Beaches in Marseille
Here is the list of 7 Beaches in Marseille
1. Plage des Catalans
Marseille’s most central beach, Plage des Catalans sits just off the Old Port and feels like a city gathering spot. It’s small and sandy, perfect for a quick swim or a game of volleyball—plus it's the easiest spot to reach for visitors staying downtown.
Access: 10–15 min walk from Vieux-Port
Facilities: Volleyball courts, nearby cafés, basic access
Best For: Urban dip or people-watching stop
2. Plage du Prophète
Just a short walk from Catalans along the Corniche, this beach has calmer water and fewer crowds. There’s sand, a gentle slope into the sea, and a laid-back feel—with a snack bar overlooking the waves.
Access: Along Corniche, accessible by bus or tram
Facilities: Snack bar, lifeguards, volleyball area
Best For: Family wading or an easy beach stroll
3. Plages du Prado
A cluster of artificial urban beaches stretching over 2 km, Prado has become Marseille’s largest coastal leisure zone. With grassy dunes, playgrounds, cafés, and lifeguards, this sprawling area is great for families and groups.
Location: Southern Marseille coastline
Facilities: Showers, benches, sports areas, food options
Best For: Spacious sunbathing, sports, and all-day comfort
4. Frioul Islands – Saint-Estève & Others
Take a ferry from the Old Port to reach the protected beaches of the Frioul archipelago. Saint-Estève is a top pick for snorkeling with exceptionally clear water. These island beaches feel private despite being easy to reach.
Access: Ferry (30 min) to Frioul archipelago
Atmosphere: Pristine water, light crowds, island vibe
Best For: Snorkeling, scenic solitude, day inflected by boat rides
5. Calanque de Sormiou
Part of the Calanques National Park, Sormiou boasts dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and a rustic feel. It’s the most accessible calanque to drive to—but comes with limited parking and an attempt at staying calm amid nature.
Access: Drive (in season limited), hike, or boat in
Facilities: Lifeguards (summer), small café, parking at bay
Best For: Natural beauty, hiking + swimming combo
6. Calanque de Morgiou
Another gem of the Calanques, Morgiou’s rugged cove is embraced by forested cliffs and scented pines. The setting feels unchanged for generations—raw, inspiring, and intentionally off the beaten path.
Access: 45-min hike or boat ride
Facilities: None—bring food and water
Best For: Rugged beauty, quiet swims, and immersive nature
7. Calanque de Sugiton
Popular with students and day-hikers thanks to nearby university trails, Sugiton offers a blend of accessibility and secluded charm. A small beach at the fjord’s end invites refreshing dips after a manageable hike.
Access: Hike from Luminy campus (open during fire risk season)
Facilities: None—prep for a beach-and-hike trip
Best For: Hikers, quick respite in dramatic setting
Marseille’s shoreline spans the spectrum—from city-side convenience to raw coastal wilderness. Whether you stick close and let the surf city views top off your visit, or venture into the calanques for that wild, heartbeat-throttling dip, every beach here reflects a different side of the city’s varied coastal character.