After enjoying a 30-minute boat trip to Port-Cros (from Bormes les Mimosas) and a guided tour aboard our hybrid boat, you'll arrive at the port for your full-day stopover on the island, one of the most beautiful nature destinations in the Var! Wondering what to do on Port-Cros to make the most of your stopover? Discover the must-sees on this wild island.
Located about 10 kilometers from the mainland, this island—4 km long and 2.5 km wide—is thesmallest, yet also thewildest, of the three Îles d’Or. A national park since 1963 and Europe’s first marine park, the island of Port-Cros a preserved gem and an ideal destination for lovers of nature, peace, and tranquility.
The Village of Port-Cros
A must-see stop on your visit to Port-Cros, the village may be small, but it’s incredibly welcoming and full of charm. Time seems to have stood still here, and you can soak up its authentic atmosphere among the few houses once home to fishermen, or on the terraces of the village’s restaurants (open during the season).
Don't hesitate to visit the "Saint-Tropez" chapel in the inner harbor, or the island's cemetery, where the island's last owners, Marcel and Marceline Henry, were laid to rest before it was bequeathed to the state...
A paradise for nature lovers and hikers
The best way to explorePort-Cros IslandPort-Cros on foot (no bicycles allowed here), along its 30 km of marked trails. To explore the island freely and fully enjoy its trails, we recommend that you bring sturdy shoes and water bottles. Please note that the island’s trails are not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
Hiking in Port-Cros
The island of Port-Cros several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the island and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean. Before setting out to explore the island, be sure to visit the National Park Visitor Center. Park staff can provide you with more information about the various hiking trails, as well as their work!
Plant Trail
The Plant Trail is a walking tour that introduces visitors to the island’s main native plants.
Along the coastline, marvel at the magnificent views stretching from the village all the way to La Palud Beach. The return trip is easier if you take the route through the island’s interior.
Duration: 45 minutes
Level: Medium
Vallon de la Solitude Trail
This trail winds through one of the island’s three main valleys, offering a glimpse into life in days gone by amid ruins and historic buildings.
As you walk along a shaded path, you'll discover the chapel, le manoir the cemetery, all the way to the dam.
Duration: 1 hour
Level: Easy
Circuit des Crêtes
Set out to explore the island’s wildlife along the Crêtes Trail. This circular, scenic route reaches its highest point at Mont Vinaigre, at an elevation of 193 meters.
The Ridge Trail takes you past the small southern beach, Gabinière Islet, and the rugged landscapes of the southern coast.
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Difficult
Fort Tour
Set out to explore the military heritage of Port-Cros Island. Follow the coastline to Port-Man Beach.
The Port-Man trail offers a wide variety of experiences: a coastal walk, intimate forest settings, traces of history, and Port-Man Bay.
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Difficult
Are you lucky enough to be stopping over in Port-Cros
So what can you do in Port-Cros during your stopover? Discover all that this wild island has to offer during a busy day! Here are just a few suggestions:
Its underwater trail
Located on La Palud Beach (a 45-minute walk away), this underwater trail is the first of its kind in France! Admission is free and open to everyone (during the season)!
Equipped with your fins, mask, and snorkel, you’ll explore this underwater trail at depths ranging from 1 to 10 meters, where you’ll discover information panels submerged beneath six buoys, each describing a marine ecosystem—including its unique flora and fauna—specific to our Mediterranean Sea.
The crystal-clear waters around Port-Cros Island Port-Cros with marine life. You might spot groupers, barracudas, sea bream, corbs, conger eels, or even moray eels.
His Strengths
While today the island of Port-Cros nature lovers with its beauty, tranquility, and serenity, this has not always been the case. For a long time, it was, in fact, the target ofBarbary pirates—including the infamous Barbarossa—who spread terror across the island.
In the 1630s, Richelieu decided to protect the island from pirate attacks by building three forts there: the Tour de l’Éminence, Fort de l’Estissac, and Fort de Port Man.
As soon as you arrive at the port, you'll also find the first fort built during the reign of Francis I, Fort du Moulin.
Its Natural Resources
When you arrive by boat, Port-Cros as a lush, green island covered in dense forest.
The island of Port-Cros rare species and hosts many seabirds, such as theperegrine falconandScopoli’s shearwater.
The island’s terrestrial fauna also includes certain unique and endemic species, such as the Phyllodactylus lizard and the Sardinian discogloss.
The Beaches
Unlike its big sister Porquerolles, the beaches of Port-Cros are very different. There are no long sandy beaches here, but rather small coves with crystal-clear waters teeming with life. Port-Cros has three beaches:
La Palud Beach
Located across from the Rascas rocks,45 minutesfrom the village, this small beach with coarse sand, shaded by tamarisk trees, serves as the setting for theunderwater trailduring the summer season.
South Beach
Themost accessible of Port-Cros beaches Port-Cros abouta 30-minutewalk) is therefore also the most crowded. This small white-sand beach is the most sheltered from easterly winds.
Port-Man Beach
Located at the far end of the magnificent Port-Man Bay, this gravel beach isthe largeston the island. Well sheltered from the mistral, it offers a breathtaking view. But you have to work for it! It takes about2 hours ( and a good pair of sneakers) to get there.
Pas besoin d'y passer la journée pour profiter de tout ça : notre balade en mer avec escale de 3h vous permet de découvrir [le sentier sous-marin / la plage du Sud / le village]
These sites are just a few of the many treasures Port-Cros has to offer. Don't hesitate to ask our crew what to do in Port-Cros, and explore the island at your leisure to discover all its hidden wonders! There's plenty to see and do during your day's stopover on the island of Port-Cros. Enough to satisfy the interests of all visitors!
Envie de découvrir l'essentiel de Port-Cros sans y passer la journée entière ? Notre balade en mer avec escale à la demi-journée vous laisse le temps de profiter du sentier sous-marin, de la plage du Sud ou du village, avant de reprendre le large.
Regulations
- No camping or bivouacking.
- No motor vehicles are allowed, except for service vehicles or authorized vehicles.
- No trashoutside the bins.
- No noiseor disturbances to preserve the character of the area.
- Dogs are not allowed in order to maintain the tranquillity of the fauna and the cleanliness of the beaches.
In the village of Port-Cros, between the Fort du Moulin and the statue of St Joseph, access for dogs on a leash is authorized. - No harvesting or collection,in order to preserve biodiversity.
- No open fires or cigarettes outside the villageto prevent fires and keep the beaches clean.
In addition, forest areas on the island of Port-Cros may be closed to the public. An information map for access to forest areas exposed to the risk of forest fires is published every day at 7 p.m. for the following day on the https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var/ website. In the event of very severe fire risk, only one path is open on Port-Cros, in the direction of the south beach. In the event of extreme fire danger, all trails on the island are closed.