The 5 best spots to see in the Calanques of Marseille

The Calanques of Marseille represent an exceptional natural heritage which attracts thousands of visitors each year. With its rugged coastline and its turquoise waters, this site offers a unique experience for all nature lovers, climbers or those who simply enjoy swimming in a beautiful setting. At Eco Calanques, we have selected for you the 5 essential spots to discover on your next visit.

Eco Calanques Hybrid Boat in the Calanques of Marseille

En-Vau Cove: the jewel of the Calanques

The cove of En-Vau is undoubtedly one of the most famous and photographed in the Calanques of Marseille. Accessible only by boat or after a fairly demanding hike, this cove is surrounded by sheer cliffs.

Getting to En-Vau

To access En-Vau, several routes are possible:

  • From Port-Miou: Follow the GR trail to Port-Pin cove before continuing towards En-Vau. Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes of walking.
  • By boat: Many operators offer boat excursions from the Vieux-Port de Marseille or Cassis.

Activities offered

The cove of En-Vau is particularly well-suited to various activities:

  • Climbing : The steep cliffs attract climbing enthusiasts from all over the world.
  • Swimming : The water is generally calm and clear, ideal for swimming.
  • Picnic : Shaded areas allow for dining while enjoying the scenery.

Morgiou Cove: divers' paradise

The cove of Morgiou is famous for its picturesque fishing port and its Cosquer Cave, rich in prehistoric cave paintings. This spot is very popular with diving enthusiasts.

How to get to Morgiou

Access to the cove of Morgiou can be gained by various means:

  • By car: A small car park is available near the cove.
  • On foot: Several hiking trails allow you to reach Morgiou from Marseille.

Underwater exploration

Morgiou is a fabulous place for scuba diving thanks to its exceptional marine biodiversity :

  • Encounter with marine species : You will be able to observe octopuses, moray eels and other Mediterranean fish there.
  • Cosquer Cave : Specialists can explore this underwater cave adorned with prehistoric drawings.

Sormiou Cove: wild and accessible beauty

This cove is considered one of the most accessible. With its large sandy beach and its restaurants, it's perfect for a family day out.

Sormiou, relaxed mode

Visitors have various options for enjoying a pleasant day at Sormiou:

  • Seaside picnic : The vast beach allows you to lay out your towel and enjoy the sun.
  • Seafood tasting : Several waterfront restaurants offer typically Mediterranean meals.
  • Swimming : The water here is clear and shallow at the edges, ideal for children.

Hike around Sormiou

For walking enthusiasts, several trails depart from Sormiou, allowing you to explore the surrounding area:

  • White Trail : An easy walk offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.
  • Cape Redon : A more athletic route leading to a superb viewpoint over Cape Morgiou.

Sugiton Cove: accessible but challenging

With breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop, Sugiton cove is ideal for those who don't shy away from a physical effort to reach their destination.

Access to Sugiton

Two main access points lead to Sugiton cove:

  • On foot from Luminy
  • Via excursions organised by local companies

Discovering local flora and fauna

Sugiton boasts remarkable biodiversity :

  • Observation of endemic species : Marmots, goats and lizards typical of the Calanques.
  • Mediterranean flora : Pine trees, rosemary and other aromatic plants cover the slopes.

Callelongue Cove: the gateway to the Calanques

Located at the southern tip of Marseille, Callelongue is the first of many coves you will encounter when exploring the Calanques massif.

A single starting point for every activity

Callelongue is a real playground for multiple activities:

  • Hiking : It's an ideal starting point for long hikes in the Calanques massif.
  • Watersports : Diving, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular here.
  • Fishing : The small harbour welcomes many fishing enthusiasts.

Raw beauty of Callelongue

The small cove of Callelongue has managed to retain a particular charm:

  • Historic buildings : A few typical fishermen's huts still line the cove.
  • Breathtaking views : From the seafront, admire the rugged cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear water.

Discover the Calanques by sea

Fancy discovering these spots by sea? At Eco Calanques, we'll take you Visiting the Calanques by boat from Marseille's Vieux-Port. Our eco-responsible hybrid boat allows you to approach these coves inaccessible by land, in silence and without pollution. Book an excursion and experience these landscapes from within.

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