an excellent vacation in Martinique:
Martinique or Guadeloupe – Which location?
Stone and vacation
If you prefer a rental formula, here is a holiday village very well located in Sainte-Luce and with good value for money:
Residence Océane
Facing a beautiful beach in La Trinité, this *** residence offers all rental options: studios, apartments or rooms. The view is breathtaking!
Residence Les Oceanides
It is in an idyllic setting that the Residence Les Océanides : above Anse Caffard on the magnificent site of Diamant in the South of Martinique.
A studio with sea view can be booked from 76 Euros per night!
If you need ideas for your stay in Martinique, here is my article: My 1 week program in Martinique And, if you want to program your honeymoon in the West Indies, discover the article: Honeymoon in Martinique
Other ideas for dream destinations? Why not the Maldives ou Tahiti and the Tuamotus ?
