Best beaches in Marseille: wild coves and popular spots
Marseille isn’t just history and bouillabaisse. Along its coastline, the city unwinds, slowly—sand, rock, breeze. Each beach tells its own version of summer. From crowded volleyball courts to secret coves where footsteps fade fast, the shoreline changes mood from one bay to the next. Whether the goal is a swim, a nap, or something louder, there’s a stretch of sea waiting.
1. Marseille's iconic beaches
Prado Beach: a must-see!
Wide and open, built for sunbathers and footballs in flight. Plage du Prado feels almost too big to fill—yet it does, especially on weekends. Families spread out under parasols, kids climb on playgrounds, and volleyball matches erupt without warning. There’s space to move, and space to just sit and do nothing.
Practical advice: You can get there easily by car or bus. Mornings feel slower, quieter. Weekdays, even more so.
Catalans Beach: the most central
Right near the Old Port, Catalans is compact, energetic, sometimes loud. Locals come for a quick dip after work or to play volleyball until the sun dips. It’s not exactly peaceful—but it pulses with life, and that has its own charm.
Tip: Get there early if you want space for a towel. After a swim, there’s no shortage of cafés nearby—some of them serve unforgettable ice cream.
Pointe Rouge Beach: ideal for families
Softer, more forgiving sand. Shallow water where kids paddle while parents scan menus from nearby terraces. Pointe Rouge offers both comfort and ease. It’s built for lingering—meals by the sea, long afternoons that stretch into sunset.
Good plan: As evening falls, the atmosphere shifts. Tables fill up. Seafood arrives. The sound of cutlery, waves, conversations.
Huveaune Beach: a haven of peace
Tucked between the Vélodrome and Pointe Rouge, this quieter stretch of sand doesn’t advertise itself. It’s known more by those who’ve already been—people who return without fanfare. The mood is slower. Fewer crowds. The sea feels a little closer.
Less popular than its larger neighbors, Huveaune draws those looking for calm. No frills, just space and silence.
2. The wild and secret coves
Les Goudes and Callelongue: Marseille authenticity
Out past the city’s edge, where roads narrow and the sea gets louder, the coves of Les Goudes and Callelongue feel like they belong to another time. Dry hills, jagged rocks, sea stretching without end. Nothing polished. Just salt, wind, and stone. The water? Clear enough to see the seabed shift beneath each ripple.
Access: From the village of Les Goudes, trails lead you along cliffs and through scrubland. Wear decent shoes. Bring water—there’s no shop once you’re in.
The Calanque de Sormiou: a picture-postcard landscape
It looks almost too perfect—turquoise sea framed by massive cliffs, the kind of place that doesn’t need filters. Sormiou is one of the best-known calanques, and yes, it gets crowded. But there’s still something untamed in the rocks, in the way the cove holds light.
Tip: If you’re driving, book a table at one of the small restaurants nearby. In high season, that’s often the only way to get access by car.
Calanque de Morgiou: a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts
Morgiou is quieter, more underwater than above. People come here to float, to dive, to disappear beneath the surface. The cove shelters marine life—fish darting through shadows, sea grass waving in rhythm with the swell.
Tip: Come early. The light is softer, the path emptier, and the sea more welcoming before the sun rises high.
The Calanque de Marseilleveyre: an isolated corner of paradise
No road leads here. Only a path, or a boat if you’re lucky. Marseilleveyre hides between cliffs, its pebble beach curved like a quiet thought. No loud bars. Just stone, sea, and stillness. It’s a walk to get there, but worth every step.
Access: Start from Callelongue. The trail takes around 45 minutes. Bring plenty of water, and wear shoes made for walking—not flip-flops.
On site: A simple restaurant tucked into the rocks offers local dishes and cold drinks. After the hike, it feels like a small reward.
These coves offer more than just beauty. They invite pause. Silence. A bit of effort, yes, but the kind that leaves you feeling like you’ve really been somewhere. Some are trickier to reach—don’t go unprepared. And if you want to dig deeper into the area’s stories or find hidden paths you’d otherwise miss, reach out to one of the Marseille tour guides.
3. Beaches for water activities
Bonneveine Beach: sport and relaxation
Near Borély Park, Bonneveine Beach doesn’t just offer a towel-and-sunbathing kind of day. It’s movement, motion, splash. Paddleboarders glide past kayakers. Divers gear up, slipping beneath the surface in search of silence and marine life. Whether you’re new to it all or already hooked, the beach has something to offer.
Calm enough for beginners. Lively enough to keep you coming back.
Rouet Beach: a spot for enthusiasts
Thirty minutes from Marseille, tucked near Carry-le-Rouet, this beach shifts gears entirely. The wind here isn’t a nuisance—it’s the main attraction. Thermal gusts sweep across the water, making it a playground for those chasing speed and flight.
- Exceptional conditions: The wind picks up just right, drawing in kitesurfers and windsurfers who come for the jumps, the spray, the thrill.
- Facilities: Dedicated areas make it easy to set up, launch, and ride. No time wasted.
- Sporting events: Come summer, the beach hosts local competitions. Boards fly. Crowds gather. Even if you’re not competing, it’s a show worth watching.
4. Beaches surrounding Marseille
The Cove of En-Vau (Cassis)
Cliffs drop steeply into clear water. En-Vau isn’t just a beach—it’s a journey. Whether on foot or by kayak, getting there takes time. That’s part of what makes it feel earned. The sea, framed by vertical rock walls, changes color with the sun. Still. Deep. Almost unreal.
Tip: Leave early. The morning light paints the cliffs gold, and the path stays cooler.
Sainte-Croix Beach (Martigues)
Soft sand. Pine trees whispering nearby. Sainte-Croix sits in a protected pocket of coastline about 40 minutes from Marseille. It feels like summer stretched out—families spreading towels, kids floating in shallow water, a sense that time has slowed.
Good to know: There’s a snack bar, but pack a picnic if you plan to stay the day. You’ll want to.
Verdon Beach (La Ciotat)
Golden sand and calm waters. Plage de la Verdon keeps things easy. Safe for kids. Busy, yes—but friendly. Beachside restaurants line the edge, tempting with fried fish and chilled drinks.
Activities to try: Take out a kayak or pedal boat. Hug the coast. Discover hidden rocks and quiet corners.
Carry-le-Rouet: a charming village
Just half an hour from Marseille, Carry-le-Rouet is all about balance. Quiet coves, colorful boats, restaurants tucked into the harbor. You can snorkel in the morning, sip something cold by the water in the evening. It’s a place that doesn’t need to announce itself.
Things to do: Bring a mask and snorkel—there’s plenty to see right beneath the surface.
Arena Beach (Cassis)
Pebbles instead of sand. Fewer people. Arena Beach feels like a secret that never made it to Instagram. Nestled between cliffs, the water is glassy and clear. It’s not for everyone—but for those who prefer calm and clarity, it’s near perfect.
Good to know: You’ll need to walk a bit from the center of Cassis. And water shoes help. The pebbles are no joke.
Piana Beach (La Ciotat)
Also known as “Anse de la Piana”, this beach sits close to the scenic Route des Crêtes. The view on the way is already worth the detour. Down by the water, it’s all softness—fine sand, slow waves, the kind of place where hours slip by unnoticed.
Practical advice: Parking can fill fast. Arrive early, then take your time. Restaurants nearby serve local fish, grilled simply. Nothing fancy—just good.
5. Where to eat and relax near the beaches
Cheap restaurants
- Chez Zezette (Les Goudes)
No-frills, no pretension. Chez Zezette serves up grilled sardines, panisses, and a handful of other Marseille staples that taste better when eaten by the sea. It’s casual, it’s warm, and the prices stay kind. - Snack Catalans (Plage des Catalans)
Right near the beach, this snack bar keeps things simple—sandwiches, cold drinks, a quick salad. Families love it, mostly because you’re back on the sand five minutes after ordering. - Chez Jeannot (Vallon des Auffes)
Tucked into the tiny port of Vallon des Auffes, this laid-back spot offers wood-fired pizzas and comfort food that doesn’t try too hard. The view alone is worth the stop—even more so when prices stay reasonable. - L’Eden Roc (Pointe Rouge)
Burgers, fries, something cold to drink. That’s the vibe at L’Eden Roc. It’s a beachfront snack bar where people drop in with sandy feet and leave happy. Not gourmet, but satisfying and cheap.
Mid-range restaurants
- Le Poisson Rouge (Pointe Rouge)
Seafood takes center stage here—grilled, generous, caught nearby. Tables look out over the waves. Lunch turns into late afternoon without much effort. - La Fabrique (Prado)
A modern brasserie just steps from the Prado beaches. Tartares, burgers, and fresh salads come with a side of breeze. Perfect after a swim, or before heading back to the sand. - Le Nautica (Plage de l’Huveaune)
Quiet and a little more refined. Le Nautica leans toward elegant plating without losing its relaxed beachside charm. Good seafood, clean flavors, and just enough space between tables to feel unrushed. - Les Tamaris (Vieux-Port)
Classic Marseille cooking—fish grilled over open flame, Provençal touches, generous portions. A few minutes from the sea, with a view of the boats and salty air drifting in.
High-end restaurants
- Chez Michel (Plage des Catalans)
An institution in the city. Bouillabaisse, served with care, has been on the menu for generations. The setting is understated, but everything on the table speaks volumes. A place you remember. - L’Escale (Les Goudes)
Right on the rocks, looking out at the Mediterranean, L’Escale brings finesse to the plate. Fish, shellfish, carefully arranged. Not showy, just well-executed. Ideal for evenings when the sea feels endless. - Le Rhul (Corniche Kennedy)
Set above the crashing waves of the Corniche, Le Rhul is built for special occasions—or for anyone craving a rich, slow bouillabaisse in a setting that borders on dramatic. The terrace view doesn’t need filters. - L’Embarcadère (Vallon des Auffes)
Tucked into a quiet cove, this refined table blends local ingredients with creative flair. It feels intimate, secluded. Plates arrive with precision, and the mood invites slow dining. Stay late. Let the lights of the harbor do their thing.
