
Calanque de Port d'Alon
A picturesque, narrow inlet with dramatic cliffs, offering turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, and cliffside hiking.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters.

Calanque de Port d'Alon
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, narrow inlet with dramatic cliffs, offering turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, and cliffside hiking.
"Beautiful spot with hiking on the side but often crowded with people eating and paddling."

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is stony and paths can be uneven. Essential for comfort and safety, even for swimming.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the cheaper upper parking and enjoy a short walk down. Moto parking is often free.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turquoise Waters
Calanque de Port d'Alon
Crystal-clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

Coastal Hiking Trail
Sentier du littoral
Scenic cliffside hiking with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and hidden coves.

Grotte de Port d'Alon
Near the calanque
A natural sea cave where the sea and rock create a harmonious, magical spectacle.

Water Sports
Calanque de Port d'Alon
Ideal spot for paddleboarding and exploring the calanques from the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is stony and paths can be uneven. Essential for comfort and safety, even for swimming.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the cheaper upper parking and enjoy a short walk down. Moto parking is often free.
🏊♀️ Cold Water Surprise
Expect surprisingly cold water even in August; it's a common feature of the South Coast.
🤿 Snorkeling Potential
The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The beach is stony and paths can be uneven. Essential for comfort and safety, even for swimming.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the cheaper upper parking and enjoy a short walk down. Moto parking is often free.
🏊♀️ Cold Water Surprise
Expect surprisingly cold water even in August; it's a common feature of the South Coast.
🤿 Snorkeling Potential
The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting marine life.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
The Sentier du littoral offers stunning coastal views and leads to other coves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Calanque de Port d'Alon for its stunning turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. The natural beauty is a major draw, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploration. However, the stony beach can be uncomfortable, and the water is notably cold even in summer. Parking fees and crowds, especially in peak season, are common considerations.
"Very nice place. There is a nice path for walk , small restaurant, wc.
Entrance to parking:5 euro for far parking and you will need to go gown around 300 m. It is ok, but difficult when after swimming you go back. And 10 euro close to entrance to beach. However, for moto it is free, so I just enjoyed parking close to Entrance to beach:)
There are some trees, so you could get nice place in the shadow. The beginning is not so deep, so nice for children. The surface is in small stones, so use proper shoes also for swimming"
Егор Марушин
"We visited this beach early in the morning on a windy day but of course here you are protecting by cliffs and forest so you are safe.Payed parking (I think 10 euro per day ),toilets, showers and probably a restaurant near by.
From here you can access the beach’s near by.The views are spectacular.🥰🙏
P.S. If somebody looking for his missing sock 🧦 is here, mate.(Big foot)😍😂"
Antonio Salcudean
"Beautiful spot with hiking on the side but often crowded with people eating and paddling"
Enjoy life
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calanque de Port d'Alon is located between Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Bandol. You can access it via the Sentier du littoral hiking trail or by car, though parking can be a challenge and involves fees.
While specific public transport routes directly to the calanque might be limited, local buses can get you to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer or Bandol, from where you can hike or arrange local transport. It's best to check local transport schedules in advance.
There are different parking options with varying fees. The lower parking is closer to the beach but more expensive (around 10 euros), while the upper parking is cheaper (around 5 euros) but requires a 300m walk downhill.
You can drive to the vicinity of the calanque, but parking is managed and has associated costs. Direct access to the beach itself is usually on foot from the parking areas.
The Sentier du littoral offers varied terrain. Some sections can be technical with rocky paths and inclines, making it a moderate hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance tickets for the calanque itself, but parking fees apply if you arrive by car.
Parking fees can range from around 4-5 euros for upper parking to 8-10 euros for closer spots near the beach. Motorcycle parking is often free.
The calanque is a natural area and is generally accessible at all times. However, parking facilities may have operating hours. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, swimming and accessing the beach at Calanque de Port d'Alon are free. The costs are primarily associated with parking.
Advance booking for parking is typically not available. It's a first-come, first-served system, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing on the stony beach, and hiking along the Sentier du littoral. Paddleboarding is also popular here.
The beginning of the water is not very deep, making it suitable for children. However, the beach is stony, so proper footwear is recommended for everyone.
Facilities often include toilets, showers, and sometimes a small restaurant or snack bar.
The beach at Calanque de Port d'Alon is stony, not sandy. This is why wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended.
Yes, the clear waters offer good visibility for snorkeling, and visitors have reported seeing marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is usually a small restaurant or snack bar available near the beach, offering refreshments and light meals.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option, especially if you plan to spend a full day. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep the calanque clean.
The offerings at the local eatery are typically casual, focusing on snacks, drinks, and perhaps simple dishes suitable for a beachside location.
You'll likely need to stock up on picnic supplies in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer or Bandol before heading to the calanque, as amenities directly at the beach are limited.
Some areas near the beach have trees providing natural shade, which can be ideal for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliffs, the turquoise water, the Grotte de Port d'Alon, and panoramic views from the Sentier du littoral.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides beautiful golden hour hues on the landscape.
Drone regulations can vary and are often restricted in natural parks and coastal areas. It's crucial to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
Absolutely! The Sentier du littoral provides numerous vantage points for stunning photography of the calanques and the Mediterranean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🌊 Water Sports Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sentier du Littoral
Be prepared for varied terrain, including rocky paths, uneven surfaces, and some inclines. While the full hike can take between 3 to 5 hours, you can also opt for shorter sections to enjoy the views. Many visitors use this trail for trail running, appreciating the challenging and scenic routes. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Water Activities and Swimming
For a different perspective, paddleboarding is a popular activity here. Gliding over the transparent, azure water allows you to explore the calanque and its surroundings from a unique vantage point. Some visitors even explore the nearby Grotte de Port d'Alon by boat or kayak, marveling at the natural interplay of sea and rock. While the water can be surprisingly cold even in August, its pristine quality makes it a refreshing escape.
Navigating Parking and Access
It's important to note that the beach itself is stony, not sandy, which can be uncomfortable for extended lounging. Wearing sturdy shoes is highly recommended, not just for walking to and from the beach but also for navigating the pebbles. While the calanque is beautiful, it can get crowded, especially during peak season like August. Visiting early in the morning is often advised to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit