Coves in Argelès-sur-Mer : our blue palette 💙

On the Catalan coast, there’s always a good excuse to put your towel down on the coves and contemplate the blue that stretches as far as the eye can see. Are you coming?

In Argelès-sur-Mer, if the Mediterranean is king, it’s because blue (is) king. And it’s on the area’s intimate coves that it reigns! From the coves of l’Ouille to the little beach at Porteils, our iodised spots have more than one shade on their palette to complete your picture. Paintbrush in hand, add some colour to your holiday by discovering the coves of Argelès-sur-Mer!

2 coves, a thousand shades

Do you love the hustle and bustle of the beach, but want to bring out your adventurous side? Then you’ve come to the right place! At Argelès-sur-Mer, our coves offer you the chance to swap the crowds for pure nature. hat’s all you have to do? Take a steep path… and you’ll be in for a treat when you arrive. ronzing in total privacy: that’s what it’s like to laze around on the Mediterranean!
he two coves in Argelès-sur-Mer are sure to please, whether you prefer a pebbly cove or a small beach of fine sand. hile l’Ouille beach will win you over with its crystal-clear waters and ideal location between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure, Porteils beach will charm you with its unspoilt natural setting between the sea and the cliffs. n both cases, it’s enough to make you want to jump in the water!
n the mood for a unique experience? From July to September, don’t miss the guided walks along the Sentier du Littoral. A rewarding excursion, between coves and cliffs, that will leave you breathless (or shisty!).

Apulit !*

Because of the risk of falling boulders, since 2022 a municipal by-law has prohibited ‘descending, mooring and staying’ in the coves between the beach of l’anse de Porteil and the beach of l’Ouille. Enjoy, yes, always respect!

And don’t forget your shoes when you go into the water. he coves are made up of rocks, large stones, pebbles and, above all, sea urchins. rudence!

*Be careful!

Turquoise blue : Ouille beach in Argelès-sur-Mer

À la frontière d’Argelès-sur-Mer et de Collioure, la plage de l’Ouille vous offre un petit écrin de nature, loin de l’effervescence de la ville. Pour y accéder, rien de plus simple. Au départ du camping des Criques de Porteils, il vous suffit de suivre le sentier qui descend vers la Méditerranée. Ou d’emprunter le Sentier du Littoral, une randonnée incontournable de la Côte Vermeille. Une fois arrivé, la magie opère. Une eau turquoise et des falaises à perte de vue. Ça mérite bien une petite photo !

Envie de troquer le farniente contre des activités ? Sur la plage de l’Ouille, impossible de s’ennuyer. Au programme : snorkelling et plongée en apnée. L’occasion de contempler les jolies nuances de bleu des fonds marins. Et parce que la mer, ça creuse, on finit la journée par un pique-nique improvisé ou un dîner au restaurant… au choix !

Seascooter from Ouille beach

Advice for the undecided

Can’t decide between the beach and the cove?
What if we told you that between the two, there’s only one step (well, almost…)? For a good compromise, opt for the beautiful Racou beach. Not far from the coves of Porteils, this spot attracts both groups of friends and families with children. All with the intimate atmosphere we love so much. You’ll love it!

Azure blue : the Porteils creeks at Argelès-sur-Mer

Envie de faire rimer tranquillité et nature préservée ? À Argelès-sur-Mer, la plage de Porteils est l’endroit rêvé pour farniente. Non loin de celle de l’Ouille, les criques de Porteils sont classées par le Conservatoire du Littoral. Entre falaise et Méditerranée, le spot vous permet de partir à la découverte d’écosystèmes sous-marins remarquables. En mode plongée ou snorkeling, n’oubliez pas vos palmes !

La plage de Porteils, c’est aussi THE place pour chiller. Petite et intimiste, la crique vous offre un petit cocon iodé, idéal pour dévorer votre bouquin du moment ou faire parler votre créativité sur une toile. La récompense à la clé ? Un bon bain d’azur !

All water sports activities

Get ready to paddle!

In summer, Porteils beach is the ideal starting point for paddling or kayaking across the Mediterranean! From Porteils to Collioure, venture into the heart of the creeks and contemplate the monochrome of blue that unfolds before your eyes.

Discover all our beaches

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW on the creeks at Argelès-sur-Mer

Where is Argelès-sur-Mer?
Argelès-sur-Mer is located in south-eastern France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales département. It is close to Banyuls-sur-Mer and Collioure.
How many coves and beaches are there in Argelès-sur-Mer?
The town of Argelès-sur-Mer has a total of 6 beaches and 2 coves. These include :
1. Porteils beach (cove)
2. l’Ouille beach (cove)
Which cove to choose in Argelès-sur-Mer?
As well as its coves, Argelès-sur-Mer is home to a number of beaches with very different atmospheres. If you’re a fan of the hustle and bustle, and want to enjoy some entertainment with the kids, we’d advise you to opt for the Plage Centre or the Plage du Tamariguer. With their many clubs, they offer the perfect setting for a family introduction to water sports. And don’t forget the South beach, where you can have lots of family fun near the harbour!
Are you more of a sunbathing and reading team? Head for the Plage des Pins, the Plage de la Marenda or the Plage du Racou for some colourful waterside fun.
Which beach to choose in Argelès-sur-Mer?
In addition to its coves, Argelès-sur-Mer is home to a number of beaches with very different atmospheres. f you’re a fan of the hustle and bustle of the beach and want to enjoy some entertainment with the kids, we recommend you opt for the Plage Centre or the Plage du Tamariguer. With their many clubs, they offer the perfect setting for a family introduction to water sports. And don’t forget the Plage Sud for more family fun near the harbour!
o you prefer to sunbathe and read a book? Then head to Plage des Pins, Plage de la Marenda or Plage du Racou for some colourful waterside fun.
How do I get to the coves in Argelès-sur-Mer?
The coves of Argelès-sur-Mer are generally very accessible. o get to the beach at l’Ouille or Porteils, the easiest way is to park not far from the Criques de Porteils campsite, in the small Porteils car park, and walk down the path leading to the sea.
If you’re a keen walker, you can also reach the creeks by taking the coastal path. his walk between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure promises a lovely stroll between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. With the added bonus of a dip in the turquoise waters. You’ll love it!
What can you do in the creeks of Argelès-sur-Mer?
In addition to offering you a setting worthy of the prettiest postcards, the coves of Argelès-sur-Mer are ideal for a number of water-based activities. Here are just a few examples:
- snorkelling and underwater diving
- sea kayaking