Top 5 things to do in and around Collioure

Beyond its historic heritage and beaches, Collioure and the surrounding area offer authentic experiences that will appeal to all travellers. From the crystal-clear waters of the marine reserve to the soaring vineyards, secret coves and iodised flavours of Port-Vendres, discover 5 original activities to enhance your stay on the Côte Vermeille.

1. Explore the Cerbère-Banyuls underwater trail

Category : € / Unusual & Nature

Description: Just a few kilometres from Collioure, the Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve is home to a signposted underwater trail accessible to all. Starting from Peyrefite beach, follow a 250 to 500 metre trail equipped with flippers, mask and snorkel. Underwater signposts reveal the richness of this ecosystem: silver saupes, peacock wrasse, starfish, sea urchins, anemones and posidonia meadows. The shallow depth (1 to 3 metres) makes this activity accessible to families. A unique immersive experience that transforms a simple swim into a life-size marine biology lesson.

Good to know: Open from 15 June to 15 September, from 12pm to 6pm. Peyrefite beach, 66290 Cerbère (5 km south of Banyuls). Equipment hire on site: €5 (fins, mask, snorkel). Accessible to accompanied children aged 6 and over. Good swimming ability required. Pay car park in season (€3/day). Biodegradable sun cream recommended. Arrive early for best visibility.

2. Discover the terraced vineyards of Banyuls and Collioure

Category: €€ / Gastronomic & Cultural

Description: Between sky and sea, the terraced vineyards of Banyuls and Collioure offer a unique landscape. Clinging to the slopes of the Albères mountains, these vineyards plunge into the Mediterranean, producing the wines of Collioure and the famous natural sweet wines of Banyuls. Several estates offer guided tours of their terraced vineyards, with spectacular views over the bay. Discover the manual work of these vines, inaccessible to machines, the techniques used to produce Banyuls with its aromas of candied fruit and spices, and taste these nectars in enchanting surroundings.

Good to know: Open by reservation, Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm. Prices: simple tour €5-10, guided tour with tasting €15-30. Recommended wineries: Domaine Piétri-Géraud (15 Avenue du Puig del Mas, 66190 Collioure, rated 4.8/5), Clos Castell, Les Clos de Paulilles (Anse de Paulilles, 66660 Port-Vendres, rated 4.6/5). Walking shoes recommended. Accessible by car only. Best period: September (grape harvest) or spring.

3. Sea kayaking along the Côte Vermeille

Category: €€ / Sports & Nature

Description: Sea kayaking allows you to explore inaccessible coves, skirt purple schist cliffs and immerse yourself in sea caves. Departing from Collioure or Port-Vendres, supervised outings are available for all levels. Glide across the translucent water, watching schools of fish, cormorants and sometimes dolphins. The guides share their knowledge of the local geology and maritime history. Some trips at sunset offer an unforgettable view of the cliffs ablaze.

Good to know: Several service providers: Club Nautique de Collioure (Plage du Faubourg, rated 4.5/5, tel. 06 09 92 24 84), In Extremis Aventura in Port-Vendres. Prices: 2-hour trip €35-45/adult, half-day €50-65, full day €80-95. Free hire: €15-20/hour. Season April-October. Accessible from age 8. Ability to swim compulsory. Equipment provided. Please bring: swimming costume, towel, cap and water. Booking recommended.

4. Hike the coastal path to Cap Béar

Category: € / Nature & Sport

Description: The coastal path to Cap Béar is one of the most beautiful walks on the Côte Vermeille. The route winds its way between towering cliffs and secret coves, with spectacular views over the Mediterranean and the Albères mountains. The customs path alternates between shady stretches and passages exposed to the sun. The finish at Cap Béar rewards you with a 360° panorama: the Spanish coast to the south, the Bay of Paulilles to the north. The lighthouse and old bunkers bear witness to the area’s strategic past. You can return via the Paulilles site, a former industrial site now converted into an eco-museum.

Good to know: Several options: short hike (1h30, 5km) from Paulilles, medium loop (3h, 10km) Port-Vendres > Cap Béar > Paulilles. Free access. Since 2024, the Cap Béar road has been closed to cars: parking is compulsory in Paulilles (free off-season, €5-8/day in summer). Yellow signposted path, steep sections (350m ascent). Good footwear, water and a cap are essential. Swimming possible en route. Best time of year: April-June or September-October. Paulilles site: free ecomuseum, picnic areas, supervised beaches.

5. Experience the atmosphere of the Port-Vendres fish auction and market

Category: € / Gastronomic & Cultural

Description: 3 km from Collioure, Port-Vendres offers the authenticity of a busy fishing port. Every morning, the trawlers unload their nightly catch in a captivating atmosphere. La Poissonnerie de la Criée, on the quayside, combines fishmongering, catering and tasting with a view over the bay. Spectacular displays of sea bass, sea bream, red mullet, langoustines and the famous Collioure anchovies. The tasting area offers seafood platters, tapas and Catalan specialities such as bullinada. On Fridays and Saturdays, the weekly market adds colour and flavour with local producers, cheesemongers and craftspeople.

Good to know: La Poissonnerie de la Criée (40 Anse Gerbal, 66660 Port-Vendres, rated 4.2/5, tel. 04 68 98 46 00). Opening hours: high season daily 9am-9pm, low season Tue-Sun 9am-7pm. Fish 8-25€/kg depending on species. Tapas 12-18€, platters 35-75€. Market Friday and Saturday 8am-1pm. Free parking. Tip: arrive around 7am-7.30am to watch the return of the boats. Another anchovy address: Anchois Desclaux (Route de Port-Vendres, Collioure, rated 4.6/5). From Collioure: 5 min by car or 30 min walk along the coastal path.

In conclusion, Collioure and the surrounding area offer a remarkable variety of activities to discover all the facets of the Côte Vermeille. From underwater exploration to wine tasting, kayaking, panoramic walks and authentic gastronomy, these experiences are the perfect complement to a visit to the historic heritage accessible via theNavaway audio tour. An ideal destination for a memorable holiday combining culture, nature and Catalan traditions.

FAQ : Activities in and around Collioure

Can we do these activities all year round?

The underwater trail is open from mid-June to mid-September only. Kayak trips are available from April to October. Visits to vineyards and the fishmonger’s in Port-Vendres are available all year round. Hiking is available all year round, with a preference for spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October).

Do you need a car for these activities?

A car makes it easy to get around. Port-Vendres is 3 km from Collioure (accessible on foot in 30-40 minutes), Banyuls 8 km and Paulilles 5 km. There are local buses (route 540), but with limited timetables. Kayaking activities start directly from Collioure or Port-Vendres.

What budget do you need?

Budget varies: free activities (hikes, market), economical (underwater trail €5, cellar visits €15-30), medium (2-hour kayak €35-45) or more expensive (full-day kayak €80-95). For a weekend with 2-3 paying activities: €80-150/person excluding accommodation.

Are these activities suitable for families?

Yes, a number of activities are family-friendly: the underwater trail from age 6 (good swimmers), vineyard tours for all ages, kayaking from age 8 (short routes), the short Paulilles-Cap Béar hike, the Port-Vendres market. Long hikes and kayak trips lasting several hours are more suitable for teenagers and adults.

Is it possible to combine several activities?

Absolutely! For example: morning at the market in Port-Vendres, picnic in Collioure, afternoon snorkelling in Cerbère. Or: morning hike to Cap Béar, lunch and tasting at a winery, late afternoon visit to Collioure with Navaway. The proximity of the sites makes it easy to optimise your days.