Port-Cros National Park

Small islets, capes, coves and canyons, and underwater “meadows”, the island, coastal and marine atmosphere of Port-Cros National Park is unique worldwide.

“Port-Cros”, “Porquerolles”, “Ile du Levant“, the names alone of these islands are an invitation to travel through space and time ... And rightly so, their secret coves, immense white sand beaches, dense “forests” both on land and under the sea, teeming with life thanks to more than 60 years of conservation. Here, visitors have a golden opportunity to explore a condensation of exuberant Mediterranean biodiversity.

The national park harbours many protected species, both aquatic and terrestrial. On land, it is a major stopover for migrating birds: shearwaters, Greater Flamingos and small passerines share a generous haven with other, more discreet, native species such as the Tyrrhenian Painted Frog or the European Leaf-toed Gecko. The flora is unique: Romulea florentii, rare orchids and olive trees from all over the world: plant-lovers will be overjoyed.

The Port-Cros National Park is an “underwater paradise”. Whales and dolphins (8 different species), groupers, barracudas, Noble Pen Shell, sea fans and corals ... from the Posidonia seagrass meadow at a depth of 3000 m in the Stoechades Canyon, everywhere the clear waters of Europe’s foremost marine natural park for this thriving habitat, to the great delight of snorkellers and divers.

History lovers won’t feel left out either: Greek and Roman ruins, military forts and submerged wrecks to satisfy the curiosity of astute visitors! The coastal islands also conserve traces of Ulysses, Barbarossa, Vauban and, more recently, the last battles for the Liberation of April 1945.

A land of creativity, the islands have inspired the greats of French literature and cinema, not to mention the painters and photographers who have borne witness to their spirit of place over the years.

Roaming the land or under the waves, strolling, sailing, photographing … the Port-Cros National Park can be savoured in many ways, with the Mediterranean breeze in your hair, the sea-spray and a smile on your lips!