Port-Cros
An ode to natureThe wildest of the Golden Islands
Port-Cros is the wildest and most unspoilt of the Îles d’Or. With its 700 hectares, it is the heart of Europe’s first national marine park, created in 1963. Here, no cars, not even bicycles: just calm and serenity. It can be explored on foot, on marked trails. A Robinson Crusoe for a day, you’ll be surrounded by arbutus and rockrose trees, to the sound of cicadas. For more in-depth exploration of the underwater flora and fauna of Port-Cros, diving is a must, especially on the Palud trail, a 45-minute walk from the pier.
5 good reasons to visit Port-Cros
- Hiking in the heart of a national park amid exceptional biodiversity
- Diving in France’s first marine park
- Enjoy the timeless ambience of the port’s restaurants
- Admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the evening
- Choose between writers’ trails, forts or ridges
Hiking in Port-Cros
Sometimes overlooking the sea, sometimes leading into the heart of the island, the various trails take you to the natural and cultural riches of Port-Cros (map on sale at the Maison du Parc on the island or in our store). A few wild valleys, few plains, a rocky coastline of varying steepness: hiking in Port-Cros is quite sporty. During the summer months, be sure to check for fire hazards before visiting the island.
Dive into the heart of a national park
Below and above the sea surface, the park is home to an extremely rich ecosystem. The seabed is teeming with life, with an astonishing biodiversity where colorful fish, coral and marine plants coexist harmoniously. Divers swim through the wrecks that dot the seabed. On land, hiking trails wind through wild landscapes, offering visitors the opportunity to admire a varied endemic flora, including rare and protected species. Birdwatchers can also observe the many species of migratory birds that stop over on the island.
Fragile nature
During the summer months, for everyone’s safety, the forests on Port-Cros Island may be closed to the public. Before visiting the island, please consult the fire risk warning map. This map provides information on access to forest areas and forest fire danger levels.
When the risk level is red, only one path is open in Port-Cros (towards the south beach). When the risk level is red-extreme, all trails on the island are closed.
Our advice
Crossings to Port-Cros take place all year round from the port of Hyères (Port Saint-Pierre) with the shipping company TLV-TVM. You embark next to the harbor master’s office, on the main quay, for a crossing of around 1 hour. Free parking is available (quai des pêcheurs, parking de l’hippodrome, parking Arromanches). You can also choose to travel to Port-Cros from other towns along the Var coast.
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