Port Vendres

This is the only natural port in the cote Vermeille which is situated in an area between the Mediterranean, Pyrenees and mainland Spain. Port-Vendres became important in the seventeenth century after the French invasion, and the beautiful town with its l´Obelisque symbol, was built around it in the eighteenth century.

It is now a deep water commercial port and fishing and yachting harbour. With cruise liners stopping here and more than 4,000 tons of fish caught every year it is the largest and most important port in the Pyrenees Orientales.

It is a beautiful place to spend a holiday with its sandy coves and rocky slopes offering excellent beach facilities. There are over three kilometres of fine sandy beaches in the south of Port-Vendres which offer water sports including pedal boats, windsurfing, diving and water and jet skiing. The small and quiet beaches of Oli and d’en Baux are a sunbather’s paradise.

There are boats trips daily from Quai Forgas which take you on a tour of the city from the sea and on to the historic village of Collioure with its castle, and beautiful vineyards at Maillol. Deep sea fishing trips can also be organised from here, or you can do some relaxing fishing on your own from the end of one of the jettys.

The hills overlooking Port-Vendres are covered with the grapes of the old Banyuls vineyards. They produce an aperitif and excellent red wine called Collioure. So beautiful is the surrounding countryside that artists including Picasso and Salvador Dali felt inspired to paint here.

Because of its association with the sea, it will come as no surprise to hear that fresh fish and seafood are the regional specialities of Port-Vendres, washed down with the fine local wine. Local specialities including Peche du jour (shellfish cooked in Planxa) and Bullinda which is a Catalan lobster stew.

There is a market every Saturday morning in the Place of the Obelisque where you can purchase fresh local produce, spices and Catalan specialities. During the summer season there is a craft market here on Thursday mornings. As Port-Vendres is the nearest French port to North Africa you will also see many items from this area on sale here.