Port-Cros only has natural beaches, with no facilities and no road: you reach them on foot along the island's trails or by boat. The best known are La Palud beach, on the north-east coast, where the underwater trail starts, Port-Man cove at the east end, and Plage du Sud. All are in the national park core: dogs banned, no cigarettes or fires, nothing to be taken. Shops are in the village: bring water and a picnic.
Key facts
- Natural beaches reached on foot or by boat; none has facilities.
- La Palud: marked underwater trail; Port-Man: large cove to the east; Plage du Sud.
- Dogs banned on all national park beaches.
- No smoking outside the village, even with your feet in the water.
The beaches
| Beach | Where | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| La Palud | north-east coast | marked underwater trail, Rascas rock offshore |
| Port-Man cove | east end | large bay, Port-Man fort above |
| Plage du Sud | south coast | natural beach |
| Small coves | all around the island | reached on foot |
Sources: Vedettes Îles d’Or, Wikipedia.
Beaches without facilities
As Vedettes Îles d’Or put it: no beach has facilities, you swim in the wild. Bring water, shade and your lunch, or head back to the village. The valleys leading down to La Palud and Port-Man were bought by the Conservatoire du littoral between 1999 and 2006.
The rules
Dogs are banned on all national park beaches. No smoking outside the village, even by the water. Do not take shells or plants. See the national park.
Going further
With a mask, follow the La Palud underwater trail. For long sandy beaches, head for Porquerolles.
Book a trip
Boat trips and swimming
Hyères: Morning Discovery or Relaxing Afternoon cruise3 - 4 hours★ 4.7 (225 reviews)from €70Check availability
Hyères: Brunch at Sea on a Maxi Catamaran6 hours★ 4.9 (26 reviews)from €144Check availability
Hyères: Signature day with lunch cruise8 hours★ 4.7 (111 reviews)from €164Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach on Port-Cros?
The busiest is La Palud, for its clear water and underwater trail. Port-Man, at the east end, is a longer walk.
Are there sandy beaches on Port-Cros?
A few, such as La Palud, but the island is mostly steep and rocky. For long sandy beaches, Porquerolles is better suited.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Ferry times and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Vedettes Îles d'Or, Port-Cros island: natural beaches, advice (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Port-Cros National Park, regulations: dogs, smoking (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia, Port-Cros: La Palud, Port-Man (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
