Its name comes from Caribbean word "Madinina", island of flowers, and politically it is an Overseas French Department, 7000 km from the motherland.

A volcanic creation, it has a really healthy climate and thanks to its rich soil, during centuries it has become a centre of production of sugar cane and tropical fruits: here worked African slaves whose descendants today are the black and mixed part of the original people, that was joined during years by Creoles and Europeans

The capital is Fort de France, bright town with elegant residential areas situated on the surrounding hills that overtop the namesake bay. .

During years, tourism has increased much and recently it has also much developed the nautical one, thanks to the extraordinary variety of the coast.

Concerning with the navigation, the perimeter of the island is divided in:

"Downwind coast", from Cap Martin to Pointe du Diamant, typical for the Fort de France Bay, the sandy beaches and the inlets with the typical fishermen villages or hotels and elegant houses.

"South coast" from Pointe du Diamant to Ilet Cabritis with the natural port of Cul de Sac du Marin , with beaches and rocky spurs which go vertically into the waters or in little bays framed by mangroves.

"Windward coast" from Ilet Cabrits to Pointe Caravelle, without any doubt it’s the less famous part of Martinica, but it’s certainly the most beautiful and fascinating for the presence of rich coral reefs, little islands and beautiful palms.

The verdant woods are extended up to the sea and to the various inlets, making a very suggestive and unforgettable landscape .