Romantic  :  Martinique

Martinique has more than a touch of France, including Paris fashions and croissants. But it has a culture solidly based on West Indian Creole traditions. The south is more developed, with resorts and restaurants, as well as beaches – check out the beach at the southern tip of the island. There's also a botanical garden on the site of what was once a rum distillery. The north of Martinique appeals to nature lovers, hikers and mountain climbers; you'll find waterfalls, rain forest and mountains. There are some impressive drives too. A highlight is Mont Pelée, which exploded in 1902.