Porquerolles island is located offshore along the French Mediterranean coast, less than 2 nautical miles southeast of the Giens Peninsula. Porquerolles island is part of the « Golden islands » along with the islands of Port-Cros and Le Levant, both located to the east of Porquerolles.

Porquerolles island marks the southernmost point of the Provençal coast, and with an area of over 3,000 acres, it is the largest of the three « Golden islands ».

Porquerolles island has a crescent shape with highly indented contours, oriented from west to east and facing the mainland. The mainland-facing side is more sheltered and offers beautiful fine-sand beaches at the end of large bays, while the side facing the open sea is rocky, steep, and rugged, with coves and inlets.

Upon arrival on Porquerolles Island, the harbor welcomes you in the heart of the island and at the gateway to the village. The village concentrates all island life, with its shaded main square and local shops. It is also the starting point for many hiking and cycling trails.

Bordered by pine and eucalyptus trees, sometimes steep or rugged, running along beaches or cliffs, the hiking trails take you across Porquerolles Island through its abundant and ever-present Mediterranean vegetation. Much of the island’s natural areas are part of the Port-Cros National Park and are protected.

Heading northeast, the hiking trail runs along several sheltered sandy beaches nestled at the end of bays with clear, sometimes turquoise waters. Just outside the village, the large Courtade Beach appears first, followed by Alycastre Beach, and finally Notre-Dame Beach with its turquoise waters, a true tropical paradise feeling !

The trail eventually leaves the coastline and beaches, then begins to climb, leading you to the tops of rocky cliffs overlooking the sea in the northeast.

At the far northeast lies Cap des Mèdes with its ancient military ruins and a series of rocky outcrops extending into the sea: the Deux Frères rocks. Cap des Mèdes offers a magnificent panoramic view, with a diving site below where diving boats are anchored.

Porquerolles island is full of scuba diving sites, and its proximity to the Port-Cros National Park further extends the diving areas, where marine life is rich and abundant. From beginners to experienced divers, everyone will find something suited to their level !

Porquerolles island is also popular among wreck diving enthusiasts. Head east of the island, not far from the coast, where two well-preserved wrecks lie at a depth of about 165 feet: the Donator and the Grec. Needless to say, these deep dives are not for everyone, especially when currents are strong !

You can reach Porquerolles island from the Giens Peninsula at a place called La Tour Fondue. The pier is located at the very tip of the peninsula, close to the remains of an old fortress. This is the shortest crossing point, but on the downside, parking can be difficult during peak season !

Other ferry connections are also available along the Var coastline, departing from towns such as Toulon, Hyères, La Londe-les-Maures, Le Lavandou, Cavalaire, Saint-Tropez, or Sainte-Maxime: you are spoiled for choice !