Anse de Paulilles
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Anse de Paulilles

4.6
·3k reviews·Port-Vendres, France

A protected Natura 2000 site, Anse de Paulilles offers clear Mediterranean waters, scenic coastal paths, and a unique industrial heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful atmosphere, warm waters

CrowdLow
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Anse de Paulilles

Anse de Paulilles

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful atmosphere, warm waters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A protected Natura 2000 site, Anse de Paulilles offers clear Mediterranean waters, scenic coastal paths, and a unique industrial heritage.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"Lovely beach protected by the surrounding cliffs, definitely worth visiting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot in the large parking lot by arriving early, especially in peak season.

🤿 Snorkeling Paradise

Bring your gear for excellent snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Anse de Paulilles beach

Dive into warm, clear Mediterranean waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Coastal Path Adventures

Coastal Path Adventures

Sentier du littoral

Hike scenic trails offering breathtaking views of coves, vineyards, and the sea.

Industrial Heritage

Industrial Heritage

Former dynamite factory

Discover the unique history of this protected Natura 2000 site.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

Arrive early in the morning to experience the Anse de Paulilles at its most peaceful. As the day progresses, especially during summer afternoons, this beautiful beach can get quite busy with families. Securing a parking spot also requires an early start during peak season.

Explore Beyond the Sand

While the beach is a major draw, don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding coastal paths. Walks to Cap Bear offer stunning views, and the area boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage, including a former dynamite factory.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere, warm waters
Crowd
Low
When
Early summer afternoons
Why
Warm sea, lively vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Late summer afternoons
Why
Quieter, golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Petite escapade sur la plage de #anse des #paulilles à #portvendres #pyreneesorientales #66 #cotevermeille #paiscatala #catalogne #catalunya #summer #été #verano #estate #2022 #douctourlove
otmaneh
4 likes • 304 views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot in the large parking lot by arriving early, especially in peak season. Reddit

🤿 Snorkeling Paradise

Bring your gear for excellent snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters. Reddit

Interdiction de baignade dans l'Anse de Paulilles
amies_posidonies
39 likes • 1.7K views
Cet été viens découvrir UCPA Saint-Cyprien 😍☀️ 📍 Au sud-est de Perpignan, l’Anse de Anse de Paulilles est un site protégé Natura 2000 de la Côte Vermeille 🛶 Au programme tennis, padel, paddle, golf, randonnée, kayak de mer et plein d’autres activités ! ❤️‍🔥 Un hébergement entre mer et montagne, à 10 minutes à pied de la mer, piscine. ➡️ Pour voir les séjours, RDV en bio ! #ucpa #sport #saintcyp...
ucpa
371 likes • 22.5K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for exploring the coastal paths and the walk down to the beach. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The Mediterranean sun is strong; pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Instagram

Réveil à Paulilles, au mouillage. Le soleil, le silence, les falaises… et nous . À bord de OUALAOUTI, chaque matin est un instant suspendu. 🌊 Suivez nos aventures en mer, entre liberté, paysages sauvages et vie à bord. 📍 Lieu : Anse de Paulilles, Côte Vermeille #voyageenfamille #boatlife #bateau #vieenmer #oualaouti #matins #catamaran #bateauaventure #bateau #sailing #aventureenmer #ocea...
oualaouti.sailing
54 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot in the large parking lot by arriving early, especially in peak season. Reddit

🤿 Snorkeling Paradise

Bring your gear for excellent snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for exploring the coastal paths and the walk down to the beach. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The Mediterranean sun is strong; pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Check Swim Advisories

Be aware of any swimming restrictions, as they can occur. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Anse de Paulilles' beautiful, clear, and warm Mediterranean waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding coastal paths offer stunning views, and the beach is noted as family-friendly with good amenities. While parking can be challenging during peak times, the overall experience is highly positive, blending natural beauty with a touch of industrial history.

"Lovely beach, opens at 9am and closes at 8pm in the summer. Really quiet early in the morning, gets quite busy in the day as more and more families arrive. Super clear water and feels warm in the summer (compared to the UK!). Cafes are nice and staff are friendly. We did a great walk early on before it got too hot across Barnardi beach and to the light house at Cap Bear. Walked along the cliff path on the way there, which was steep and tricky in places and discovered a much easier path on the way home, slightly inland. We had a really lovely day and would definitely go back."

Purple Armadillo

"Accessibility is well-managed, with a large parking lot at the top of the hill (arrive early in peak season to secure a spot or you will have to spent a couple of minutes looking for a spot) and a scenic 10-minute walk down to the shore . The beach is family-friendly, with amenities like restrooms, showers.
It gets busy during summer afternoons, mornings offer a peaceful atmosphere."

J.Manuel Cruz Cisneros

"Lovely little beach protected by the surrounding cliffs."

Maria Edebrink

What People Like

Clear, warm waters
Beautiful coastal walks
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Busy in summer afternoons
Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Anse de Paulilles is located near Port-Vendres in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It's accessible by car, with a large parking lot available at the top of the hill. A scenic 10-minute walk leads down to the shore. Reddit

While specific bus routes can vary, it's generally recommended to check local transport schedules for buses serving Port-Vendres or nearby areas, from which you can potentially walk or take a short taxi ride. Instagram

There's a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

Yes, Anse de Paulilles is a popular spot for anchoring boats, offering a serene experience away from the shore. Instagram

Absolutely! Anse de Paulilles is a beautiful Mediterranean coast destination not far from Perpignan, making it an ideal day trip. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Anse de Paulilles is a natural beach and protected site, so there are generally no entry fees required to access the beach itself. Instagram

During the summer, the beach typically opens around 9 am and closes at 8 pm. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal variations. Reddit

Information regarding specific entry fees for the small industrial museum located at the former dynamite factory should be checked on-site or with local tourism offices. [^description]

While generally open, there can be temporary swimming bans due to water quality or other safety concerns. It's wise to be aware of local advisories. Instagram

The beach is accessible year-round, but amenities and the pleasantness of the experience are best enjoyed during the warmer months. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and hiking the coastal trails. The area also has a rich cultural heritage. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a family-friendly beach with clear, warm waters and amenities like restrooms and showers. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy snorkeling around the rocky areas and between the two swim spots, exploring the underwater marine life. Reddit

Yes, essential amenities like restrooms and showers are available for visitors. Reddit

The Anse de Paulilles is a protected Natura 2000 site and was historically the location of a dynamite factory, adding a unique industrial heritage aspect. [^description]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes located at the beach that offer nice food and friendly service. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed at beaches, so bringing your own food and drinks is a great option, especially if you want to save money. Instagram

The cafes offer a pleasant dining experience, with visitors noting friendly staff and good food options. Reddit

The surrounding area, including Port-Vendres and Collioure, offers a good range of dining options from casual to more formal. Reddit

Barbecues are often restricted on beaches for safety and environmental reasons. It's best to check local regulations before planning one. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues. InstagramReddit

The clear waters, the rocky headlands, the coastal trails with sea views, and the historic industrial buildings all offer great photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage is often regulated in protected natural areas and near populated beaches. Always check local drone laws and obtain necessary permissions before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for underwater shots. Instagram

The coastal path leading towards Cap Bear offers elevated viewpoints overlooking the bay and surrounding coastline. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Anse de Paulilles is a fantastic choice for families. The clear, warm waters are inviting for children to swim and play in, and the beach is generally family-friendly with amenities like restrooms and showers available. Reddit Arriving early is key to finding a good spot on the beach and securing parking, which makes the day much smoother with little ones. Reddit

Consider bringing sand toys and snorkeling gear for endless entertainment. The gentle slopes into the water are also a plus. While the coastal paths offer beautiful views, some can be steep, so stick to the more accessible routes with younger children. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Anse de Paulilles offers a wonderful, cost-effective beach experience. Access to the beach itself is free, and you can save money by packing your own picnic and drinks. Instagram The cafes are noted as being nice, but a packed lunch allows for more flexibility and savings. Reddit

Parking is also free, though arriving early is crucial during peak times to avoid stress. The main activities – swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the coastal paths – are all free of charge, making it an ideal destination for those watching their budget. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a romantic escape, Anse de Paulilles offers serene mornings and beautiful sunsets. Enjoy peaceful walks along the coastal paths, hand-in-hand, taking in the breathtaking sea views. Instagram The clear waters are perfect for a shared swim or a relaxed snorkeling session. Instagram

Consider an early morning visit to enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive, or stay for the late afternoon to witness the golden hour light painting the landscape. Dining at one of the charming cafes or enjoying a private picnic with a view can make for a perfect day. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Coastal Trails

The Sentier du littoral (coastal path) around Anse de Paulilles offers spectacular hiking opportunities. Visitors can embark on walks that wind along the cliffs, revealing hidden coves and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. One popular route is the trail towards the lighthouse at Cap Bear, which provides stunning vistas. While some sections can be steep and tricky, there are also easier paths slightly inland that offer a more relaxed experience. InstagramReddit

These trails are perfect for those who want to combine beach relaxation with a bit of adventure. The diverse landscapes, from rocky shores to lush vegetation and vineyards, make each step a visual delight. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven. Instagram

For those seeking a more challenging trek, exploring further along the coast can lead to other beautiful, less crowded beaches. The combination of sea air, stunning scenery, and the feeling of discovery makes these walks a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

A Haven for Water Activities

Anse de Paulilles is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. The clear, warm Mediterranean waters are ideal for swimming, and the sheltered bay makes it a perfect spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. Many visitors enjoy gliding over the calm surface, taking in the scenic surroundings from a unique perspective. Instagram+1

Snorkeling is another highly recommended activity here. The rocky areas and the seabed teem with marine life, offering an engaging underwater experience for all ages. Bringing your own snorkeling gear is a must to fully explore the vibrant aquatic world. Reddit

For those arriving by boat, the Anse de Paulilles offers a peaceful anchorage. It's a place where you can wake up to the gentle lapping of waves and the stunning beauty of the coastline, truly embracing the boat life experience. Instagram

The Unique Industrial Heritage

Beyond its natural beauty, Anse de Paulilles holds a fascinating industrial past. The site was once home to a dynamite factory, and remnants of this history are still present, including a small industrial museum. This adds a layer of historical intrigue to the otherwise idyllic beach setting. [^description]

This heritage is part of what makes the Anse de Paulilles a protected Natura 2000 site, highlighting the importance of preserving both its natural environment and its historical significance. Visitors can learn about the area's past while enjoying its present-day tranquility. Instagram

Exploring this aspect of the Anse de Paulilles offers a different perspective on the area, blending natural beauty with a tangible connection to industrial history. It's a unique combination that sets this bay apart from more conventional beach destinations. [^description]

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