Cassis to Calanque d'En Vau

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Features Swimming · Views

This is the easiest and most popular hike to the extremely popular Calanque d'En Vau. Limestone cliffs soaring above a narrow spit of crystal-clear Mediterranean with perfect swimming. Imagine what it would be like if was more accessible!

This hike is completely exposed to the sun and is unbearably hot in summer. On warm days, only do this early morning, evening, or with complete cloud cover.

It can be crazy crowded. You might not be able to park. Weekends and midday are worst. You can have the place to yourself in the early morning or sunset though.

There are two main ways to get to Calanque d'En Vau:

1. The Cassis Highway to Calanque d'En Vau #7, which is harder and longer. It's also the cheapest (free), and the best hiking option if Cassis is packed with no parking (frequent on weekends).

2. This trail. This trail is much shorter (though still involves a lot of hills) but is super crowded.

From Cassis, follow the road down to Calanque de Port Miou and the huge parking area. Hike above the calanque, which is completely lined with boats. It's pretty, but because you're not yet in the National Park, it's busy and crowded.

Arrive at the Plage de Port Pin (at the head of the Calanque by the same name). Take a break if you like - after this the trail leaves the water, heads steeply uphill on loose rock, and is very hot and exposed. Follow the crowds up and down the hill, then a short flat section leads to the beach at Calanque d'En Vau.

Enjoy a picnic and a swim, and return the way you came.

This area is very popular with rock climbers, who scale the limestone cliffs all around the beach.