I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it:
- Did you feel too rushed?
- Is it reasonable to do?
- How much time would you spend on each island?
Except... I'm afraid I'll get bored in 15 days and I'm considering maybe doing 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
There's a hiking trail that roughly goes from Morne Rouge to Le Lorrain—do it and let me know what you think, come back and tell us after 😛
Not as grueling as hiking in French Guiana, but almost...
Hey, there’s *way* more to see and do in Guadeloupe. Two weeks won’t be enough to see everything. As for Martinique, I was a bit disappointed. Just my personal opinion, of course.
Check out the travel journals—they’ll give you a much better idea.
I booked tickets to Martinique for April 2025, for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do and just imagining that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
Except... I'm afraid I'll get bored over 15 days and I'm considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
In my opinion, there's no time to get bored in Guadeloupe or Martinique!
It's better to visit just one island—either Guadeloupe or Martinique—and save the other for another trip, but you *can* visit both islands... it'll just be a bit of a rush!
Both islands have tons of hikes along the coast and inland, plus outings, snorkeling, sea kayaking, sailing, visits to natural parks, and more.
If you go to Guadeloupe, stay in Basse-Terre: in Deshaies (Grande Anse Beach). From there, you can explore Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Must-sees: visiting and snorkeling at Îlet Pigeon, hiking La Soufrière and Les Chutes du Carbet, Parc des Mamelles, Deshaies Botanical Garden, etc. (I’m just listing the most famous spots, but there are plenty more!)
Don’t miss: Taking a ferry from Trois-Rivières to spend at least 2 days in Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut)—it’s gorgeous! (Pain de Sucre): Pompierre Beach, Fort Napoléon, etc.
On Grande-Terre: Sainte-Anne Beach, Anse du Souffleur, Pointe des Châteaux...
If you still have time (which I doubt), head to Marie-Galante (rum distilleries), etc.
There are just as many things to see and places to hike in Martinique, but Martinique is a single island, whereas Guadeloupe is an archipelago: Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas), Marie-Galante, La Désirade, plus some islets.
Hi there. I’d only recommend Martinique if that’s what you’ve planned, as I understand, but you could also head to St. Lucia—it’d make a great extension.
You’ve got Fort-de-France, which is a pretty crowded city, St. Pierre with lots of history tied to the eruption of Mount Pelée, and then the beaches with black sand.
Sainte-Anne is very touristy.
There are plenty of markets.
I found Guadeloupe to be greener.
Lots of places to discover there too, like the Carbet Falls and the Écrevisses Waterfall.
Watch out: mosquitoes.
Hi,
As has already been mentioned, it’s not a great idea to visit both islands in 15 days.
Beaches are the same for me—2 hours is enough unless I’m doing a water activity, in which case I’ll stay a bit longer. There’s plenty to do in 15 days; it all depends on what you're looking for.
There are tons of hikes of all kinds from north to south. In the south, the *Trace des Caps* and the *Savane des Pétrifications* (there’s also a nice coastal walk near Ste-Luce, but I can’t remember its name—it starts at a beach next to a *Pierre et Vacances* resort).
In the north, I’ve done the *Trace des Jésuites*, *Montagne Pelée*, the *Canal des Esclaves*, and the *Gorges de la Falaise* (more of a river swim spot—it’s not super long but really nice). I still haven’t done *Prêcheur > Grand-Rivière*, which is quite long. For this one, ideally, stay overnight in Grand-Rivière and leave at dawn with a fisherman who’ll take you to the start of the hike on the Prêcheur side (since it’s not a loop). After the hike, there are great little restaurants in Grand-Rivière to help you recover. Or you can do it the other way around.
I easily found a fisherman but had to cancel last minute due to a health issue with someone in my group.
Same goes for beaches—2 hours here, 2 hours there...
I scuba dive, but if you don’t, there are amazing snorkeling spots at *Plage du Bourg des Anses d’Arlet* and *Anse Noire* (follow the cliffs—it’s incredible). There are also tons of beautiful turtles at *Grande Anse*—in the late afternoon, they come to eat grass (or algae, I’m not sure) near the boats, and you can easily spot 4 or 5 or more.
Saint-Pierre is worth visiting for its history, the *tombolo* at Sainte-Marie (a memorable experience returning with the rising tide), boat or kayak trips to the *îlets du Robert*, and the rum distilleries/plantations (*Clément*, *JM*, *St Étienne*, *de Paz*, etc.). Make sure to book the restaurant at *Habitation de l’Anse Ceron*—the visit and meal are just amazing (reserve the restaurant well in advance).
Go see a *Bèlè* performance, but not the touristy kind. Contact a *Bèlè* association directly (look online), and they’ll tell you where and when to go. It’ll be local and honestly, it’s fantastic. If you’re not staying in a hotel and cooking for yourself, buying fresh fish/lobster straight from the fishermen in the morning is a great experience (I’ve done it in Ste-Luce and Le Vauclin).
Anyway, just a glimpse of things to do—it’s far from exhaustive, and there’s plenty to fill 15 days...
We’re also heading to Martinique at the same time.
We’ve already been to Guadeloupe, though.
So we’re going to spend a week in Dominica and then 10 days in Martinique—seems like a great combo, a good balance. Though, to be honest, Dominica isn’t super touristy, so it’s kinda hard to find info.
Hi there,
Oh, you might be surprised—Dominica is actually quite touristy, but it’s mostly (or essentially) cruise tourism. During peak cruise season (roughly November/December to May), you’ll run into hordes of American tourists at the main attractions. So, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the day when they head back to their ships.
We went there by boat from Martinique—we hadn’t booked anything in advance, but we were able to easily organize everything with the guesthouse we found on the spot.
It’s not super cheap; everything’s negotiable, and they’re used to cruise tourists who spend without counting!
Otherwise, it’s a stunning island and definitely worth exploring!!
Yeah, that’s for sure, it’s different. We just weren’t expecting it because we didn’t know beforehand that there was this cruise-ship tourism. I was mentioning it for visits to the very touristy sites because there are *so* many of them, and they arrive in big groups (which I don’t really see on the French islands, where it’s more spread out). But luckily, it doesn’t last long—they do their tour pretty quickly and leave.
I live there, and I'm an amateur photographer. I don't know if 10 years would be enough to discover all the beauty of Martinique's landscapes...
Just for the hikes, your 15 days of vacation won't be enough...
And if you want to get a glimpse of the Martinique landscapes you might want to visit, check out my site: islandpics. You'll find some amazing spots to explore.
No, you won’t get bored. There’s so much to do. Like in Guadeloupe, there’s the south and the north with terrible traffic jams in the center, which is why most people spend a week in the south and a week in the north. Otherwise, you’ve got Tartane, which I love—it’s kind of in the middle. There’s someone on this site who made a super well-documented hiking guide; if you need it, I’ll give you their contact. We love both islands equally—we’ll be there for a month in January, stopping by Dominica. Have a great trip!
Je pars pour les Antilles un mois de temps en fin janvier et je voulais savoir, est-il possible dans les îles de la Guadeloupe et la Martinique de les visiter…
Voudrais savoir la quelle de ces deux iles est la mieux pour des vacances Ou les plage sont-elles les plus belles Quel ile est la plus intressante a visiter…
J'hésite entre ces deux départements français pour un séjour l'hiver prochain avec ma femme et mes enfants (3 et 6 ans) La Guadeloupe je connais déjà mais…
Besoin d'information, j'hesite maintenant la martinique ou la guadeloupe au mois d avril par ailleurs pour la duree du voyage quelle est l ile la plus grande…
Hi,
I’m heading to Miches for the first time in November 2026 (no all-inclusive)
I’d love some tips to plan my stay—accommodation, things to do, places of interest nearby.
Is it possible to rent a scooter there to get around the area?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
hi there, I’ve never been to Martinique. my girlfriend, who’s of Martinican origin, has never had the chance to go either (life isn’t always easy). now we can plan a little trip, but we don’t know which airline to choose or how to find accommodation.
basically, I need quite a few tips.
we’re planning to go in September—no chance before that.
Hi! We spent 10 wonderful days in Guadeloupe’s gorgeous climate. Our arrival got off to a shaky start, though—our suitcase was left behind at the airport, which caused quite a stir. A police officer was shouting at us to get out and cross the street. Then, a taxi driver refused to take us after we showed him where we were staying, right by the port in Pointe-à-Pitre. "No one goes there," he told us! Good thing we arrived during Carnival! A second driver finally agreed to take us, and I can say he knew every nook and cranny of his city.
The rest of the trip was amazing. The locals were smiling and welcoming. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get around much and stayed in the Deshaies area—a real favorite. Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) truly lives up to its name! We liked Grande Anse Beach less because of the steep slope, which made walking tricky, and the waves were pretty intense. The landscapes in this part of the island are idyllic. We visited the botanical garden—it’s worth it—and went to the port in Deshaies. If we ever go back, we’ll rent a vehicle so we can explore more, because taxis aren’t cheap!
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews.
Immigration and customs were very quick.
When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel, Augusta Bay. Cost: $30.
We rented a car through Sure and Shore. It was delivered to our hotel the day after we arrived, and we kept it until we left for Stocking Island. For 9 days, we paid $470 (which is a great price) for a small Honda that wasn’t very new, but we didn’t have any issues with it. One thing we’d never experienced before: they’d put newspaper sheets on the floor, and we were told not to get any sand in the car if we went to the beach!
We stayed 5 nights at Augusta Bay. A 5-minute walk away is the beautiful, uncrowded Jolly Beach, perfect for swimming. We visited the southern part of the island to see the beaches of Little Exuma, especially Tropic of Cancer Beach and the one next to Santana’s restaurant. We also went to Hopper Bay Beach, where you can see a group of about ten turtles near a small boat dock. We went kayaking from the hotel.
Then we stayed at Paradise Bay in the north. While we hadn’t encountered the sandfly problem before, here it’s important to know that the beach is infested with them. The hotel’s restaurant, which is very good otherwise, even provides repellent for guests— that’s how bad it is!
From there, we visited Coco Plum Beach, Three Sisters Beach (where you can snorkel), and others. We also went kayaking again.
We ended our trip with 3 nights on Stocking Island at Saint Francis Resort. If we were to do it again, we’d spend 4 nights there. The island has many trails, snorkeling spots, and you can get around by kayak. We saw rays, turtles, and even a harmless shark, as well as some beautiful beaches. Plus, the welcome at Saint Francis was the warmest we experienced.
Be aware that everything is very expensive on the island—much more so than in the English-speaking Caribbean. Clearly, the purchasing power of Americans plays a role. They say everything is imported, but that’s the case on all islands!
Some places only accept cash or charge a 5% fee if you pay by card.
We didn’t find the locals particularly friendly. If you’ve been to Dominica or Grenada, for example, you’ll know what I mean.
We explored the whole island. The beaches are stunning, but the roads tell a different story. There are a lot of car wrecks—some houses have two or three in front of them, which really spoils the landscape. There are also many abandoned, ruined houses.
The vegetation is lush but not tropical, and you’ll be served apples and oranges for breakfast because there are very few exotic fruits.
As for the climate in March, there was no humid atmosphere, and the heat was very manageable (26°C). It was very pleasant. The seawater, however, is definitely cooler than in the Indian Ocean, for example.
There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Hi everyone,
I need your help!
We’re planning to visit Guadeloupe and take the opportunity to explore the islands La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.
I initially planned to rent a car to get around the main island and then take the ferry from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes, from Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, and finally from Saint-François to La Désirade, following that route.
But when I look at it, the car would sit unused for at least 5 days—that’s paying for nothing🙁.
Is it possible to go from LES SAINTES to MARIE-GALANTE and then on to LA DÉSIRADE? We’d only rent a car once we arrive in Saint-François to continue exploring Guadeloupe. What do you think—is that doable?
This trip is planned for April.
Thanks so much for your help
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Hi! We’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time in January. We’re looking for accommodation near Deshaies to start our trip. A quiet spot, not too far from the sea so we can walk there. Any suggestions are welcome!
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return.
- E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...)
- Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure
- Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget
- Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great.
Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money:
The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights
Viñales: 3 nights
Cienfuegos: 1 night
Trinidad: 3 nights
Varadero: 3 nights
Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service.
Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country.
Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...).
Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around.
The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored.
Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that!
Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Hi,
Several comments recommend bringing mosquito repellent. Got it. Are there a lot of them during the day? And by the seaside? Or are they more present (and voracious) in the evening? Thanks.
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host?
Thanks for all these valuable tips!
Hi!
I’m heading to Havana for a week in February. I’m looking for a casa particular that’s affordable, clean, and cozy. Since I’ll be traveling alone, I’d love a place where people are welcoming!
Also, I really want to stay in Habana Vieja...
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before?
I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Hi fellow travelers,
We're heading to Martinique for a month from mid-January to mid-February.
Our plan is to explore the island by staying in three different spots for 10 days each, on both sides of the island...
Could you share some great tips on where to stay for an authentic experience and what we absolutely must see?!
Hi there,
In March 2026 I’ll be at the Club Med in Sainte-Anne and I’m thinking of heading to Les Saintes at the end of my stay.
Do you know what the most convenient way to get there is?
Thanks so much!
Hi everyone.
For those traveling to Cuba and then planning to go to the USA, you won’t be able to get your ESTA for the United States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).
You’ll have no choice but to apply for a visa, which costs 200 € (and approval isn’t guaranteed even after payment).
If you’re in this situation, the process to get this visa will be a real hassle—you’ll need to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. It’s the only embassy in France authorized to handle your application after you’ve filled out the visa request on the official website.
If you try to cheat by applying for an ESTA for the USA, just know that the American administration has ways of finding out if you’ve been to Cuba. 😉
I'm looking for information on the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, and St. Martin for March 2026.
What is there to see, and if possible, prices or tips, please?
Thanks, Michel V.
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for:
1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers);
2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists;
3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Hi there,
I’m planning our upcoming trip to Guadeloupe. We’re looking for a place to stay where human contact is a priority, with air conditioning, close to the beaches, and clean.
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options.
But now I’m deciding between:
Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-)
Thanks for your help!
See you soon...
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Hi,
When booking the tickets to Martinique for our family, I must have made a mistake, and on one of the tickets, the third first name is wrong. Michel instead of Joel...
CORSAIR Airlines is telling me I have to buy a new ticket for 1200 € (Christmas period). I think that’s outrageous and, above all, impossible for us.
I’m desperate—I feel like Corsair is really overdoing it.
Is there any recourse? How can I get out of this?
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Hi, I'm looking for a car rental for January 2020 in Guadeloupe. There are several agencies I've seen reviews for—has anyone dealt with Autolagon before?
Thanks!
I’m heading to Bayahibe this winter. It’ll be my second time in this country, where I feel so at home.
I’d love to bring back some Larimar jewelry... the real deal.
I saw some at a shop in the Iberostar Dominicus hotel, but I’m guessing I can find it cheaper elsewhere. Maybe in La Romana?
If anyone has any tips on this, I’d really appreciate it.
Some wholesalers are canceling trips to Cuba, but I still want to visit my favorite country. For those who went there in November, what’s the situation like at all-inclusive hotels?
