1. You can combine a beach holiday with hikes through the rainforest
2. Not crowded, and the locals are laid-back and easy-going
3. The effects of French civilization on a tropical island are endlessly interesting, and the French influence here is stronger than on Guadeloupe
4. The sight of palm trees on the beach, the beaches on the western, Caribbean-facing side of the island, and the beaches at La Trinité
5. The creole cuisine, which is full of French influences in the better restaurants
6. Spotting spectacular birds on a rainforest hike
7. Scuba diving at Pointe Figuier
8. Martinique might be greener and more colorful than Guadeloupe
9. It’s easy to take a fast ferry to visit nearby islands: Dominica, Santa Lucia, Guadeloupe
10. The spectacle of gorgeous fresh flowers at the markets
1. Guadeloupe culturally is more interesting – Martinique is quite a sleepy place
2. Using a hire car to explore the island was made difficult by the steep, narrow, twisting roads, and the locals are crazy drivers (crazier than on Guadeloupe)
3. This is another expensive Caribbean island (esp. taxis etc.)
4. Tourist infrastructure is not sufficiently developed
5. Most locals don’t speak English (Spanish is a more prevalent second language)
6. Surprisingly frequent traffic jams in the capital
7. Choosing a restaurant can be a risky business – the food in some places is lousy
8. They diligently copy French habits, even when it comes to things like strikes
9. The waves on some beaches are often so big that it’s impossible to go into the water
10. In contrast to Guadeloupe, there are venomous snakes on Martinique, (for instance the common lancehead, an aggressive pit viper species) and though its true that the mongooses keep them in check, if you’re going hiking you should always wear sturdy boots and long trousers, and go only in the company of an alert, experienced guide
