Porquerolles Travel Guide

Plan your perfect visit to Porquerolles with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the best attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Porquerolles

Porquerolles is a beautiful French island located off the coast of Hyeres, in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is a small island with crystal-clear waters, exotic flora and fauna, and stunning beaches. This paradise is a perfect getaway for honeymooners, families, and adventurers looking for a unique experience.

List of Places to Visit in Porquerolles

There are many great places to visit on the island of Porquerolles, some of which include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Sainte Agathe: A fort built in the mid-16th century by the French before the Spanish invasion. The fort’s primary function was to prevent any enemy ship from entering the Bay of Hyeres from the East. It now serves as a cycling park.
  • The Museum of Porquerolles: The museum houses a collection of pottery, ancient tools, and weapons.

Natural Attractions of Porquerolles: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Plage d’Argent: This beach is the most famous in Porquerolles, with powdery white sand and turquoise water.
  • Les Jardins d’Hyères: These are beautiful botanical gardens, located half a mile from the port and harbor area.
  • Circuit du Langoustier: This is a popular hiking route that features stunning views of the island’s pristine coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Porquerolles

The island is filled with beautiful hiking and biking trails that allow you to explore the island’s natural beauty from all angles. Some of the popular routes include:

  • The Circuit des 3 Forts: It is 14km long, starting from the village, passing by the Fort de l’Estissac, then continues to the Fort de la Repentance.
  • Sentier du Littoral: It is a 7.5km trail that goes around the island along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the beaches and crystal clear waters.

Best Things to Do in Porquerolles: Activities and Tours

Porquerolles offers several exciting activities and tours that will make your visit memorable. Some of the most popular activities include:

  • Scuba diving: Porquerolles has several excellent dive sites, where you can explore the colorful underwater world.
  • Snorkeling: Discover the beauty of the island’s rich marine life by putting on a snorkel and mask and plunging into the clear waters.
  • Boat tours: Take a boat tour and explore the coastline of the island from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for Porquerolles

Porquerolles is a small island, but there are enough things to experience, and you can easily spend a week exploring. Here is a sample itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Porquerolles, and explore the village
  • Day 2: Explore the beaches and watersports
  • Day 3: Take a hike or bike ride and experience the beauty of Porquerolles nature
  • Day 4: Take a boat tour and explore the island’s coast from the sea
  • Day 5: Visit the Museums and Historical Places
  • Day 6: Shop the island souvenirs and local products
  • Day 7: Relax and reflect on your time on the island

Food and Drink Scene of Porquerolles

Porquerolles is a charming island that offers both local and international cuisines that are fresh and tasty. Here are some of the most popular dishes and beverages;

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bouillabaisse: This is a classic Provencal fish stew made with different varieties of fish and shellfish.
  • Tapenade: a spread made with olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil.

Local Beverages

  • Côtes de Provence: A delicious and delicate wine that pairs well with seafood and light meats.
  • Pastis: an anise-flavored liquor

Where to Stay in Porquerolles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Porquerolles offers excellent accommodation options for a comfortable stay. Some of the top recommendations include:

  • L’Oustaou de Porquerolles: A charming hotel near the port and harbor area of Porquerolles.
  • La Villa Sainte Anne: This hotel offers fantastic views of the island’s coastline and is close to the beaches.

What to Buy in Porquerolles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Porquerolles is a great destination for shopping, and there are several excellent local products to bring back home to friends and family, including:

  • Olive oil: There are several olive oil mills on the island
  • Salt: The island produces locally harvested sea salt

Local Culture and Customs of Porquerolles

Porquerolles Island has a unique culture, and it’s important to learn about the customs when visiting. Some of the essential customs include:

  • Speak French: Although English is widely spoken, it’s crucial to learn some French phrases to help with communication on the island.
  • Clothing: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches and other religious monuments.

Best Time to Visit Porquerolles

The best time to visit Porquerolles is from May to September. At this time, the weather is mild, and the island is bustling with activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Porquerolles

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Be courteous to locals and fellow tourists
  • Try to learn some French phrases

Don’t:

  • Litter on the Island
  • Disrupt the Island’s native flora and fauna

Safety and Health

Safety in Porquerolles

Porquerolles is relatively safe, but it’s crucial to follow the standard safety procedures, such as not leaving belongings unattended and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Porquerolles

Porquerolles has excellent healthcare facilities, and it’s essential to have travel insurance to access the best medical services in case of an emergency.

Getting to Porquerolles: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Porquerolles

  • Toulon-Hyères Airport: a hub for various airlines that offer direct connections to and from several European cities.

Bus Stations Near Porquerolles

  • Hyères railway station: the railway station is located a few kilometers from the island, and there is a regular bus service that takes you to the port.

Other Options

  • Ferry service: There are regular ferry services that depart from the port in Hyeres to Porquerolles. The journey takes about 15 minutes.

How to Get Around in Porquerolles

Porquerolles is a small island, and the fastest way to get around the island is by biking or walking.

Where to Go Next from Porquerolles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer: a nearby commune in the Var department of southeastern France
  • Toulon: A Naval City in France

Conclusion

Porquerolles is a beautiful island that offers visitors many opportunities to immerse themselves in nature and local culture. With the help of our comprehensive travel guide, you will have an enjoyable and memorable experience that you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, gastronomic delights, or relaxation, Porquerolles has something for everyone. Start planning your trip today and get ready to be captivated by the island’s charm.

Port of Porquerolles Port of Porquerolles Fort Sainte Agathe Fort Sainte Agathe Notre-Dame beach Notre-Dame beach