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Between pine forests, pebbles and ochre rocks, the Côte Vermeille shelters a string of wild bays. They stretch from southern Argelès to the Spanish border. Some can be reached on foot via the coastal path, others hide at the end of valleys. Our campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer, 1.5 km from the beach, serves as an ideal base for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Here are 6 coves in Argelès-sur-Mer and surroundings, with practical information to plan your day.
Plage de l’Ouille: the little harbor at the end of the path
On the border between Argelès and Collioure, l’Ouille lines up round pebbles and transparent waters. Access is on foot via the coastal path in about 30 minutes. This cove in Argelès-sur-Mer is not supervised, but swimming remains very popular. The submerged rocks offer beautiful sightings of salema and wrasse, in crystal-clear water well sheltered from the wind.
Visitor favorite: swimming at sunset, when the light grazes the Albères.
Practical info :
- Access point: coastal path from Le Racou
- Type: pebbles and rocks.
- Difficulty: easy 30-minute walk, water shoes recommended.
- Snorkeling: classic Mediterranean fauna.
Porteils coves: the secluded escape
Listed by the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Porteils coves string together small pebble inlets, rocks and pines. The descent is via a path from the upper parking lot, in 10 minutes. The site welcomes snorkeling, kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts in summer. Caution: access to the foot of the cliffs remains prohibited due to rockfall.
Visitor favorite: the silence of waves on the rocks, far from the noise of the central beaches.
Practical info :
- Access point: small parking lot near the Criques de Porteils campsite, then descent on foot.
- Type: pebbles and rocks.
- Difficulty: short but steep path, closed-toe shoes recommended.
- Snorkeling: surface only.
- Caution: access to the foot of the cliffs prohibited (rockfall).
Le Racou and its small rocky coves
Le Racou, in Catalan “the nook,” closes off Argelès to the south against the Albères. The hamlet of white houses opens onto a sandy beach and small rocky coves. These coves in Argelès-sur-Mer can be reached on foot by crossing the rocks. Cafés and waterfront terraces complete the picture.
Visitor favorite: aperitif on the terrace facing the colorful boats, a very real postcard.
Practical info :
- Access point: Le Racou, southern Argelès-sur-Mer, on foot from the hamlet parking lot.
- Type: sand then rocks.
- Difficulty: very easy sand access, rocky coves with water shoes.
- Snorkeling: possible around the submerged blocks.
- Services: cafés, restaurants and shops on site.
Anse Saint-Vincent in Collioure: the cove in the shadow of the castle
In Collioure, Anse Saint-Vincent slips behind the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, at the end of a jetty. Sand, fine gravel and a view of the medieval castle compose a landmark setting of the Côte Vermeille. The beach, more intimate than the Faubourg beach, offers wheelchair access. Ideal for a swimming break during a village visit, 8 km from Argelès.
Visitor favorite: swimming at the foot of the royal castle, just 8 km south of the campsite.
Practical info :
- Access point: on foot behind the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, Collioure.
- Type: sand and fine gravel.
- Difficulty: easy access, wheelchair accessible.
- Snorkeling: for experienced swimmers only.
- Services: supervised swimming in summer, restaurants and shops nearby.
Anse Bernardi in Paulilles: pines down to the sea
Within the listed site of Anse de Paulilles in Port-Vendres, Bernardi opens its ribbon of pebbles and sand in the shade of the pines. Busy in summer, it attracts snorkeling enthusiasts thanks to its rocky areas close to the shore. Restrooms, drinking water and a seasonal snack bar complete the facilities.
Visitor favorite: the shade of the umbrella pines just behind the beach, a lifesaver in the middle of the afternoon.
Practical info :
- Access point: free parking at Anse de Paulilles, RD 914 between Port-Vendres and Banyuls.
- Type: pebbles and sandy areas.
- Difficulty: flat access from the parking lot, 5 minutes.
- Services: restrooms, water and snack bar in season. Dogs prohibited year-round.
Anse de Fourat in Paulilles: the wildest in the listed site
At the southern end of the Paulilles site, Anse de Fourat remains the least accessible and least frequented. A 15 to 20-minute path from the parking lot crosses pines and rockroses before reaching it. Sand and more pronounced rocks make it a true corner of preserved nature. Bring a picnic, water and suitable shoes, as services remain at the central parking lot.
Visitor favorite: the feeling of arriving alone in the world after the short walk in the shade of the pines.
Practical info :
- Access point: free parking at Anse de Paulilles, then path to the south.
- Type: sand and rocks.
- Difficulty: 15 to 20-minute walk, closed-toe shoes recommended.
- Services: none on site, everything is at the central parking lot.
Where will you lay your towels this summer? Book your stay at our campsite to discover these coves from a 5-star pedestrian estate. 1.5 km from the sea, our team is happy to share their best routes by bike or on foot.