Les Salines and the Beaches

The south of Martinique holds the island's most beautiful beaches, a world away from the volcanic drama of the north. The jewel is Grande Anse des Salines, near Sainte-Anne, regularly rated among the finest beaches in the Caribbean, a glorious sweep of soft golden sand fringed by coconut palms and lapped by calm, clear turquoise water. Nearby lie other lovely beaches, quiet coves and the striking Diamond Rock, a dramatic offshore islet once fortified by the British navy. With its blend of French flair and Caribbean beauty, sophisticated beach life, water sports and superb swimming, Martinique's south coast is an idyllic and stylish beach destination.

What you actually see

• Grande Anse des Salines - the postcard-perfect golden beach.
• The southern coves - the quieter beaches and clear water.
• Diamond Rock - the dramatic fortified offshore islet.
• The water sports - the swimming, snorkelling and sailing.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest, driest weather and calmest seas, the peak season; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November. Les Salines can be busy at weekends and holidays, so weekdays or an early start are calmest for the most beautiful beach.

Honest expectations

Martinique's south-coast beaches, while beautiful, can get busy, especially the famous Les Salines at weekends, and the island, as a French overseas region, is more developed and pricey than some Caribbean isles; the north offers volcanic drama rather than beaches. For a superb blend of gorgeous French-Caribbean beaches, from the postcard-perfect Les Salines to quiet coves, with stylish beach life and calm turquoise swimming, though, Martinique's south is genuinely idyllic.

Nearby

The town of Sainte-Anne, the south-coast coves and the rum distilleries are close.