Beaches
Below is a selection of beaches near your apartment near Collioure:
- Collioure: Port d'Avall Beach, Boramar Beach, Saint-Vincent Beach, Balette Cove
- Between Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer: Paulilles Cove
- Argelès-sur-Mer: Racou Beach
- Between Collioure and Argelès-sur-Mer: Ouille Beach, Porteils Coves
- Banyuls-sur-Mer: Elmes Beach
Port d’Avall Beach in Collioure
Port d’Avall Beach, also known as Faubourg Beach, is the closest to your apartment. It’s generally wider and more comfortable than the other small beaches in the historic center.
It’s a great option for families, as it has a more seaside atmosphere, with a beautiful view of Collioure, the castle, the church, and the Saint-Vincent Chapel. The beach lets you enjoy the village while having a little more space.
It’s also conveniently located for walking to the narrow streets, restaurants, the Museum of Modern Art, or the trails leading to the mill and Fort Saint-Elme.
Boramar Beach in Collioure
Boramar Beach is one of Collioure’s most iconic beaches. Located right in the heart of the village, between the royal castle and the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, it offers one of the most beautiful settings for swimming in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
People come here not just to swim, but to enjoy the unique scenery: the colorful facades, the bell tower by the water’s edge, the Catalan rowboats, the castle, and the light over the bay. It’s a very photogenic beach, particularly beautiful early in the morning or at the end of the day.
In the summer, it gets very crowded, but it remains a must-see for anyone visiting Collioure for the first time.
Saint-Vincent Beach in Collioure
Just behind the Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church, Saint-Vincent Beach is another iconic beach in Collioure. Smaller and very centrally located, it offers a superb view of the bay, the Saint-Vincent Chapel, and the rugged coastline of the Côte Vermeille.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick dip while strolling through the village. It also lets you soak up Collioure’s seaside atmosphere, surrounded by rocks, clear waters, and historic landmarks.
Like Boramar, it gets very crowded during the high season. Its appeal lies mainly in its exceptional location and the area’s unique atmosphere.
La Balette Cove in Collioure
More secluded, La Balette Cove is located at the southern edge of Collioure, in a quieter area. It offers a different atmosphere from the beaches in the town center: less grand, but more intimate.
It’s a pleasant little beach for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Collioure. The rocky setting, the crystal-clear water, and its proximity to the coastal trail make it a lovely spot to stop.
It can be a good option for a more peaceful swim, especially outside of peak season.
Paulilles Cove, between Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer
Paulilles Cove is one of the most beautiful natural sites on the Côte Vermeille. Located between Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer, it combines beaches, coves, vineyards, pine trees, a former industrial brownfield site that has been redeveloped, and Mediterranean landscapes.
The area features several beaches, including Bernardi Beach, set in a particularly pleasant environment. The water is often crystal clear, the setting is more natural than in the city center, and visitors can combine swimming, walking, and exploring the area’s heritage.
Paulilles is an excellent option for a day at the beach from Collioure, Port-Vendres, or Banyuls. In the summer, the parking lot can fill up quickly—it’s best to arrive early.
Racou Beach in Argelès-sur-Mer
Racou Beach marks the transition between the wide, sandy beach of Argelès-sur-Mer and the rocky coastline of the Côte Vermeille. It’s a place like no other, with its smallhouses perched almost on the sand, its laid-back atmosphere, and its “end-of-the-world” setting.
Racou is ideal for those looking for an easily accessible, family-friendly, and lively beach, while still enjoying a more charming setting than the large urban beaches. You can swim there, walk with your feet in the water, explore the nearby rocky coves, or simply soak up the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
The Porteils Coves in Argelès-sur-Mer
Between Le Racou and Collioure, the Porteils coves offer a wilder side of the coastline. Nestled between rocks and cliffs, they offer a glimpse of the landscapes of the Côte Vermeille.
These small coves are particularly popular for their natural setting and clear waters. They’re less convenient than a large family-friendly beach, but much more appealing to those who prefer more secluded spots.
It’s also a great spot for snorkeling when the sea is calm. However, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution, as the access points can be quite rocky.
L’Ouille Beach, between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure
L’Ouille Beach is one of the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path beaches in the area. Located between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure, it takes a little more effort to reach than the downtown beaches, but it offers a very pleasant setting, nestled among rocks, Mediterranean vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.
Its charm lies precisely in its secluded nature. It’s less urban than the beaches in Collioure and smaller than Le Racou, but it’s a wonderful spot for a swim in a more natural setting.
Getting there may involve a short walk, depending on where you park. During peak season, it’s best to arrive early to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Elmes Beach in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Elmes Beach is one of the most pleasant beaches in Banyuls-sur-Mer. Located at the entrance to the town coming from Port-Vendres, it offers a beautiful setting with views of the Cap des Elmes headland and the hills of the Côte Vermeille.
It's a sand and pebble beach, more intimate than Banyuls' main beach. It's well-suited for family swimming, while maintaining a calmer atmosphere than the larger urban beaches.
Its location is convenient for those who want to enjoy Banyuls without necessarily staying in the town center.