Calanque de Port Pin, part of Calanques National Park in the Vaufrèges district of Marseille in Southern France, is an inviting cove full of natural splendour. Situated between the Port-Mious and En-Vau creeks, this idyllic destination boasts postcard-perfect scenery flanking the mild trails, making for an accessible hike for travellers and families with young children.

Most people get to Calanque de Port Pin from the nearby Calanque de Port Miou, making their way along the Le Chemin des Douaniers path and through the Port-Miou quarry. Visitors can make their way down to the pebble beach to see the turquoise waters.

Calanque de Port Pin - one of the highlights of 10 Best Beaches in Marseille (Read all about Marseille here)

Calanque de Port Pin highlights

Outdoor enthusiasts are especially drawn to Calanque de Port Pin, which gets its name from the abundant Aleppo pine trees. The trail is short and narrow with a slight slope. An alternative to hiking is renting kayaks or canoes in Cassis and taking in the site from the water.

At the small beach of Calanque de Port Pin, the calm waters make for excellent swimming and diving. Caucau peak is nearby and home to Neptune’s Nostril, or trou souffleur, a small hole about the size of the thumb above a sunken cave known for its breath-like sound.

Good to know when visiting Calanque de Port Pin

Visitors to Calanque de Port Pin may encounter slippery pebbles, due to the high foot traffic, so wearing sneakers instead of flip-flops is a good idea. Another thing to note is that there is no supervision on the beach, so parents should always keep their eyes on little ones to ensure their safety.

Typically, most people spend a few hours at Calanque de Port Pin. Afterward, visitors like to head to the nearby bars and restaurants to enjoy a meal. Maps of the area, including the trails, are available at the visitor centre in Cassis.

Calanque de Port Pin

Location: Vaufrèges, 13260, Marseille, France

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Where to stay in Marseille

Lobby sitting area
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
9.2 out of 10, (919)
The price is AU$257
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Classic Studio
Residhotel Grand Prado
7.6 out of 10, (2033)
The price is AU$86
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Residhotel Grand Prado
Front of property
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
8.2 out of 10, (2157)
The price is AU$137
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
Exterior
Crowne Plaza Marseille Le Dome, an IHG Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (195)
The price is AU$171
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Crowne Plaza Marseille Le Dome, an IHG Hotel
Studio, 2 persons, partial view on the port | View from room
Residhotel Vieux Port
7.8 out of 10, (775)
The price is AU$107
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Residhotel Vieux Port
3 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Regional cuisine
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
9.2 out of 10, (1001)
The price is AU$924
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
Front of property
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
8.6 out of 10, (1116)
The price is AU$128
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Sauna, steam room, deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages
Alex Hotel & Spa
9.0 out of 10, (604)
The price is AU$173
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Alex Hotel & Spa
Property amenity
hotelF1 Marseille Provence (rénové)
6.0 out of 10, (255)
The price is AU$61
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
hotelF1 Marseille Provence (rénové)
Standard Studio
Montempô Marseille Centre Dôme
8.0 out of 10, (203)
The price is AU$104
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Montempô Marseille Centre Dôme

Related stories