If, like me, you've asked yourself the question: which island to choose between Martinique and Guadeloupe? Here is some useful information that may help you decide between these two magnificent Caribbean islands.
Personally, for my short 1-week stay in the French West Indies , I was primarily looking for the island with the most beautiful beaches, the most easily accessible, in order to spend the best relaxing stay 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 and foremost the beauty of the beaches of each island that will make the difference and weigh in the balance.
The beaches in Martinique
Grande Anse des Salines, Pointe Marin, Anse du Diamant, Anse Dufour… Martinique's beaches are known and recognized as the most beautiful in the Antilles. Moreover, they are numerous and diverse (white sand beaches, black sand beaches, large coves, small bays…), there's something for everyone (see my article The Most Beautiful Beaches of Martinique ).
The beaches in Guadeloupe
Of course, in Guadeloupe, the coast also has some magnificent beaches (see photo below) but many of them are less easily accessible or are located off the surrounding islands (Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, La Désirade).
However, since Guadeloupe is larger than Martinique, its coastline is longer, resulting in more beaches. It's also worth noting that many of Guadeloupe's beaches are very exposed to the wind . This is an advantage for water sports enthusiasts, but not ideal for those who simply enjoy swimming and relaxing. See: Where are the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe?
Best diving spots in Martinique or Guadeloupe
Diving in Martinique
Martinique offers divers splendid underwater landscapes, particularly around Diamond Rock , Saint-Pierre, and Le François . But I'm not an expert because I don't dive…
Diving in Guadeloupe
But when it comes to diving, I've read that Guadeloupe is more attractive than Martinique . In fact, Lonely Planet ranks Guadeloupe as the best diving destination in the Caribbean : https://www.lonelyplanet.fr/article/les-plus-beaux-spots-de-plongee-au-monde.
Furthermore, in Guadeloupe there is an incredible spot called the Cousteau Reserve . This protected nature reserve is located in the heart of Guadeloupe National Park, opposite Malendure Beach in Bouillante. It's a little paradise for observing multicolored fish, coral, turtles, humpback whales…
Which island to choose for the most beautiful landscapes?
For nature lovers and hikers, choosing between Guadeloupe and Martinique will be more difficult . Indeed, these two islands boast very similar landscapes, each with a volcano (La Soufrière in Guadeloupe and Mount Pelée in Martinique) , lush tropical vegetation, and important national parks.
A little extra for Martinique, nicknamed the Island of Flowers, which has more than 1,700 floral species to discover and its famous Balata Garden where floral species from all tropical regions of the world have been acclimatized (more than 3,000 species of tropical plants).
Martinique or Guadeloupe for national parks?
National parks in Guadeloupe
In this respect, I think Guadeloupe has the edge over Martinique . Indeed, the Guadeloupe National Park in Basse-Terre offers the opportunity to discover the island's vegetation thanks to its 300 km of marked hiking trails, which pass through exceptional sites such as the Deux Mamelles (Two Breasts), the splendid Carbet Falls, and the famous Soufrière volcano, rising to over 1400 meters. This magnificent park covers nearly 22,000 hectares, including 17,300 hectares of rainforest and 3,700 hectares of wetlands and marine areas.
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:
- 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 itinerary for a week of visits in 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, Martinique and Guadeloupe share the same culinary foundations. Both islands maintain a Creole culinary tradition with African and Indian influences. The culinary culture is therefore very similar in Guadeloupe and Martinique , as are the local products: coconuts, exotic fruits, fish, etc.
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 wasn't a topic that interested me because, for my week-long stay in the Caribbean, I was looking for peace and quiet. However, I've read here and there that Guadeloupe has more fun places to party. The marina at Gosier, in particular, has many restaurants, clubs, and bars that attract a lot of tourists.
Which island is the easiest to get around on?
Here, the two islands are equal! Whether it's Martinique or Guadeloupe , the only means of transport to visit these 2 islands will be by car.
That said, it's very easy to rent a car in Guadeloupe to organize a short one-week tourist road trip.
And, similarly, you will have no difficulty renting a car in Martinique to tour the island freely!
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 proved perfect for a short , relaxing week's holiday in the sun on idyllic beaches. However, if I had had the chance to go for longer, I wouldn't have hesitated to combine a stay in Martinique and Guadeloupe . I think that would be ideal for a two-week trip.
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 pleasant and convenient location for the sightseeing I planned to do. Of course, it had to be comfortable, clean, and have a good restaurant. In the end, I booked the Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, and it turned out to be an excellent 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
The Résidence Les Océanides is located in an idyllic setting : above Anse Caffard on the magnificent Diamant site 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's my article: My 1-Week Itinerary in Martinique. And if you want to plan your honeymoon in the Caribbean , check out the article: Honeymoon in Martinique.
Looking for other dream destination ideas? How about the Maldives or Tahiti and the Tuamotus?