Which destination to choose for a trip to the Caribbean?
Written on : 16 June 2020 By : Léa Frémiot
Want to escape to a far, faraway place from your everyday life? The Caribbean has always been a dream destination for those who want to escape the dreariness and spend a postcard-worthy holiday. However it may be difficult to choose the perfect destination for you in the face of the flood of information that exists. As travel professionals, we went to discover some of these islands including Martinique, Guadeloupe, but also the Dominican Republic and we present you the characteristics of these different destinations to find the one that suits you best!
Fly to this beautiful paradise island, very different from its neighbours. Martinique will welcome you all year round thanks to its very pleasant climate and low rainfall. We ideally advise you to put your suitcases on the island between April/May or October/November where tourists are a little less present.
Martinique is an ideal destination for family holidays rich in discoveries and optimal to recharge your batteries during relaxing sessions on the beach. Indeed, this destination is well known for its fine sandy beaches with transparent waters, but also for its lush vegetation. It is no coincidence that the island has the nickname Flower Island, as there are more than 1700 different species throughout the island, which you can observe in the botanical gardens. What particularly surprises us when we arrive on the magnificent Diamond beach is its majestic rock in the middle of the sea that you will find on every postcard. Indeed, the Diamond Rock is a wonder of nature covered with vegetation, which contrasts perfectly with the blue of the sea.
If you are a lover of small, isolated and intimate beaches to be with your loved ones, many excursions will allow you to access them and discover islands hidden in the mangrove, for the greatest pleasure of the eyes. If you are looking for more volcanic black sand beaches, the Carbet will satisfy you. You may even have the chance to discover a traditional nautical activity of the country: the Round Yawl.
Beyond these moments of relaxation on the beach which make the reputation of Martinique, the latter will offer you magnificent hikes in the hinterland and unmissable visits. The "Route de la Trace" is notably the preferred way to discover the tropical forest. Its capital, Fort de France and its historic centre are unmissable where you can visit the magnificent Saint-Louis cathedral. Martinique, is without a doubt the Caribbean destination where the French influence is most evident. Don't miss its delicious Creole gastronomy which includes smoked chicken, delicious rums and refreshing coconut sorbets. Numerous craft markets as well as street food stalls will make you discover succulent dishes from Martinique.
Towards the sun and the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean: the Dominican Republic! This destination, which is surely the most economical of the three in this article, offers many flights throughout the year and at prices that are sometimes unbeatable! We also advise you to avoid the high season and go there around May or October.
We appreciate this dream destination for its paradisiacal beaches and crystal clear waters which are the object of all the attention. The Dominican Republic also has many small wild and often deserted beaches such as those of Playa Fronton or Playa Playita. If you're not afraid to venture a little to reach a pretty corner of paradise, go to Padernales near the Haitian border before taking the guagua, the most popular mode of transport on the island, to finally reach Bahia de las Anguilas and its transparent waters where you can admire fish and underwater reefs. We strongly recommend that you take a catamaran or a sea trip accompanied by a guide, in Samana Bay to observe the whales of the bay, a unique experience! If you are a thrill-seeker, you won't regret the exceptional canyoning site of the 27 Damajagua waterfalls where breathtaking scenery awaits you.
At the same time, the Dominican Republic has a magnificent hinterland for hiking, especially the site of the Central Cordillera. Mount Pico Duarte is the highest point in the Caribbean with its 3,175 meters above sea level a unique view of the island's impressive mountains, but also of the Caribbean Sea. There will also be many historical visits, thanks to the rich Hispanic culture that the Dominican Republic has and its colonial history. Indeed, Santo Domingo, the capital of the island is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its numerous monuments and sites, including those referring to Christopher Columbus, such as the Faro Colon or the Parque Colon. The cuisine of this island is also unmistakable and especially the plantain bananas, a specialty appreciated by all. Finally, if you wish to get in touch with the locals and immerse yourself in their unique culture, head to the small typical villages of Las Terrenas where you will be welcomed with open arms. An exceptional trip guaranteed!
Now, let's discover Guadeloupe, this magnificent French archipelago which attracts more and more tourists for its undeniable beauty. Sports activities are the keywords of this destination which distinguishes itself from the previous ones for its excellent climatic conditions and especially for the practice of nautical activities. Quickly discover all the riches of Guadeloupe that await you!
If you want to combine self-expression and relaxation, Guadeloupe is the destination for you. Indeed, the usual heat, the warm water around 27 degrees, but also the permanently present winds allow optimal conditions to practice water sports. Whether windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing or kayaking in the sea or in the heart of the mangroves, a wide variety of possibilities will be offered to you. If you are more of a land sports enthusiast, hiking remains a must thanks to the 300 km of trails, 150 km of which cross the island's national park. Guadeloupe is a wonderful archipelago with a great diversity of landscapes such as the ocean, tropical forest, waterfalls and picturesque villages dotted around the island. We are therefore sure that you will be delighted by the beauty of the walks that await you. One of the jewels of Guadeloupe is its still active volcano called "la vieille dame". If you wish to climb the latter, it will only take you about 2 hours to reach its summit and smell the singular smell of sulfur emanating from this volcano named La Soufrière. A unique view will then extend before your eyes. We also advise you to take a look at the foothills of La Soufrière for its not very touristy surroundings and its perfectly preserved beauty. Finally, if you want to discover the landscapes of Guadeloupe in a different way, horse riding is very famous on the island and accessible to all levels.
Renting a car to get around your villa every day can be a comfortable option that will allow you to access many sites that are sometimes a little remote. The archipelago of Les Saintes is a place that we advise you to visit during your stay, for its charm, but also for the delicious Tourments d'amour that you will taste. The warm welcome of the Guadeloupeans and the delicious Creole cuisine will also be present in Marie-Galante, a city of choice whose gentle way of life and authenticity you will appreciate. Don't wait any longer and make Guadeloupe your next holiday destination with your loved ones!
