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The Port Pin cove is that little piece of the Mediterranean in Provence that makes you say ‘when are we going?’ as soon as you see a photo of it. Clear water, cicadas, pine trees all around and a peaceful atmosphere: an ideal spot for a day out in nature from your 3-star campsite just a stone’s throw from Marseille. But how do you get to Port Pin cove? Should you go on foot, by boat or by canoe? And how can you enjoy the place while respecting it? We’ll guide you!
Our beautiful Port Pin cove
Port Pin cove is one of the most accessible in the Calanques National Park, located between the coves of Port-Miou and En-Vau. It offers a simply magnificent panorama: pine trees lining the rocky cliffs, a small sandy and pebble beach, and turquoise water that naturally invites you to take a dip!
More open than other calanques, it is appreciated for its sheltered location and gentle slope, making it ideal for families. The Port Pin cove retains a peaceful atmosphere outside of peak hours, making it an ideal stop for a relaxing break or to complete a hike to the nearby viewpoints and calanques.
Unpretentious, the Port Pin cove is exactly what many visitors are looking for: an easily accessible, pleasant and authentic place to enjoy the south of France without any particular effort.
How to get there on foot?
Port Pin cove can be accessed from Cassis, via the neighbouring Port-Miou cove.
Step 1: get to Port-Miou
- You can park at the Presqu’île car park in Cassis, very close to the start of the trail (price: £10 per day in season, bring cash).
- Alternatively, from the free Gorguettes park-and-ride car park, a shuttle bus will also take you to Port-Miou during the season.
Step 2: follow the path to Port Pin
- Head down towards Port-Miou cove.
- The path starts at the end of Port-Miou, along the old quarry.
- Simply follow the customs officers’ path: a short climb, then a descent to Port Pin.
Duration and conditions
- Allow 20 to 25 minutes’ walk from Port-Miou.
- The path is generally easy, but the final descent is slippery: it’s best to wear trainers!
Our advice
Here in Marseille, summers can be very hot, so remember to bring plenty of water, a hat and sunglasses, and keep an eye on young children and elderly people, especially if you’re continuing on to En-Vau.
Finally, here’s a little tip for enjoying Port Pin cove in a different way: in summer, the sun sets late, and the cove becomes very peaceful at the end of the day. A small evening picnic (respecting the National Park rules, of course) is a gentle and peaceful way to enjoy the place before heading back.
Visit Port Pin cove by boat or canoe
Exploring Port Pin cove from the sea is a great option, especially when the trails are busy. Several companies based in Cassis (or even Marseille) offer boat trips or canoe and kayak hire to reach the calanques.
By boat, the visit is simple: excursions usually pass through Port-Miou, Port Pin and sometimes as far as En-Vau. This is ideal if you want to enjoy the view without walking, or if you are travelling with your family.
By canoe, the experience is more immersive. From La Grande Mer beach in Cassis, simply follow the coastline to reach Port-Miou and then Port Pin. This approach allows you to stop at your own pace and enjoy a direct view of the cliffs and pine forest (about 1 hour crossing).
One important detail: for conservation reasons, it is not permitted to enter the Port Pin cove by boat or canoe, so you will need to stop before the buoys.
These rules change depending on the time of year, so take a quick look at the National Park information before you set off to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Advice and preservation of the area
In Marseille, we love our calanques like a resident loves their ‘secret spot’: with affection and respect. The Calanque de Port Pin is no exception. It is a popular place, sometimes even very busy in summer, which is precisely why it is essential to remain disciplined in order to preserve this little gem.
Here are the basic rules that everyone must follow:
- Waste: nothing should be left behind. Everything you bring with you must be taken away with you, even small pieces of paper or fruit cores.
- Fires: the area is extremely sensitive. No cigarettes, no flames, no barbecues. The slightest mistake can have very serious consequences.
- Camping and overnight stays: strictly prohibited in the National Park. Enjoy the day, then let nature rest.
- Respect the trails: staying on the marked paths helps prevent erosion, which is already exacerbated by heavy use.
- Be quiet and respect the area: no loud music, no disturbance to the flora and fauna.
By adopting these simple measures, you can help ensure that the Port Pin calanque retains its charm for years to come – for you, for visitors, and for all those who consider these calanques to be a real treasure
Combine this visit with exploring other coves
The Port Pin cove ideally located for visiting other must-see sites in the area. If you have a little time and good walking shoes, there are two options available to you:
- First, Port-Miou: this is the gateway to the National Park on the Cassis side and the starting point for the trail to Port Pin. Its long inlet, moored boats and old quarry make it an easy and pleasant stop before or after your visit.
- For the more motivated (and courageous), the logical next step is En-Vau, one of the cove’s best-known (and most beautiful!) calanques. The trail that starts at the Port Pin cove climbs up to several viewpoints offering magnificent views, then descends to En-Vau beach. Access is more challenging (watch out for the scree at the end), but the reward is well worth it!
By combining the coves of Port-Miou, Port Pin and possibly En-Vau, you can enjoy a trio of varied coves: one more open, the other more intimate, and the last more wild. A beautiful itinerary to discover the Massif des Calanques at your own pace, far from the city!
To make the most of your stay around the calanques, discover our campsite with a swimming pool near Marseille as well as our mobile home rental options near Marseille, perfect for enjoying the region with ease!