Calanque de Port d'Alon
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Calanque de Port d'Alon

4.5
·4k reviews·Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, France

A picturesque, narrow inlet with dramatic cliffs, offering turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, and cliffside hiking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters.

CrowdLow
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Calanque de Port d'Alon

Calanque de Port d'Alon

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque, narrow inlet with dramatic cliffs, offering turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, and cliffside hiking.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"Beautiful spot with hiking on the side but often crowded with people eating and paddling."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turquoise Waters

Turquoise Waters

Calanque de Port d'Alon

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

Coastal Hiking Trail

Coastal Hiking Trail

Sentier du littoral

Scenic cliffside hiking with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and hidden coves.

Grotte de Port d'Alon

Grotte de Port d'Alon

Near the calanque

A natural sea cave where the sea and rock create a harmonious, magical spectacle.

Water Sports

Water Sports

Calanque de Port d'Alon

Ideal spot for paddleboarding and exploring the calanques from the water.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking fees vary, with closer spots costing more. Consider the walk from the cheaper upper parking, especially after swimming. Moto parking is often free. Proper footwear is recommended for the stony beach and paths.

Best Time for Tranquility

While beautiful, Port d'Alon can get crowded, especially in August. Visiting early morning or during shoulder seasons can offer a more peaceful experience. The cliffs provide some protection from wind.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters.
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on the cliffs.
Crowd
Medium
When
Shoulder seasons (Spring/Fall)
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer visitors.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍SAINT-CYR-SUR-MER Calanque de Port d’Alon / Sentier du littoral direction Bandol. Entre falaises, criques secrètes et eau turquoise, la balade vaut vraiment le détour ! Promis, vous ne serez pas déçus. 🅿️ Port d’Alon 🥾8 km 🕦 2h30 #paca #southoffrance #provence #marseille #marseilletourisme #bouchesdurhone #bandol #sentierdulittoral #visitpaca #pacatourisme #stcyrsurmer #saintcyrsurmer #por...
quefairepaca
782 likes • 30.8K views

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The beach is stony and paths can be uneven. Essential for comfort and safety, even for swimming. Reddit

🚗 Parking Strategy

Opt for the cheaper upper parking and enjoy a short walk down. Moto parking is often free. Reddit

Petite pause du côté de la calanque du Port d’Alon entre St Cyr sur Mer et Bandol📍🇫🇷 Ça donne envie d’y être non ? 🥰 📽 Merci pour cette vidéo pépite @une_fille_du_soleil 🙏💙 #lespepitesdefrance #pepitesdefrance #france🇫🇷 #france #francetourisme #voyagefrance #suddelafrance #sud #calanqueduportdalon #stcyrsurmer #stcyr #sud #suddelafrance #suddelafrance☀️😍 #southoffrance
lespepitesdefrance
9.9K likes • 353.9K views
💙 Ma crique préférée du sud de la france : Calanque de rowan, port d'alon, à Saint Cyr sur Mer. 🌊 Très calme, même en plein août, car moins facilement accessible que le autres, elle dévoile ses eaux turquoises apres un petit chemin escarpé, surplombé par des falaises aiguisées. .#cotedazur #marseille #dolcevita #france #french #pool #piscine #suddelafrance #lesud #mediterraneanvibe #beach #beach...
amediterraneanvibe
14 likes • 235 views

🏊‍♀️ Cold Water Surprise

Expect surprisingly cold water even in August; it's a common feature of the South Coast. Reddit

🤿 Snorkeling Potential

The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting marine life. Reddit

Sortie trail pleine d'embruns 🌊 Sentier du littoral, calanque de Port d'Alon, Var (83). Un superbe terrain de jeu pour les #cascadia17 de @brooksrunningfr 🤩 Des sentiers cassants, des dalles de calcaire inclinées et des passages techniques. Un beau programme pour libérer son côté animal 🐐! Et encore un superbe ressenti sur ces #cascadia17 qui passe vraiment partout grâce au trail adapt et leurs p...
ugo_kohlanta
654 likes • 41K views

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. Reddit

🚗 Parking Strategy

Opt for the cheaper upper parking and enjoy a short walk down. Moto parking is often free. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Cold Water Surprise

Expect surprisingly cold water even in August; it's a common feature of the South Coast. Reddit

🤿 Snorkeling Potential

The clear waters offer good visibility for spotting marine life. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

The Sentier du littoral offers stunning coastal views and leads to other coves. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

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

Beautiful turquoise water
Spectacular cliff views
Scenic hiking trails

What People Dislike

Stony, uncomfortable beach
Cold water in summer
Parking fees and crowds

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Sentier du littoral offers varied terrain. Some sections can be technical with rocky paths and inclines, making it a moderate hike. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no entrance tickets for the calanque itself, but parking fees apply if you arrive by car. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

No, swimming and accessing the beach at Calanque de Port d'Alon are free. The costs are primarily associated with parking. Reddit

Advance booking for parking is typically not available. It's a first-come, first-served system, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing on the stony beach, and hiking along the Sentier du littoral. Paddleboarding is also popular here. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Facilities often include toilets, showers, and sometimes a small restaurant or snack bar. Reddit

The beach at Calanque de Port d'Alon is stony, not sandy. This is why wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, the clear waters offer good visibility for snorkeling, and visitors have reported seeing marine life. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is usually a small restaurant or snack bar available near the beach, offering refreshments and light meals. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Some areas near the beach have trees providing natural shade, which can be ideal for a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic cliffs, the turquoise water, the Grotte de Port d'Alon, and panoramic views from the Sentier du littoral. Instagram+1

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides beautiful golden hour hues on the landscape. Instagram

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. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities. Instagram

Absolutely! The Sentier du littoral provides numerous vantage points for stunning photography of the calanques and the Mediterranean. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Calanque de Port d'Alon offers a family-friendly environment with its shallow entry into the water, making it safe for younger children to splash around. Reddit The stony beach requires sturdy footwear for everyone, so consider water shoes for the kids. Reddit While there are facilities like toilets and showers, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea, as the on-site restaurant is typically casual. Reddit The hiking trails offer opportunities for short, scenic walks, but keep an eye on little ones due to the uneven terrain. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

The Sentier du littoral is the main attraction for hikers, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience with stunning Mediterranean vistas. Instagram The rugged terrain and coastal paths provide an excellent workout and ample opportunities for nature photography. Instagram Be prepared for sun exposure and bring plenty of water. Reddit The calanque itself is a beautiful reward after a hike, offering a place to cool off in the clear waters. Instagram

🌊 Water Sports Adventurers

For those who love being on the water, Port d'Alon is a prime spot for paddleboarding and exploring the coastline. Instagram The calm, clear waters are perfect for a leisurely paddle, and you can even venture towards the nearby Grotte de Port d'Alon. Instagram While not explicitly mentioned for other water sports, the sheltered nature of the calanque suggests potential for kayaking and swimming. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Sentier du Littoral

The Sentier du littoral (coastal path) is a major draw for visitors to Calanque de Port d'Alon. This scenic hiking route connects Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to Bandol, offering approximately 12 kilometers of breathtaking coastal scenery. Instagram The trail winds through Mediterranean vegetation, past dramatic limestone cliffs, and reveals hidden coves and spectacular sea views. It's a fantastic way to experience the rugged beauty of the Var coastline. Instagram+1

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. Instagram Many visitors use this trail for trail running, appreciating the challenging and scenic routes. Instagram Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Water Activities and Swimming

Calanque de Port d'Alon is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and cooling off. Instagram Despite the stony nature of the beach, the water clarity is exceptional, offering good visibility for those interested in snorkeling. Reddit Visitors often report seeing marine life, adding to the underwater experience. Reddit

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. Instagram Some visitors even explore the nearby Grotte de Port d'Alon by boat or kayak, marveling at the natural interplay of sea and rock. Instagram While the water can be surprisingly cold even in August, its pristine quality makes it a refreshing escape. Reddit

Navigating Parking and Access

Accessing Calanque de Port d'Alon involves some practical considerations, particularly regarding parking. Reddit There are typically two main parking options: a more expensive, closer lot (around 10 euros) and a cheaper, upper lot (around 5 euros) that requires a walk of about 300 meters downhill to the beach. Reddit For motorcyclists, parking is often free. Reddit

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. Reddit While the calanque is beautiful, it can get crowded, especially during peak season like August. Instagram Visiting early in the morning is often advised to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. Reddit

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