Le Lavandou invites you from its port to embark to discover an exceptional island; the island of Port-Cros. A natural heritage, the island of Port-Cros has been classified as a National Park since 1963. It is by disembarking on the wildest and hilliest of the 3 islands of Hyères, the island of Port-Cros, that the escape and the change of scenery will be immediate.
Port-Cros, National Park
It's a stone's throw from the Lavandou, which you can reach all year round from port of Lavandou, island of Port-Cros. It is a true haven of peace in the heart of Diawling Calanques. Located in the archipelago of islands of Hyères, this island preserved from Mediterranean offers you an escape into a natural paradise.
As soon as you set foot on theisland of Port-Cros, you are under the spell. The island has managed to retain all its beauty and authenticity. THE Natural Heritage is carefully preserved there. Which offers visitors a spectacle of biodiversity exceptional.
The island of Port-Cros and its small South Sea port is a wonderland of green and blue, where the forest ends at the sea.
Nature & hiking lovers
The island of Port-Cros offers 30 km of trails, marked walks, lasting from 30 minutes to 7 hours. Natural heritage, National Park, it is therefore a protected space for the well-being of all. No car or bike. Here the smells of the maquis and the song of the cicadas immediately enchant you.
The underwater world
You know one of the greatest pleasures of Port-Cros ? Swim with the fish in emerald water. Lovers of diving find a true paradise here submarine. The marine nature reserve that surrounds the island is a true sanctuary for a multitude of marine species. Of many species of fish are there during your diving; barracuda, pomfret, capon, conger eel, corb, denti, gilthead sea bream, wrasse, wolf, moray eel, grouper, sunfish, scorpionfish, red mullet, John Dory, Sar, Saupe, Serran, amberjack… but also marine invertebrates, such as octopus, anemone, spider, starfish... in these preserved waters. This is when this dive offers you an unforgettable experience.
Bring a mask and snorkel. THE underwater trail for the Palud beach which is located approximately 30 minutes from the port accessible by the Estissac trail. This underwater trail guides you through theobservation of underwater fauna and flora. Located between the Palud beach and Rascas islet, the trail is divided into six stages. Each step is an opportunity to observe a type of environment submarine different, with its fauna and flora. At each panel, the visitor finds explanations about who are the hosts he meets in these seabed beautiful and so fragile.
Accessible by boat from Le Lavandou or Hyères,the island of Port-Cros awaits you for an unforgettable getaway in the heart of a preserved nature. That you are hiking enthusiast, diving enthusiast or simply in search of calm and serenity, this Paradise Island is an invitation to discovery, contemplation and rejuvenation.
How to reach the island of Port-Cros
Port-Cros is 30 minutes by boat from Port Lavandou. Shuttles take you all year round. It’s the Compagnie des Vedettes Iles d’Or
Crossings to the islands of Port-Cros and Levant – Vedettes îles d’Or and Le Corsaire
How to get around the island of Port-Cros?
The island of Port-Cros can only be explored on foot. No cars, no bikes here. The paths are also not passable with a stroller.
Where to swim on the island of Port-Cros?
3 small beaches allow you to swim:
- South Beach located 30 minutes from the village
- Palud beach, located 40 minutes from the village
- Port-Man beach located 1h30 from the village
Where to eat in Port-Cros?
Also bring sufficient water and food before venturing to this island. Because outside the village when you arrive by boat, you will find neither restaurant nor bar.
Discover the list of restaurants on Port-Cros:
Important information before my departure
Attention! The island of Port-Cros is protected by special regulations.
Be sure to respect it. For more information www.portcrosparcnational.fr
Maison du Parc- Harbor office at: 04.94.01.40.70
- Prohibition on making fires and smoking outside the village
- Camping prohibited, bivouac prohibited
- Ban on throwing your waste into nature
- Dogs allowed on a leash in the village and up to the dam (between Fort du Moulin and the St Joseph statue), kept on a leash, but prohibited on the beaches and other trails
- Harvesting prohibited in order to preserve biological diversity
- No recreational fishing to protect marine flora and fauna.
- Hunting is prohibited
- Prohibition on leaving marked trails and adapted paths
- Prohibition on creating noise pollution to preserve the character of the place
- Ban on drone flights to preserve the peace of wildlife.
Our practical advice
- Check if you come in high season, if the trails are open. This carte real-time fire risk in the Var and Port-Cros is updated every day.
- You will only find restaurants and snacks when you arrive by boat, at the village – port.
- So bring something to drink and eat before hitting the trails.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen
- There is no ATM on the island. Plan to withdraw before you leave.
- Also equip yourself with good, suitable hiking shoes (no flip-flops or dress shoes).
- The paths are often stony and steep
- Bicycles, scooters etc. are prohibited on the island.
- Bring a baby carrier because the trails are not suitable for strollers.
- Don’t forget your masks & snorkels for diving 😉
