Like Guadeloupe to the north, Martinique offers and beguiling cocktail of French and Caribbean attributes that give it a charm that keeps many returning year after year. The capital, Fort de France deserves its cosmopolitan reputation and is probably the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. Away from the capital the north of the island has a tropical feel with lush vegetation covering the mountainous terrain and black sand beaches while as you travel south, the beaches become white and the palm trees extend to the edge of the turquoise water. There are many quiet bays to discover, perfect for swimming and snorkelling and the easterly trade winds provide exceptional sailing.