As autumn creeps in and the weather gets chillier with lashings of rain, the thought of somewhere being warm and balmy is enough to tempt you away from the UK. Well, one lesser-known rugged island with temperatures of 31C in November is not only a gorgeous holiday destination, but also the perfect place to retire.
Martinique is a French-speaking Caribbean island with sunny beaches surrounded by sapphire-coloured ocean – and in just 13 hours on a flight from the UK, you can be there. Tropical palm trees, stunning views along with ‘plenty of cultural attractions, recreation, and nightlife’ makes this lush-green island a popular destination for retirees. The capital city of Martinique is called Fort-de-France and is particularly attractive to retirees, here you’ll find colonial architecture, the beautiful Jardin de Balata and plenty of great shops.
The whole island has a relaxed vibe and plenty to offer for all travellers, but Expat Exchange – who help people move overseas to discover a new life in other countries – recently asked retirees ‘what it is like retiring in Martinique’.
On their website Expat Exchange reported people who have retired in Martinique described it as a ‘popular destination for retirees, offering a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of cultural attractions, recreation, and nightlife’.
Expat Exchange added: “The island is home to an active expat community, with many retirees choosing to settle in the capital city of Fort-de-France.
“The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as swimming, sailing, and hiking. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. »
The Expat Exchange experts also said that retirees said Martinique ‘offers a variety of outdoor activities’, with fishing, bird watching, and ‘exploring the island’s many beaches’ being amazing and relaxing things to do.
One expat who made the move to Martinique told Expat Exchange: “With its warm climate and friendly people, Martinique is an ideal destination for retirees looking for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.”
However, housing costs vary across the island. A typical three bedroom small apartment costing about £1,050 a month to rent, but it all depends on the exact location and size of the rental.
Martinique is still ‘relatively affordable compared to other Caribbean islands’ though and a monthly rental of a one-bed flat in the city centre, Fort-de-France can be as little as £350. More rural rental settings generally will cost more.
These days, Martinique is a popular destination for tourists and retirees, but the history of the island is also worth noting. It was in 1658 that French king, Louis XIV, ‘resumed sovereignty over the island’, reports the Britannica website.
The Britannica website explained the history of Martinque: “Carib Indians inhabited the island at the time Christopher Columbus sighted it in 1493.
“It was not until 1502, on his fourth voyage, that he visited the island, leaving some pigs and goats there. Neglected by the Spaniards, who sought more material rewards than those the island offered,
“Martinique was occupied in 1635 by a Frenchman, Pierre Bélain, sieur (lord) d’Esnambuc, who established 80 settlers at Fort-Saint-Pierre at the mouth of the Roxelane River.”
