Mediterranean dream destinations: Porquerolles – the tranquil island off the Riviera
Jill Grigoleit
· 26.06.2026
Time seems to have stood still on the Iles d’Hyères. Whilst a few kilometres away, around Cannes and Nice, blocks of flats have sprung up, these isles – also known as the Iles d’Or, or ‘Golden Islands’ – have retained their original character. When the last day-trippers board the ferries back to the Côte d’Azur in the evening, a heavenly tranquillity descends.
- Name: Porquerolles
- Location: South-east of Toulon
- Position: 43° 00' N, 06° 12' E
- Distance from the mainland: around three nautical miles to the Giens Peninsula
For visiting boat owners
Even the approach to Porquerolles is an experience in itself: the turquoise waters, the wooded slopes and the pale beaches give the impression of a Caribbean island rather than a destination on the busy Côte d'Azur.
The Port de Porquerolles On the north side lies the island’s only harbour. The harbour entrance is marked by eleven lateral buoys, two of which are illuminated. During the season, it is one of the most sought-after destinations on the French Mediterranean coast. Anyone looking for a berth during the summer months should therefore arrive as early in the day as possible or, ideally, book in advance between 1 January and 28 February. The marina offers water and electricity connections, toilet facilities and shopping facilities in the immediate vicinity.
Alternatively, if conditions are suitable, you can drop anchor in some of the bays along the north coast. The gently curving Baie de Notre-Dame, with its light-coloured sand and exceptionally clear water, is particularly popular. However, the island forms part of the Port-Cros National Park. The protection of the Posidonia seagrass meadows is a top priority. Anchoring is only permitted on sandy seabeds or at mooring buoys.
Shore excursions and activities
At the heart of the island lies the small village of Porquerolles, just a few minutes’ walk from the harbour. Shady squares, cafés, bakeries and small shops characterise the scene. The island is virtually car-free, so hiring bikes right by the harbour is very popular. A network of paths winds through pine forests and vineyards, leading to viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean. Excursions to the lighthouses and historic fortifications – which were once built to protect access to the French Mediterranean coast – are particularly worthwhile.
One of the most beautiful destinations is Plage Notre-Dame on the north-east coast. This fine sandy beach is lined with pine and eucalyptus trees and is regularly ranked among the most attractive beaches in Europe. Also well worth a visit are Plage d’Argent and the wilder south coast with its rocks and cliffs. The island also has plenty to offer underwater. The surrounding sea forms part of the Port-Cros National Park and is one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the western Mediterranean. Snorkellers and divers frequently encounter large schools of fish and a surprisingly intact underwater world here.
Did you know?
In 1912, the Belgian engineer Jean-François-Joseph Fournier bought the island and gave it to his wife Sylvia, who was 30 years his junior, as a wedding present, after he had made his fortune by discovering gold and silver mines in Mexico. After the state bought the island back from his daughters in 1971, it was placed under the protection of the Port-Cros National Park and the State Institute of Marine Botany. It is probably thanks to this extraordinary history that the island has managed to retain its original charm despite the large numbers of tourists.
More articles from our ‘Mediterranean Dream Destinations’ series:
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
