Spending a vacation on one of the Caribbean islands is a dream that’s easy to achieve these days: white sand, blue skies, crystal-clear water… A recipe for happiness!
But when it comes to deciding which island to choose between Guadeloupe and Martinique, the match gets more complicated. The question is: which island should I choose?
Vacationing in the French West Indies is a great idea, especially if you’re a citizen of the European Union. But if you can’t decide which of the wonderful islands to choose – Guadeloupe or Martinique – we’re here to help! We know each of the islands inside out, so follow the guide!
Guadeloupe and Martinique: many points in common
You could say that Guadeloupe and Martinique are very similar (but don’t tell the locals!).
Both are in the eastern part of the Caribbean: the Lesser Antilles. They are French overseas departments. And that makes them easily accessible to European citizens and Metropolitans from the Hexagone.
As a result, they also share other similarities:
- Language: French and Antillean Creole
- Currency: euro
- Entry/Visas for EU citizens: ID card or passport (non-Schengen area); 90-day stay
- Entry/Visas for US citizens: passport and return ticket (no visa required); 90-day stay
The two islands share a very similar rich culture: a common history with a painful slaveholding past (the memory of which is to be saluted), Caribbean art, Zouk music, the culinary arts Whatever your choice, Guadeloupe or Martinique, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun, the beaches, the flora and fauna in an authentic way. You’ll have the perfect vacation.
Let’s take a closer look at the small differences between each island. These will help you decide between Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Climate and Gastronomy
Although some might say that it rains a little more in Martinique than in Guadeloupe, it’s not the climate that makes the difference. Guadeloupe and Martinique are two neighboring islands with the same seasonal variations and climate, with year-round sunshine. Martinique and Guadeloupe are both ideal for seaside vacations. Water temperatures range from 24 to 30°C!
When it comes to gastronomy, Martinique and Guadeloupe share the same culinary foundations. Both islands perpetuate a tradition of Creole cuisine with African, Indian and European influences. On both islands, you’ll find tasty, exotic local produce: coconuts, exotic fruits, fish…
You’ll have the opportunity to taste Creole spices, colombo, various acras and the famous poulet boucané (the latter being more common in Guadeloupe), as well as rum (Martinique’s is considered the best in the world).
Culture and heritage
The vestiges of colonization can be felt on every island. Traces of this can be found in Martinique’s cultural heritage. Notably in the old farms established by the colonists, such as :
- The Clément dwelling
- La Pagerie
- Le Galion.
There were nine distilleries at the time, but only the Maison de la canne in Trois-Îlets and Saint-James in Sainte-Marie are still in operation. The colonial period continues to live on in the cultural memory, with popular traditions inherited from the first inhabitants of the Caribbean: the Amerindians. You can discover their rich heritage on the island of Martinique by visiting the Musée Régional d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie.
Traces of Guadeloupe’s colonial past can be seen in the ACT Memorial, a museum dedicated to the memory of slavery. The architecture of Basse-Terre, with its beautiful Creole houses scattered here and there. In Grande-Terre, you’ll see the famous cane mills and distilleries such as the well-known Damoiseau and Séverin. Pointe-à-Pitre also boasts several museums dedicated to Guadeloupean personalities: the Musée Schœlcher and the Musée Saint-John-Perse.
Nature and landscapes
Martinique boasts sublime views of sheer cliffs, lush rainforests and magnificent sandy beaches.
Did you know that Martinique is nicknamed “The Flower Island”? In fact, it’s home to 1,700 species of flowers, which you can discover in the many botanical gardens or on the hiking trails. The island’s natural charm is complemented by its charming, colorful houses.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, introduce your children to unexpected species such as iguanas, turtles, mongooses and colorful hummingbirds.
Guadeloupe has nothing to envy its neighbor. It’s known as Karukera, “the island of beautiful waters”. You’ll love exploring its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and thick forests criss-crossed by rivers and waterfalls. You’re in for a real treat!
You may not know it, but Guadeloupe is made up of 5 islands. It has a wilder natural landscape than Martinique. This gives you more pleasure and leisure opportunities, in a confidential, unspoilt setting.
The volcanic landscapes will not leave you unmoved. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet, with the fumaroles and lunar landscape accompanied by the rumbling of the southern crater of La Soufrière, its famous volcano. It’s a great place to hike and admire the island from another angle.
Guadeloupe offers a unique experience with numerous parks where you’ll have the chance to see the island’s flora and fauna as you’ve never seen them before. The Parc Zoologique des Mamelles, in particular, is a popular attraction for the very young.
Combine the 2 islands: Guadeloupe or Martinique in the same holiday?
The final decision is really subjective and depends on your tastes. Each island has its own jewels, but really, no matter which one you choose – Guadeloupe or Martinique – you’ll be delighted with your vacation.
And in fact, there’s always the possibility of finding a compromise if the choice proves impossible. You can find a number of air links (Air Caraïbes, Air France, Air Antilles Express) and sea ferries (Express des iles, Val Ferry) running between the islands. So why not combine a visit to both? This alternative is perfect if the length of your stay allows it.
We can advise you on your choice of vacation rental in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
