Anse Mitan, Martinique
January 7 - 16, 2023
Just across the bay from the capital of Fort de France begins the southern portion of Martinique. Even though its a short 20 minute ferry ride to this side of the island, it feels a world away. It's much more lush, quieter and more quant. The peninsula has a good offering of things to do and places to see.
Our Accommodations
We found a Airbnb studio in Anse Mitan. Located up a steep hill, the tough daily workout rewards with a great view of the bay. Its lovely to wake up and watch the bobbing boats and see the ocean out your window. The residence is quiet and well maintained and the studio functions very well.
Anse Mitan Beach - Our Local Beach
We didn't spend much time at our local beaches since we spent our free time doing day trips around the peninsula instead.
Certainly not a bad place to float in the water or read a book.
Pointe du Bout Beach
Just a short walk from our apartment is the area called Pointe du Bout. It caters mostly to tourists who come for day trips here but its a cute little area with shops, restaurants and its own small beach. Part of this area is private property to a hotel that sits on the beach but free to enjoy if you eat or drink at the restaurant there.
The other part of the bay is open to the public with a small amount of beach and small rocky bays.
Anse Dufour Beach
January 11, 2023
Anse Dufour known as "turtle beach" because the green turtle is often spotted here. Its a small beach set in a pretty cove and is usually quite crowded. There is some rocky outcroppings on both ends of the beach making for some good snorkeling. We did indeed spot the green turtle on our trip here. From the main road, its a 30 minute walk downhill to the bay - which would mean a grueling trek uphill to the main road. Luckily, we were able to hitch a ride with a nice French/Italian couple who took us back up the hill and part way home.
Anses d'Arlet Village
January 14, 2023
Anses d'Arlet owes its name to a former Caribbean chief named Arlet who for many years possessed the entire region. It sits between two coves with its old creole houses and its church perfectly aligned with the dock, making it one of the most photographed areas of Martinique. The sand is soft and there is very good snorkeling just off shore.
Le Diamant Village - "the rock"
January 14, 2023
The town is named after the famous volcanic rock jutting up from the ocean at 175 meters tall. It was once a shelter for pirates and once a fortified bridge during the fight between the French and the English. Also here, is the Cap 100 memorial which is a group of white statues (the colour of mourning in Martinique) that commemorates the shipwreck in 1830 where 300 slaves were killed.