A true gem nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, this pristine paradise welcomes you with its dazzling azure waters. This pearl of the French Riviera, located off the coast of Hyères, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking escape.
How to get to Porquerolles ?
There are two ways to reach the island:
- Shuttle boat from the Giens Peninsula at Tour Fondue.
- Taxi boat services: Le Pélican and Espace Mer.
Shuttle boats operate year-round between Tour Fondue and Porquerolles, but schedules and fares vary depending on the season.
You can find schedules, fares, and make reservations online here.
Alternatively, you can also take crossings from other nearby towns if you’re exploring the region:
- La Londe: Les Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur
- Bormes les Mimosas: Latitude Verte
- Bandol: Atlantide
- Sanary: La Croix du Sud 5
- Toulon: Les Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur
- Le Lavandou: Vedette des îles d’Or
- Saint-Tropez: Les Bateaux Verts
- Sainte-Maxime: Les Bateaux Verts
- Saint Raphaël: Les Bateaux de St Raphaël
What is the most beautiful beach on Porquerolles ?
It’s difficult to choose because all the beaches on the island are stunning. You’ll find large sandy beaches in the southern region of the island and more wild coves with sometimes challenging access in the northern part.
In the south, you’ll find:
- La plage de la Courtade: The largest and easiest to access from the village.
- La plage du Langoustier: A bit more challenging to reach, about 5km from the village with some uphill sections, but still manageable even with children.
- La plage Notre Dame: Often considered the most beautiful, though it can be crowded. Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon. Its turquoise waters earned it the title of Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2015. It’s located approximately 4km from the village with a relatively straightforward path.
- La plage Noire du Langoustier: Worth a visit for its gravel and almost black sand, and it’s usually the least crowded beach on the island.
- La plage d’Argent: The liveliest beach on the island with a beach bar-restaurant, clear water, beautiful pine forest surroundings, and wheelchair access.
In the northern part of the island, explore more wild beaches and coves:
- La calanque du Bregançonnet: A magnificent cove ideal for snorkeling, with clear water revealing rocky bottoms rich in marine life. Access is more challenging with very rocky paths, about a 30-minute bike ride from the village.
- La calanque de l’Indienne
- La calanque de l’Oustaou di Diou: Very wild and often visited by jellyfish, so be cautious before diving into its crystalline waters!
What to do on Porquerolles Island ?
Between the paradisiacal beaches in the south and the rugged northern coastline, Porquerolles Island presents many facets to its visitors.
Numerous activities are offered both at the port and in the village.
At the port you can:
- Enjoy jet skiing for a full day or half-day
- Rent a small motorboat without a license for a full day or half-day
- Go scuba diving
- Try snorkeling
- Take a tour around the island on a tourist boat
In the village you can:
- Rent regular or electric bicycles
- Go hiking
You can also visit the Cap d’Arme lighthouse for a magnificent viewpoint over the village, and then head to the semaphore with its 142 meters of height, offering a stunning view of the island!
How to visit Porquerolles Island ?
You cannot bring your vehicle to the island, so the best way to explore it is by bicycle.
Bicycles can be rented on site, with rates around €30 per day for a regular bike and €45 for an electric bike. Alternatively, you can bring your own bike on the ferry for €17 per adult bike.
Of course, you can explore the island on foot as well, but it’s quite large and you shouldn’t expect to cover the entire island in just one day.
What to do around Porquerolles Island ?
The Giens Peninsula offers numerous activities to continue your journey.
You can:
- Go karting
- Explore the coastal trail and its panoramic views between the two ports of the Giens village
- Visit the village of Giens, enjoy a drink on the terrace of one of the restaurants, and admire the breathtaking panorama
- Rent a kayak and explore the coastline from a different perspective
- Visit the salt marshes at Pesquiers
- Have fun in the evening at Magic World, a permanent amusement park
Practical information for visiting Porquerolles
Ferry crossing
For fares and schedules, please check here.
Where to stay on Porquerolles
- If you’re traveling by camper van: There are no designated areas on the peninsula, but there are numerous campsites. We strongly recommend booking several months in advance as they fill up quickly.
- If you’re traveling by car: You can rent a mobile home at a campsite on the peninsula or stay directly on Porquerolles in a guesthouse, hotel, or residence.
Bicycle rentals
On the island, you will find numerous rental services, so there’s no need to worry even if you arrive late.
