Calanque d'En-Vau
A remote, stunning cove accessible by a challenging hike or boat, boasting turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Calanque d'En-Vau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, stunning cove accessible by a challenging hike or boat, boasting turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
"Heavenly views and stunning bay with chilly azure blue waters and cliffs either side."
🥾 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones and steep paths make proper hiking boots essential for the trek.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2L of water per person; there's very little shade on the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Turquoise Bay
Calanque d'En-Vau beach
Heavenly views and stunning bay with chilly azure blue waters and cliffs either side.
Panoramic Hiking Trail
Path from Cassis
Magnificent hike with breathtaking views leading to the secluded cove. Worth the effort!
Cliffside Scenery
Surrounding cliffs
Towering cliffs frame the bay, offering dramatic vistas and a sense of remote wilderness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Hike with the Right Gear
Boat Access: A Smoother Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting the Calanques with minimal walking?
🥾 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones and steep paths make proper hiking boots essential for the trek.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2L of water per person; there's very little shade on the hike.
Access to Calanque d'En-Vau & Sugiton
Is Calanques d'En Vau open?
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are vital due to the intense sun and lack of shade.
🛶 Consider a Boat Tour
Skip the strenuous hike and enjoy the views from the water.
Tips/Advice hike from Luminy to Cassis
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones and steep paths make proper hiking boots essential for the trek.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2L of water per person; there's very little shade on the hike.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are vital due to the intense sun and lack of shade.
🛶 Consider a Boat Tour
Skip the strenuous hike and enjoy the views from the water.
🏖️ Water Shoes Recommended
The beach has rocky areas, so water shoes can enhance comfort for swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Calanque d'En-Vau is a breathtakingly beautiful spot, lauded for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Visitors consistently praise the heavenly views and refreshing swimming opportunities. However, the challenging and steep hike required to reach it is a significant deterrent for some, with many emphasizing the need for proper footwear and ample water.
"Amazing spot. Tricky 5km hike from Cassis with steep ground and loose stones... but well worth the effort for the heavenly views and stunning bay with chilly azure blue waters and cliffs either side. Very popular in the summer months... for a good reason. Simply stunning"
Philip Jones
"Picturesque cove made even more sweet by the decently long hike from Cassis, and by swimming out to the buoys in the cove. The view back towards the beach is stunning!
Bring sturdy shoes for the hike, water shoes for the beach (or very tough feet), and a lunch (Wednesdays and Fridays are market days in Cassis!), book, good company. Great full afternoon activity to experience the park with like minded folks from around the world.
The water in September was 70 degrees F, clear, very refreshing with the air temp at 80 ish degrees F."
Alex Braman
"We walked about2hrs from the parking to get there and 1h40min to get back. The road is easy if you follow the right path but be sure to take a had, sunscreen and plenty of water as there is almost no shade during the walk there"
Aleksandra Czerwiakowska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is hiking from Cassis. The trail is about 4km one way from the edge of town, taking roughly 1.5-2 hours each way. It's a challenging hike with steep, rocky sections. Alternatively, boat tours from Cassis offer direct access to the calanque, bypassing the hike entirely.
No, Calanque d'En-Vau is only accessible by trail or boat. There is parking available in Cassis, from which you can start your hike.
Yes, numerous boat tours operate from Cassis that visit Calanque d'En-Vau. These tours offer a convenient way to see the calanque without the strenuous hike.
The trail is demanding, featuring steep inclines, loose stones, and slippery sections, especially when descending to the water. Proper hiking shoes are crucial.
The hike from Cassis typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on your fitness level and the path taken.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for Calanque d'En-Vau itself, as it's part of the Calanques National Park. However, boat tours will have their own pricing.
Calanque d'En-Vau is accessible year-round during daylight hours. Access may be restricted during periods of high fire risk in the summer.
The Calanques National Park is free to enter. However, some specific activities or guided tours within the park may incur fees.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of July and August, or visit in the shoulder seasons of June and September. Early mornings are also less crowded.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Calanque d'En-Vau. The clear, turquoise waters are very refreshing.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire bay offers stunning photo opportunities, from the turquoise water and white pebble beach to the dramatic cliffs. The panoramic hiking trail also provides incredible vantage points.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and cliffs. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's color. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
Morning light offers softer illumination and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of the time needed to hike back before dark.
Drone usage is generally restricted within national parks like the Calanques to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check local regulations before flying.
The view looking back from the water towards the beach and cliffs is iconic. The approach via the hiking trail also offers breathtaking vistas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no facilities like restaurants or cafes directly at Calanque d'En-Vau. You must bring all your own food and drinks.
Pack plenty of water (at least 2L per person), snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that are easy to carry and don't require refrigeration.
You can purchase supplies in Cassis before you start your hike. Wednesdays and Fridays are market days in Cassis, offering fresh local produce.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the calanque pristine.
Some longer boat tours might offer light refreshments, but it's best to confirm with the tour operator beforehand. Bringing your own food is always a safe bet.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking a more accessible experience, booking a boat tour from Cassis is highly recommended. This allows everyone to enjoy the stunning beauty of the calanque without the physical strain of the hike. Children will be mesmerized by the turquoise waters and the towering cliffs from the comfort of the boat. Ensure the boat tour you choose allows for swimming stops if your family enjoys that activity.
💰 Budget Travelers
Hiking to the calanque is the most budget-friendly way to visit, requiring only the cost of your transportation and provisions. Packing your own lunch and plenty of water will save you money compared to purchasing food at tourist spots. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (June, September) when accommodation and travel might be slightly cheaper than peak summer.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Consider exploring other trails within the Massif des Calanques before or after your visit to Calanque d'En-Vau. The park offers a network of paths for various fitness levels. For an even more adventurous experience, look into kayaking or paddleboarding tours that might offer a unique perspective of the calanques.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Hike to Paradise
Despite the challenging nature of the hike, many visitors find the journey itself to be a rewarding experience, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding Massif des Calanques. The 'Mes Calanques' app is mentioned as a helpful guide for navigation, alongside the visible marks on the rocks. Following the panoramic path on the way there and a shorter, steeper path on the return is a common strategy. While tough, the hike is described as 'super manageable' for those who are physically active.
For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous hike, boat tours from Cassis provide an excellent alternative. These tours offer direct access to the calanque, allowing visitors to admire the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters without the physical demands of the trek. This option is ideal for those with limited mobility, those not equipped for hiking, or simply for travelers seeking a more relaxed way to experience the beauty of Calanque d'En-Vau.
Experiencing the Azure Waters
For those planning to spend time in the water, water shoes are a practical suggestion. The beach itself is composed of pebbles and rocks, which can be uncomfortable for bare feet. Water shoes provide added comfort and protection, making it easier to walk on the seabed and enjoy swimming and exploring the cove.
The clarity of the water is consistently praised, allowing for excellent visibility. This makes it a fantastic spot for a leisurely swim or simply to admire the underwater scenery. The combination of the stunning bay, the refreshing water, and the dramatic cliff backdrop creates a truly unforgettable swimming experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit