La Caravelle Peninsula

La Caravelle Peninsula is considered one most beautiful areas of Martinique, with ancient, volcano-formed terrain and rocky cliffs looking out upon mangrove-bound beaches. It has a more remote, wild feel than much of the Caribbean. The area is the site of a 400 hectare (1,000 acre) Caravelle Nature Reserve. Runners can take advantage of the lightly trafficked dirt roads here, or set out on a trail run where the roads end and the Caravelle Nature Reserve begins. There are two marked ‘circuits’ in this 400 hectare (1,000 acre) preserve, making for a trail run of modest difficulty.

We’ve mapped a nice, fairly hilly 8 km trail running loop at the end of D2, mainly in the reserve, which includes a trip to the Caravelle lighthouse (Phare de Caravelle). The route also passes by the ruins of a 17th-century castle (Château Dubuc), featuring scenic bay views and a museum.