Porquerolles and Port-Cros are the two islands in the national park core, but you do not visit them the same way. Porquerolles, the largest (12.54 km²) and flattest, is explored by bike and has long sandy beaches; you get there in 15 minutes from La Tour Fondue. Port-Cros, smaller (6.35 km²) and steeper, is explored on foot along wooded trails, and you get there from Hyères or Le Lavandou. For a single day, the simplest option is TLV-TVM's Port-Cros and Le Levant circuit in July and August; for Porquerolles and Port-Cros you have to combine crossings.
Key facts
- Porquerolles: 12.54 km², gentle relief, bikes, long sandy beaches, 15 min from La Tour Fondue.
- Port-Cros: 635 ha, rising to 199 m, on foot only, the wildest nature, from Hyères or Le Lavandou.
- July-August: Port-Cros and Le Levant two-island circuit from Hyères, €30 (TLV-TVM).
- Both islands are in the national park core: same rules (dogs, fires, smoking, camping).
The comparison
| Porquerolles | Port-Cros | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 12.54 km² | 6.35 km² (635 ha) |
| Highest point | 142 m | 199 m |
| Getting around | on foot or by bike | on foot only |
| Beaches | long sandy beaches | coves and natural beaches |
| Main departure | La Tour Fondue (15 min) | Hyères (35 min to 1 h), Le Lavandou (30 min) |
| Price checked (adult, return) | see TLV-TVM | €29 from Hyères |
Sources: Wikipedia, TLV-TVM, Port-Cros National Park.
Choosing
Porquerolles if you want sandy beaches, cycling and strolling round the village. Port-Cros if you like walking in the forest, snorkelling on the underwater trail and exploring an island with no cars. Both are in the national park core, with the same rules: see the national park.
Two islands the same day
The simplest option is TLV-TVM’s two-island circuit, in July and August, which links Port-Cros and Le Levant from Hyères harbour for €30 (€27 reduced). For Porquerolles and Port-Cros, the main departures are not from the same harbour: you need to combine inter-island crossings, when they run that season. Check with the companies, and leave time for the last boat. See getting to Porquerolles and getting to Port-Cros.
Book a trip
Boat trips between the islands
Hyères: Signature day with lunch cruise8 hours★ 4.7 (111 reviews)from €164Check availability
Hyères: Morning Discovery or Relaxing Afternoon cruise3 - 4 hours★ 4.7 (225 reviews)from €70Check availability
Boat trip around Porquerolles and Giens3 - 6 hours★ 4.6 (34 reviews)from €82Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: Port-Cros.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Porquerolles and Port-Cros in the same day?
It is possible but tight: boats to Porquerolles mainly leave from La Tour Fondue, those to Port-Cros from Hyères and Le Lavandou. Check the season's inter-island services with the companies; TLV-TVM lists an inter-island service on its website. The simplest is one island a day.
Which island for a family with children?
Porquerolles, for its sandy beaches and cycle tracks. Port-Cros suits children who are good walkers; pushchairs are not recommended on the trails.
Which island is less crowded?
Port-Cros is smaller and explored on foot. Porquerolles is the most visited island in the archipelago, to the point that visitor flows have been regulated since 2020.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Ferry times and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Wikipedia, Porquerolles (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia, Port-Cros (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- TLV-TVM, 2026 fares: two-island circuit (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- TLV-TVM, timetables: inter-island service (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Vedettes Îles d'Or, Port-Cros island: pushchairs, hiking (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
