Collioure's beaches are a cluster of small, sheltered coves wrapped around a working fishing harbour on the Côte Vermeille — the Vermilion Coast — where the Pyrenees tumble into the Mediterranean. Expect coarse sand and shingle rather than wide golden strands, calm clear water, and a postcard backdrop of pastel houses, a Templar castle and a pink bell tower. Here's an honest, local guide to each beach, the coastal path that links them, and where to stay just a 300-metre stroll from the sand.
What to expect from Collioure's beaches
First, the honest bit: Collioure is a village of small coves, not a resort of endless soft sand. Most of the beaches are a mix of coarse sand and rounded shingle, so a pair of water shoes makes wading in far more comfortable — bring some if you have them. The upside is a beautifully sheltered bay: the water is clear, calm and easy for swimming, with none of the surf you'll find on the open Roussillon coast further north. The beaches are compact, so in July and August they fill quickly — arrive before mid-morning to claim your spot, or visit in May, June or September when there's room to breathe and the sea is still warm. The two main beaches, Boramar and Port d'Avall, are supervised by lifeguards in high summer.
Boramar — the postcard beach in the heart of the village
If you've seen a photo of Collioure, you've seen Boramar. This is the central beach, curving right in front of the old town beneath the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, whose rounded bell tower — once a lighthouse — is the village's signature landmark. Traditional Catalan fishing boats, the brightly painted barques catalanes, are still drawn up on the shingle here, and cafés, ice-cream stands and the castle are all just steps away. It's coarse sand and pebble, and it's the busiest beach in Collioure precisely because it's so lovely and so central. Come early, spread your towel, and you're in the middle of everything.
Port d'Avall (Plage du Faubourg) — the roomiest family beach
Cross to the far side of the bay, past the imposing Château Royal, and you reach Port d'Avall — also known as the Plage du Faubourg. This is the largest and most open of Collioure's beaches, with the gentlest shelving into the water, which makes it the easiest choice for families with young children and the best bet if you want space to sunbathe for the afternoon. A promenade of restaurants, gelato and cafés runs along the back of the sand, so lunch, an ice cream or a cold drink is never more than a few paces away. For most visiting families, this is the beach to head for first.
Saint-Vincent and La Balette — the hidden pockets
Two smaller spots reward anyone willing to explore. Plage Saint-Vincent is tucked behind the church and reached through a short tunnel; it's a tiny, sheltered pocket of sand and shingle looking out to the Saint-Vincent chapel on its little islet — a quieter alternative when the main beaches are heaving. Further south, on the road towards Port-Vendres, the Anse de la Balette is a small pebble cove much loved by snorkellers for its rocky edges and clear water. It's also where the coastal path begins, which brings us to the best walk on this stretch of coast.
The coastal path and wilder swims
The waymarked sentier du littoral (coastal path) is one of Collioure's great free pleasures, threading along the cliffs and coves in both directions from the village. Head north towards Argelès and, in roughly 30 to 40 minutes on foot, you reach the Plage de l'Ouille — a wilder, quieter sweep of sand backed by vineyards, perfect for a swim well away from the crowds. Head south towards Port-Vendres and the path climbs past secluded inlets with sweeping views up to the star-shaped Fort Saint-Elme on the hill. Bring water shoes, a hat, sun cream and plenty of water; the reward is dramatic scenery, superb snorkelling and swims you'll have almost to yourself.
Where to stay — a 300-metre stroll from the beach
Love Collioure is four charming self-catering holiday apartments at 20 chemin Saint-Elme, set just back from the bustle yet only a 300-metre walk — about five minutes downhill — to Boramar beach and the harbour. Quiet but close, as we like to say. Each apartment has two bedrooms and sleeps four, with a sunny south-west terrace. We'll always be straight with you: there's no sea view here — instead the terraces open onto the hills and vineyards, which means you get golden light and some of the finest sunsets on the coast, in peace, while the seafront handles the crowds. Each apartment comes with its own private parking space in front of the residence, fibre Wi-Fi throughout, and air-conditioning in all four. The flats are named after painters in honour of the village where Fauvism was born, when Matisse and Derain set up their easels here in 1905. Best of all, you book direct with the owner — no booking fees, no commission, a real person to answer your questions, and Airbnb ratings between 4.74 and 4.93 out of 5 across the four apartments. It's the calm, good-value base for a family holiday within easy reach of every beach in Collioure.