The 9 things to do on the Friuli Islands

Leave the vacarma of the city, plunge into the absolute calm of the Friuli. Here are the 9 things to do on the Friuli Islands.

The Friuli archipelago, flooded by a permanent sun, proudly faces to face Marseille . Composed of four islands, it extends over two hundred hectares of beautiful and preserved nature. Visible from the coast, its turquoise waters, secret coves, fine sand beaches, dazzling rocks and wild species are magnetic.

This little corner of paradise defeated by the mistral and placed on the Grande Bleue delights all travelers. So, what do you do when you land on these enigmatic, contrasting and displacing coasts? Follow the guide! We're telling you everything about the 9 things to do on the Friuli Islands.

1. Pomègues Island

The island of Pomègues takes place on almost three kilometers of shredded coasts. It is the largest island in the archipelago but also one of the wildest and authentic. It offers majestic views on crystal clear waters and rocks nestled by the clutch and wind.

The vegetation, despite the drought, managed to make a place in sometimes spectacular forms. Hiking trails are carved on the cliffside and full of striking vestiges. The Fort, the Cap Caveaux battery, and the Tour de Poméguet, all of which have a tumultuous military past.

2. The island of If and its castle

Probably. must to visit the Frioul Islands: the island of If and its famous castle. This fortress, which at all times saber the horizon from the continent, spreads over the entire island. A former prison, she delights history and literature lovers.

After all, the Count of Monte Cristo had stayed there! It is to this character of Alexander Dumas that we owe the glory of the site. In addition, the Château d’If is full of anecdotes and legends that walk between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.

3. The island of Ratonneau

Designed by two calanques and three beaches, the island of Ratonneau stretches over two kilometers. This is an unmistakable stop if you want to visit the Frioul Islands by making seaside tourism.

Its urbanized face does not lack charm thanks to its small marina and its lively docks. It is also an ideal landmark for families who want to delight small walks or shy night birds that aspire to more effervescence.

Do you know that the island was primarily a military and quarantine base in times of epidemic? Do you also see, erected in vigy, the little chapel built for sailors? Here, heritage ferus fall in love. The Forts of Ratonneau, the Cap de Croix battery or the Caroline Hospital are fabulous vestiges.

4. Hiking

It doesn't matter if the arid climate sometimes falls like a lead. One of the impossible activities to do on the islands of Friuli is hiking. However, if you are particularly amateur or amateur, we can only advise you to aim inter-season to go to the archipelago.

Rest assured, fauna and flora remain exceptional in each season. On a walk, you will probably have the opportunity to join some « gabians » : the gulls of the Provencals.

Here are two of our favourite hiking trails:

• The path that winds up the Berry dike and ends at the battery of Cavaux. On the island of Pomègues, this route is full of amazing geological and natural phenomena. For almost an hour, you will believe in the end of the world and away from any agitation;
• The hike between the Saint-Estève beach and the Caroline Hospital. A flagship itinerary of Ratonneau Island, which stops in front of the Maison des Pilotes. Similar to a vessel's bow, this building is the residence of the pilots of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille.

5. The coves and beaches

The limestone silhouette of the archipelago obsessessed with beaches and stuffing. It is impossible to visit the Friuli Islands without going to the conquest of its many sandy calanques and coves. All are fabulously dug into a picturesque and wild environment. These natural pepits invite you to long sun baths and surprising encounters between the rocks.

Crine calanque is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Replaced on the island of Pomègues, its turquoise blue and its succession of secret coves leave mouth bent. She deserves her nickname for heavenly consonances: the beach of Tahiti. However, this layer deserves because it is the farthest from the port.

On your itinerary things to do on the Friuli Islands, also include the layers of the Escondelle (Island of Pomègues), Morgiret and Saint Estève (Island of Ratonneau). In addition, La calanque de Saint Estève houses the only true beach – supervised and built in the summer – of the archipelago.

To reach it, just walk thirty minutes at the boat exit or climb in the small train. Its turquoise waters contain surprises, including a guided underwater path. If you aspire to a fierce day, you will be filled. Here, the best thing is to make bronze and sip cocktails.

Behind the port of Frioul is the beach of the Grand Sufre . This is the closest beach to the village. Pleasant, protected from mistral and easy to access, it is still uncommon. Venture to Brigantin's tip and discover the small, crumbled cove and gravel beach. Be careful, first come, first served.

6. Discovery of Caroline Hospital

Here is an incredible discovery to be made on the islands of Frioul. Caroline Hospital is a 19th-century lazaret. It is the fabulous witness of the time when the sailors stopped making a stopover on the archipelago.

These sea warriors protected, at the peril of their lives, the phocean city. This is why architect Michel-Robert Penchaud built this hospital on Ratonneau Island. We took care of sick or injured sailors.

7. Water sports

Diving, snorkeling, kayaking or jet ski rental: water sports have a beautiful part in the Mediterranean islands. But more in Marseille: the cradle of scuba diving thanks to the exceptional Parc National des Calanques .

If you have to choose a nautical activity to do on the Frioul Islands, choose the dive. In fact, the seabed houses absolutely exceptional species.

If we need to advise you on a dive site in particular, explore the one of Tiboulen on Ratonneau Island. The premises will tell you: this site is incredibly sheltered from the wind and its reliefs are striking.

8. A boat ride

Why not visit the Frioul Islands by boat, during an expedition on a sailboat or a renovated trawler? From Old Port , go to the deep and welcoming waters of the archipelago.

Rent a boat To discover the islands of Frioul, it is to swim from calanques in calanques, to spend a convivial moment in a small committee and to discover the history of the islands alongside your captain.

You can even decline your ballad in the yard of a meal on the deck of the boat or feet in the water. Otherwise, make a cruise in the sunset. This night walk will allow you to admire the Phocean City, in the distance, illuminated in the dark.

9. Attend the Monte-Cristo challenge

This famous live water swimming race is a unique sport and human experience in Europe. Four days rich in performance and self-overcoming! Much more than a must-see activity on the Friuli Islands, it is a memorable event that you are a spectator or, more importantly, a participant.

What exactly is this? The challenge of Monte-Cristo, a life challenge for many swimmers, takes place in several races in the Mediterranean. The start is given at Château d’If or on Degaby Island and the finish takes place on the beaches of Prado. It is then more than five thousand participants and sixty nationalities who face waves and ruthless forces of nature.

How to get to the Friuli Islands?

Driven by our 9 essential things to do on the Friuli Islands? We must first win Marseille. The train is an excellent way to get to the city center: the Marseille Saint-Charles train station is served from the entire France.

♪ aircraft , the nearest airport is Marseille-Provence. You can see the flight comparison Skyscanner to find the best offers according to your availability. Then take about thirty additional minutes to win the city centre (by taxi or bus).

Then, from the Old Port of Marseille, many shuttles allow you to visit the Friuli Islands. In high season, the journey is made all day, from 6:30 to 11:00 , and last a little less 30 minutes .

Where to stay on the Frioul Islands?

It has very few offers of accommodation on the Friuli Islands. Most travellers stay in Marseille. The best is accommodation in Old Port quarter , the closest to the shipyard and the best known of the Marseille neighborhoods. Other attractive and well-placed areas to visit Friuli Islands: The Cart and La Canebière .

In all cases, the possibilities of accommodation are multiple: Airbnb and hotels in mind. In particular, you can find your ideal hotel with a Compare hotels .