Sainte-Anne, Les Salines, Le Marin, Le Diamant: the south of Martinique is where the beaches people come for are found — and it is also the part of the island where a car makes the biggest difference. The sites are spread out, often at the end of secondary roads, and distances are measured in bends rather than kilometres. We are a Martinican company and we hand over a vehicle ready to drive, with a local team available 7 days a week and unlimited mileage.
Why the south is best seen by car
Southern Martinique is not a compact resort: it is a run of coves, headlands and villages, separated by roads that wind around the hills. You do not walk from one beach to the next — you drive.
There is a practical side too: the finest beaches are also the least well served. Getting there early, leaving late in the afternoon, stopping for lunch on the way — all of that means controlling your own timetable. That is exactly what a car gives you, and nothing else replaces it here.
Sainte-Anne and Les Salines
Sainte-Anne, in Martinique, is the island's southernmost commune and the most popular for its beaches. Grande Anse des Salines, at the end of the road, is the best known on the island: a long stretch of pale sand lined with coconut palms, with shaded spots for the day.
Two pieces of common sense: come early, because parking fills up quickly in season and at weekends, and bring water, as facilities on site are limited. The village of Sainte-Anne itself is best explored on foot once the car is parked.
Around Sainte-Anne
- Anse Michel and Cap Chevalier — on the Atlantic side, windier, popular with watersports enthusiasts.
- The Sainte-Anne peninsula — coastal paths and quieter coves than Les Salines.
Le Marin, the sailing capital
Le Marin, in Martinique, is built around its marina, one of the largest in the Caribbean. It is the departure point for boat trips and charters, and a lively village with shops and restaurants.
If you are sailing for a day or longer, a car is still useful: the marina is the meeting point, rarely the base. Many of our customers leave the vehicle at Le Marin while they sail, then pick the road back up afterwards.
Le Diamant and Les Anses-d'Arlet
Heading up the Caribbean coast, Le Diamant, in Martinique, has a long beach facing Diamond Rock, one of the island's most recognisable sights. The sea here is often rougher than at Sainte-Anne: beautiful to look at, to approach with care for swimming.
A little further north, Les Anses-d'Arlet and its Grande Anse form one of Martinique's postcard views, with its jetty and church tower lined up with the beach. It is also the natural stop between the south and Les Trois-Îlets, if you are staying on that side of the bay.
Driving and parking in the south
Main roads are fine and the drive down from the airport is straightforward. The roads leading to the beaches are narrower and sometimes winding — nothing that calls for a special vehicle, just relaxed driving.
Parking is the real issue. At Les Salines, Les Anses-d'Arlet and the busiest beaches, spaces go early in high season, at weekends and during school holidays. A city car fits where a larger vehicle will not — worth bearing in mind if your trip is mainly about beaches.
Collecting your vehicle
Most of our customers collect their car at Aimé Césaire airport on arrival, then drive straight down south. It is the simplest option: the vehicle is ready when you land, with no transfer to arrange.
We also have a second collection point at the port of Fort-de-France, on the way south. You choose your pick-up point when you book.
Which vehicle to choose
For a beach-focused trip, a city car is enough and parks anywhere. Travelling as a group with cool boxes and beach gear? A roomier model will be more comfortable — our fleet covers both. For a stay of several weeks or months, our long-term rental suits better than a string of short ones.
Book your car for the south
From December to April and in July and August, demand is high and availability shrinks quickly. Once your dates are set, book your vehicle online to get the model you want on the day you want it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Les Salines without a car?
It is possible but awkward: the beach lies at the end of a road away from the village, and transport options do not let you choose your timings. With a vehicle you arrive early, leave when you like, and can add another cove to the same day.
How long does it take to reach the south from the airport?
The drive is straightforward on the main roads. Actual time depends on the hour and on traffic around the city — allow extra at the end of the day.
Do you need a 4x4 for the southern beaches?
No. The beaches mentioned here are reached on paved roads in an ordinary car. A city car even has an advantage: it parks more easily where spaces are tight.