Fodor's Expert Review Jardin de Balata

The Jardin de Balata has thousands of varieties of tropical flowers and plants, showing why Martinique is called “the Island of Flowers;” its owner is a dedicated horticulturist. There are shaded benches from which to take in the mountain views and a plantation-style house furnished with period furniture. An aerial path gives visitors an astounding, bird's-eye view of the gardens and surrounding hills, from wooden walkways suspended 50 feet in the air. There is no restaurant, though beverages are for sale. It's 15 minutes from Fort-de-France, in the direction of St-Pierre. You can order anthuriums and other tropical flowers to be delivered to the airport from the mesmerizing flower boutique here.

The gardens close at 6, but the ticket office will not admit anyone after 4:30. Children get a discount.