Discover the must-see activities
Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, Banyuls-sur-Mer is a charming town on the Côte Vermeille, nestled between the sea and the mountains. Known for its picturesque beaches, vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, Banyuls-sur-Mer is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, gastronomy and culture. If you are wondering "What to do in Banyuls-sur-Mer?", here is a guide to the must-do activities to fully enjoy this beautiful region during your vacation.
1. Relaxing on the beaches 🌊
Banyuls-sur-Mer is renowned for its beautiful coves where you can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. Among the most popular beaches, Plage Centrale offers clear waters, perfect for swimming and water activities. The more intimate Plage des Elmes is ideal for those looking for a more peaceful setting. After swimming, you can visit our shop and do with a free tasting located next to the Hotel Les Elmes. Here 🍷
2. Hiking and walking 🎒
For hiking enthusiasts, Banyuls-sur-Mer offers several trails with breathtaking panoramic views. The Sentier du Littoral, also known as the Sentier des Douaniers, is a coastal hike that will take you through secret coves and spectacular rocky landscapes. For a more mountainous experience, explore the trails of the Albères massif.
3. Wine tasting and wine tourism 🍷🍇
The Banyuls-sur-Mer region is renowned for its terraced vineyards producing exceptional wines. Don't miss the Wine Route to visit the local wine estates and taste the famous Banyuls natural sweet wine. The cellars and wineries will welcome you for tastings and guided tours, where you will learn all about the winemaking process. Discover the unmissable visit to the Grande Cave Terres des Templiers, followed by a free tasting of AOP Collioure, AOP Banyuls and AOP Banyuls Grand Cru wines. We also offer various notorious tourism activities that you can find on our activities page.
4. Underwater exploration 🤿 🐠 🪸
Banyuls-sur-Mer is also famous for its Marine Nature Reserve , a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The reserve offers exceptional marine biodiversity, with coral reefs, colorful fish and abundant underwater flora. Several local diving centers offer guided excursions to discover these underwater wonders.
5. Discovery of cultural heritage 🖼️🏛️
A visit to the Musée Maillol is a must for art lovers. This museum is dedicated to the sculptor Aristide Maillol, originally from Banyuls-sur-Mer. You will discover his works as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Also do not miss a visit to the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette, located on the heights of the city, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The Grande Cave de Terres des Templiers offers exhibitions in the alley of vats by local artists. You can find the featured artists on our blog in the "Our events" tab.
7. Family leisure and activities 🪁🪼
If you are traveling with your family, the Biodiversarium is an educational and fun attraction not to be missed. This scientific and educational complex includes an aquarium and a Mediterranean garden, allowing you to discover the fauna and flora of the region in an interactive way.
8. Local festivals and events 🎶
Finally, find out about local events and traditional festivals in Banyuls-sur-Mer. The town regularly hosts festivals, markets and celebrations that showcase local culture and traditions. Attending these events is a great way to immerse yourself in local life and meet the locals. You can find the schedule of events for July and August in Banyuls-sur-Mer here 📰 .
The entire Terres des Templiers team wishes you a pleasant stay under the sun of the Côte Vermeille, and we hope to see you in our cellars and shops to discover our AOP Collioure, AOP Banyuls and AOP Banyuls Grand Cru wines. 👋☀️
GICB - Lands of the Templars
