Martinique is an island of breathtaking contrasts, with lush green vegetation and breathtaking mountainous terrain. The Caribbean Island is part of the French West Indies which lies to the north of Trinidad and Tobago, writes Gordon Brown.

The most dominant feature on Martinique is Mount Peleee which erupted in 1903 killing 30,000 people. The south of the island has the beautiful beaches and the tourists whilst the north are the rain forests and the black volcanic sand beaches which are a must see for visitors who love to explore. You will be able to lie around and sun bathe on isolated almost unvisited beaches not sharing with anyone.

Other more developed beaches on Martinique Island can be equally enjoyed with their cafes and restaurants, and there are beaches less popular but with facilities. One thing is certain and that is that Martinique has a beach that will be right for you, with the southern beaches which face the Atlantic being undeveloped. The Beaches on the Caribbean coastline are white sand to be found in a huge number of bays and inlets, and quite superb and safe for swimming.

To the north on the Atlantic side are beaches with waves ideal for surfers, whilst on the Caribbean side are picturesque volcanic sandy beaches with picturesque fishing villages. As Martinique is a dependent territory of France uses the Euro as currency and so US Dollars aren't accepted in shops but credit cards can be used. It is a superb place to eat with a fantastic blend of French and Creole cooking, and the number of high quality dining options makes Martinique unique amongst Caribbean Islands, and is probably brought about by the high number of French tourists, and a growing interest in Creole food.

The climate is tropical and humid with a temperature range of 75degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees. The rainy season is June to October when it is regularly visited by tropical cyclones. There are tourist seasons on Martinique with high season from December to April, but you must expect much higher prices and crowds of tourists. May to November is quiet with the associated weather risks. The months of May and June are a good time to visit, with few tourists with low humidity and low prices. July and August are hot and humid with quite a lot of rain but the weather is really pleasant especially for touring around.

It is potentially the cyclone season but their potential is a good reason for avoiding September. Martinique gives you the option to just lie around and relax in a beautiful place, but also to take part in every land and offshore activity that you can think of, and are the same but different as on other islands. However there are additional activities that the terrain allows you won't find anywhere else, such as Canyoning. There is something for everyone on Martinique, all you have to do is to go there and experience it for yourself.