# 15-Day Itinerary Ideas: From Martinique to Guadeloupe (Without Getting Devoured)
Two islands, two personalities, one turquoise sea. Martinique and Guadeloupe are separated by just 200 kilometers of Caribbean Sea, yet they offer radically different experiences. Combining both in 15 days means treating yourself to the best of the French Antilles: Martinique's Creole sophistication, Basse-Terre's wild volcanic landscapes, Grande-Terre's lagoons, and the satellite islands of the Guadeloupean archipelago.
This guide offers a day-by-day itinerary, with activities, recommended accommodations, mosquito risk level for each stage — and of course, tips to enjoy it all without getting devoured.
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PART 1: MARTINIQUE — 7 Days (Days 1 to 7)
Days 1-2: Fort-de-France and the Caribbean Coast
Arrival at Aimé Césaire Airport (FDF). Pick up your rental car — essential for exploring the island — and head to Fort-de-France, the Creole capital. Stroll through the covered market at La Savane, admire the statue of Empress Joséphine, and get lost in the colorful streets of the historic center. In the evening, dine on Rue Ernest Deproge for an introduction to Creole flavors: cod fritters, chicken colombo, ti-punch.
The next day, head north along the Caribbean coast. The Route des Anses takes you from Bellefontaine to Case-Pilote, with swimming stops in unspoiled coves. Lunch in Diamant, facing the famous rock that gives the town its name.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Bakoua (Les Trois-Îlets) — 4-star overlooking Fort-de-France Bay, pool, private beach. Budget option: gîte in Case-Pilote.
Mosquito risk level: Moderate. Fort-de-France is an urban area with wetlands on the outskirts. Apply repellent at dusk.
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Days 3-4: The South — Sainte-Anne, Les Salines, Le Vauclin
Southern Martinique has the island's most beautiful beaches. Plage des Salines, ranked among the Caribbean's finest, is an absolute must: two kilometers of white sand lined with coconut palms, crystal-clear water. Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid crowds and vendors.
Continue to Sainte-Anne for the craft market and waterfront restaurants. Le Vauclin, on the Atlantic coast, offers a more authentic experience: morning fish market, lagoons protected by coral reefs, and a fishing village atmosphere far from tourist circuits.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel La Dunette (Sainte-Anne) — sea view, Creole atmosphere, excellent restaurant. Villa option: several rentals available around Les Salines.
Mosquito risk level: Low to moderate on beaches (sea breeze keeps mosquitoes away). Higher risk in Atlantic coast mangroves — avoid mangrove walks at dusk without protection.
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Days 5-6: The Volcanic North — Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée
Northern Martinique is breathtakingly beautiful with exceptional historical richness. Saint-Pierre, nicknamed the "Pompeii of the Caribbean," was destroyed in 1902 by Mount Pelée's eruption, killing 30,000 inhabitants in minutes. The town was partially rebuilt, but ruins of the old cathedral, theater, and distilleries still bear witness to the catastrophe. A volcanological museum traces the eruption's history.
The next day, if you're physically fit, attempt the ascent of Mount Pelée (1,397m). The hike takes 4 to 5 hours round trip and offers, on clear days, a 360° view of the island and neighboring islands. Leave early morning to avoid afternoon clouds.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Plantation de Leyritz (Basse-Pointe) — renovated colonial plantation, exceptional setting, pool in a tropical garden.
Mosquito risk level: Moderate to high in forest areas and plantations. The humid tropical forest of the north is mosquitoes' natural habitat. Wear long clothing for hiking and apply strong repellent (DEET 30%+).
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Day 7: Caravelle Peninsula and Preparing the Crossing
The Caravelle Peninsula, on the Atlantic coast, is a protected nature reserve with spectacular hiking trails, ruins of Château Dubuc (17th century), and wild beaches battered by Atlantic waves. It's Martinique's most renowned kitesurf and windsurf spot.
In the afternoon, prepare your crossing to Guadeloupe. Stock up on repellents if needed — Martinique pharmacies are well-supplied — and check your plane or ferry ticket.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Caravelle (Tartane) — directly on the beach, ideal for a last night in Martinique.
Mosquito risk level: Moderate. The peninsula is a protected natural area with dense vegetation.
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THE CROSSING: Martinique → Guadeloupe
Two options for reaching Guadeloupe from Martinique:
Option 1: Plane (recommended) — Direct flight FDF → PTP with Air Caraïbes or Corsair, 45 minutes, €60–150 depending on availability. Fastest and most comfortable option. Book in advance, especially in high season.
Option 2: Ferry — L'Express des Îles offers regular crossings between Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre, 3.5 to 4 hours, €70–100 one way. A beautiful maritime experience, but beware of seasickness if seas are rough.
- ✈️ Flights Martinique → Guadeloupe: [Compare on Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.fr/vols-pas-chers/fdf/ptp/vols-martinique-guadeloupe.html)
- ⛴️ Ferry Martinique → Guadeloupe: [L'Express des Îles](https://www.express-des-iles.com)
- 🚗 Car rental in Guadeloupe: [Compare on Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.fr/location-voiture/guadeloupe)
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PART 2: GUADELOUPE — 7 Days (Days 9 to 15)
Days 9-10: Pointe-à-Pitre and Grande-Terre
Arrival at Pôle Caraïbes Airport (PTP). Guadeloupe is actually a butterfly-shaped archipelago: Grande-Terre to the east (limestone, beaches, tourism) and Basse-Terre to the west (volcanic, forest, waterfalls). The two parts are connected by a bridge over the Rivière Salée.
Start with Pointe-à-Pitre, the economic capital: Saint-Antoine market, Mémorial ACTe museum (slavery memorial, unmissable), and the colorful downtown streets. Then head to Grande-Terre's southern coast: Saint-François, Pointe des Châteaux (spectacular cliffs facing the Atlantic), and Sainte-Anne's white sand beaches.
Recommended accommodation: La Toubana Hotel & Spa (Sainte-Anne) — perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, private villas, exceptional spa.
Mosquito risk level: Low to moderate on Grande-Terre beaches. Higher in wetlands and coastal mangroves.
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Days 11-12: Basse-Terre — La Soufrière and the Waterfalls
Basse-Terre is Guadeloupe's green lung. The Guadeloupe National Park covers much of the island and houses La Soufrière (1,467m), the highest active volcano in the Lesser Antilles. The hike to the summit (3 hours round trip from the Savane à Mulets parking lot) crosses a primary tropical forest of enchanting beauty, with sulfurous fumaroles and stunning views on clear days.
The Carbet Falls (three successive waterfalls accessible on foot) and the hot springs of Matouba complete this exceptional nature program.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Georges (Saint-Claude) — at the foot of La Soufrière, volcano views, authentic Creole cuisine.
Mosquito risk level: High in the tropical forest. Basse-Terre is the most mosquito-prone environment in the entire itinerary. Maximum protection essential: DEET 40%+ repellent, long clothing treated with permethrin.
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Days 13-14: Petite Terre Islands and Marie-Galante
From Saint-François, a boat excursion (1 hour) takes you to Petite Terre, a protected nature reserve with deserted beaches of absolute beauty and a colony of endemic iguanas. Exceptional snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
The next day, take the ferry to Marie-Galante (45 min from Saint-François), nicknamed "the island of a hundred windmills." This preserved island, far from mass tourism, offers wild beaches, agricultural rum distilleries (Bielle, Capesterre), and a timeless atmosphere.
Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Cohoba (Marie-Galante) — small charming hotel in the heart of the island, exceptional local cuisine.
Mosquito risk level: Moderate on Petite Terre beaches (constant wind). Moderate to high inland on Marie-Galante, especially near sugarcane fields.
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Day 15: Gosier, Return and Souvenirs
Last day in Gosier, Guadeloupe's main beach resort. Enjoy the beach, do your last shopping (rum, spices, vanilla), and have a final Creole meal before heading to the airport.
- 🏨 Hotels in Guadeloupe: [Compare on Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.fr/hotels/guadeloupe)
- 🏨 Hotels in Martinique: [Compare on Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.fr/hotels/martinique)
- ✈️ Return flights from Guadeloupe: [Find the best prices](https://www.skyscanner.fr/vols-vers/ptp/guadeloupe.html)
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Nomad Anti-Mosquito Kit: Travel Light and Protected
When doing a multi-destination itinerary with limited luggage, mosquito protection must be compact, versatile, and effective. Here's the ideal kit for this type of trip:
Travel-format repellent: Choose a 50ml spray or roll-on (allowed in aircraft cabin) with DEET 30–40% or picaridin 20%. Sufficient for 3 to 4 days of intensive use. Pack a 100ml refill in your checked luggage.
Impregnated wipes: Practical for active days (hiking, boat excursions), they allow quick application without getting your hands dirty. Recommended brands: Moustifluid, Cinq sur Cinq Tropic.
Permethrin clothing spray: A single 150ml bottle treats 4 to 5 garments for 6 weeks. Treat your hiking clothes before departure — permethrin resists washing and doubles your overall protection effectiveness.
Travel mosquito net: Ultra-lightweight (under 200g), it fits in any bag and can save a night in accommodation without air conditioning or mosquito screens. Recommended brands: Sea to Summit, Lifesystems.
Travel electric diffuser: If your accommodation has electrical outlets, a compact electric diffuser (Raid or Catch type) provides effortless nighttime protection.
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Checklist: "Ready for the Martinique-Guadeloupe Combo?"
Before packing your bags, check these 20 points:
Flights and transport:
- [ ] Outbound flight to Martinique (FDF) booked
- [ ] Martinique car rental booked
- [ ] Martinique → Guadeloupe connection (plane or ferry) booked
- [ ] Guadeloupe car rental booked
- [ ] Return flight from Guadeloupe (PTP) booked
Accommodation:
- [ ] 7 nights in Martinique booked
- [ ] 7 nights in Guadeloupe booked
- [ ] Mosquito screens/air conditioning checked for each accommodation
Mosquito protection:
- [ ] Skin repellent (travel format + refill)
- [ ] Permethrin clothing spray
- [ ] Travel mosquito net
- [ ] Electric diffuser + refills
- [ ] Post-bite soothing cream
Health:
- [ ] Doctor consultation before departure (vaccines, advice)
- [ ] Travel insurance with repatriation
- [ ] Emergency numbers saved (SAMU 15, emergencies 112)
- [ ] Basic first aid kit
Practical:
- [ ] Carte Vitale (valid in the French Antilles)
- [ ] Long clothing for hikes
- [ ] Closed hiking shoes
Happy preparations and a wonderful Antilles trip! 🌴✈️🦟