Port information & tips for Collioure
Collioure is a picturesque gem on the French Côte Vermeille and is considered one of the most charming towns in the Occitanie region. The town delights visitors with its idyllic location between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, captivating them with its colorful house facades and the unique light that once inspired artists like Henri Matisse. Notable sights include the imposing Château Royal de Collioure, the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges with its iconic bell tower right on the water, and the winding alleys of Le Mouré. As a tender port, shuttle boats bring guests directly to the central Quai de l’Amirauté, making it easy to explore the historic center and the beaches on foot in just a few steps.
Collioure welcomes cruise guests as a picturesque little port on the Côte Vermeille in the south of France. While smaller luxury ships can often dock directly at the charming town center, larger ships will generally tender passengers ashore, ensuring convenient access to the walkable heart of the town.
Car
Arriving by car is comfortable thanks to the good connection to the French A9 motorway (formerly AP-7 in Spain). From Perpignan, you can reach Collioure via the D914 heading south in about 45 minutes. From the direction of Barcelona, the A9 leads you directly to the vicinity of the port in around 3 hours. In Collioure itself, there are several parking options, including the centrally located Parking du Glacis (P4) near the Château Royal, which fills up quickly in the summer months. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot in one of the public parking lots. Alternatively, parking lots such as the one on Route de Madeloc are available just outside the center, from which free seasonal shuttle buses run to the center. Parking fees vary depending on location and duration.
Train
Collioure has its own train station, "Gare de Collioure," which is ideally located in the town center and only about a five-minute walk from the port. From Perpignan, you can reach Collioure easily by regional train (SNCF TER) in just 19 to 25 minutes. Trains run regularly, and the journey already offers scenic views along the coast. Collioure is also easily accessible by train from Barcelona: take a high-speed train (TGV/AVE) to Perpignan and then a regional connecting train to Collioure for a total travel time of around three hours.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Perpignan-Rivesaltes (PGF), approximately 29.7 kilometers away, with a travel time of about 30 to 50 minutes. From there, taxis (costing approx. 47-83 euros) and private transfer services are at your disposal. Alternatively, you can take a bus (Line 6) from the airport to Perpignan city center and from there continue to Collioure by regional train or bus (Line 540), which takes a total of about 1 hour 49 minutes to 1 hour 57 minutes and is more cost-effective. For a larger selection of international direct flights from the DACH region, Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) in Spain (approx. 74 km away) or Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) (approx. 160 km away) are good options. From these airports, there are good bus and train connections to Perpignan, as well as car rental and private transfer options to Collioure. When arriving via an international flight, we recommend staying overnight in the region to start your cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
Collioure welcomes cruise guests as a picturesque little port on the Côte Vermeille in the south of France. While smaller luxury ships can often dock directly at the charming town center, larger ships will generally tender passengers ashore, ensuring convenient access to the walkable heart of the town.
Car
Arriving by car is comfortable thanks to the good connection to the French A9 motorway (formerly AP-7 in Spain). From Perpignan, you can reach Collioure via the D914 heading south in about 45 minutes. From the direction of Barcelona, the A9 leads you directly to the vicinity of the port in around 3 hours. In Collioure itself, there are several parking options, including the centrally located Parking du Glacis (P4) near the Château Royal, which fills up quickly in the summer months. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot in one of the public parking lots. Alternatively, parking lots such as the one on Route de Madeloc are available just outside the center, from which free seasonal shuttle buses run to the center. Parking fees vary depending on location and duration.
Train
Collioure has its own train station, "Gare de Collioure," which is ideally located in the town center and only about a five-minute walk from the port. From Perpignan, you can reach Collioure easily by regional train (SNCF TER) in just 19 to 25 minutes. Trains run regularly, and the journey already offers scenic views along the coast. Collioure is also easily accessible by train from Barcelona: take a high-speed train (TGV/AVE) to Perpignan and then a regional connecting train to Collioure for a total travel time of around three hours.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Perpignan-Rivesaltes (PGF), approximately 29.7 kilometers away, with a travel time of about 30 to 50 minutes. From there, taxis (costing approx. 47-83 euros) and private transfer services are at your disposal. Alternatively, you can take a bus (Line 6) from the airport to Perpignan city center and from there continue to Collioure by regional train or bus (Line 540), which takes a total of about 1 hour 49 minutes to 1 hour 57 minutes and is more cost-effective. For a larger selection of international direct flights from the DACH region, Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) in Spain (approx. 74 km away) or Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) (approx. 160 km away) are good options. From these airports, there are good bus and train connections to Perpignan, as well as car rental and private transfer options to Collioure. When arriving via an international flight, we recommend staying overnight in the region to start your cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
As cruise ships in Collioure lie at anchor, you will reach the historical center of this picturesque coastal town directly by tender boat. The landing stage is located in the immediate vicinity of the most important sights and offers an ideal starting point for exploration.
On foot
The charming center of Collioure can be perfectly explored on foot, as the distances are short and the alleys are largely car-free. You can reach the Château Royal, the famous church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, and various city beaches within a few minutes directly from the quay.
Le Petit Train de Collioure
The little tourist train starts centrally in the town and offers a comfortable way to visit the higher-situated vineyards as well as Fort Saint-Elme. The journey also leads to the neighboring port town of Port-Vendres and, thanks to the elevated route, enables impressive panoramic views over the Côte Vermeille.
Regional buses (liO)
The affordable regional buses of the liO network connect Collioure with other coastal towns such as Argelès-sur-Mer or the city of Perpignan. The stops are well-signposted and are within pleasant walking distance of the port, allowing you flexible excursions into the surrounding area.
To make the most of your day in Collioure, an extensive stroll through the compact town center is recommended, perfectly combining the maritime beauty of the bay with the region's cultural heritage.
Quartier du Mouré
The historic fishing district impresses with its winding alleys and brightly colored facades, which, thanks to the many small art galleries and cozy cafes, offer an ideal place to linger and explore.
Château Royal de Collioure
The monumental fortress is located directly on the shore and fascinates with its architecture from different eras; in addition, a walk along the walls provides a fantastic view of the harbor and the surrounding vineyards.
Plage Boramar & Notre-Dame-des-Anges
The centrally located beach offers a unique backdrop right in front of the town's landmark and, thanks to the clear water and its immediate proximity to the promenade, is perfect for a relaxing break by the sea.
Le Mouré Old Quarter
The picturesque old quarter of Le Mouré begins right at the harbor basin and can be easily explored on foot in just a few minutes after leaving the tender boat. The winding alleys with their characteristic pastel-colored houses and flowering facades offer a unique atmosphere that once inspired significant artists like Henri Matisse and today houses numerous excellent art galleries and charming boutiques. Thanks to the central location, you will also find first-class cafés with a direct view of the Château Royal, perfect for a relaxed break in the heart of the city. Ideally, visit the district in the morning to enjoy the special light of the "Côte Vermeille" in peace, and plan your return to the tender pier about sixty minutes before the last departure.
Since Collioure is a tender port, the way back to the ship is via the central pier in the heart of the bay, located directly below the imposing Château Royal.
On Foot
The historic center and beaches like Plage Boramar are located directly on the harbor basin, so you can easily reach the tender pier at Quai de l'Amirauté in just a few minutes. Orientation is easy thanks to the prominent line of sight to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, and the walk along the waterfront promenade is safe and level.
Taxi
Central taxi stands can be found at Place du Maréchal Leclerc right by the tourism office, as well as near the castle. In addition, the staff at the larger hotels at Plage de Port d'Avall are happy to assist with ordering a car so that you can reach the harbor square on time and without waiting.
Le Petit Train Touristique
The little tourist train connects the higher-altitude vineyards and viewpoints, as well as the neighboring town of Port-Vendres, directly with the town center of Collioure. The stop is located in the immediate vicinity of the harbor square, allowing you to return to the meeting point for the tender boats in a relaxed and direct manner after your excursions.
