Antibes is my absolute favourite town on the French Riviera, and the beaches here never disappoint. I should know — I’ve been visiting them regularly for over 20 years. Whether you’re looking for shallow sandy waters, secluded coves, dramatic rocky stretches, or chic beach clubs, Antibes offers an impressive variety for every kind of beach day.
Often overlooked by travellers heading to nearby Nice or Cannes, Antibes sits just 25–30 minutes from Nice by train, making it an easy day trip — though I’d strongly recommend staying longer. If you’re planning a Côte d’Azur itinerary, setting aside at least a day or two to explore Antibes’ beaches is well worth it. It’s one of those places that quietly exceeds expectations.
👉 If you’re also visiting Nice, don’t miss my full guide to beach safety and hidden risks.
What You Need to Know about Antibes’ Beaches
🏖️ Best for: Sandy family beaches, clear water, and relaxed Riviera days
📍 Location: Antibes & Cap d’Antibes, French Riviera
🌊 Water: Calm, shallow in many areas — great for swimming
🪨 Sand or Pebbles: Mostly sand, with some rocky coves
🍹 Beach Clubs: Yes — especially on the Cap d’Antibes & Juan-les-Pins
🚆 Getting There: 25–30 mins from Nice by train
💡 Bottom Line: Antibes has some of the most varied and enjoyable beaches on the Côte d’Azur — without the crowds or prices of its neighbours.
My Top 5 Beaches in Antibes
These are the beaches where I’ve personally enjoyed swimming in the clear Mediterranean water the most over the years. They’re a mix of easy-access favourites and quieter spots I return to again and again.
- ⛱️ Plage du l’Olivette – Cap d’Antibes
- ⛱️ Baie des Milliardaires – Cap d’Antibes
- ⛱️ Plage de la Gallice – Juan Les Pins
- ⛱️ Plage du Ponteil – Antibes
- ⛱️ Plage de la Garoupe (although not in July & August)
Below, you’ll find more detail on many other beaches beyond this top 5, grouped by family-friendly options, beach clubs, and quieter, off-the-beaten-track spots. Use the contents to jump straight to what suits your plans.
Beaches for Families and Easy Accessibility
⛱️ Plage de la Gravette – Antibes’ Old Town Beach
Located just outside the Old Town city wall and at the entrance to Port Vauban, this beach is a great stop if you are short on time. It is a sandy beach and entrance to the water is relatively easy – it can be a little rocky underfoot. The shallow water is great for kids to play and the entire beach is surrounded by a harbour wall so the water remains calm.
👍🏼 Accessible easily from the town.
👍🏼 The shallow waters are perfect for kids.
👎🏼 It can be very busy in July and August with very little possibility to find a secluded spot away from others.
⛱️ Plage du Ponteil – Antibes
This sandy beach is also easily accessible from Antibes and offers stunning views across the Baie des Anges towards Nice.
If arriving by car there is a car park immediately adjacent to the beach, however in July and August an early arrival is recommended.
Entry to the sea is extremely easy here as the water remains shallow and sandy underfoot. Perfect for families or those with less mobility. There is a beach club (detailed below) to the north of the beach where sun-loungers can be hired. There are also multiple snack outlets on the walkway above the beach. Do note that the rocky cove to the North of this beach is an area where swimming is not allowed – (Baignade Interdite in French).
👍🏼 Easy to walk to from the centre of Antibes.
👍🏼 Shallow sandy waters, perfect for kids to play.
👎🏼 I have noticed from time to time that the water can be a little foamy/oily towards the beach club where there is less water circulation.
⛱️ Plage de l’llette – Antibes
Nestled between Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis and tucked away behind the Sailing Centre (École de Voile) is this smaller less busy beach of Plage de l’llette. A fine pebble beach, this is a good option if you want to escape the crowds of the two neighbouring beaches.
👍🏼 A little quieter than its two neighbours.
👎🏼 The pebbles can be a little more uncomfortable to lay on for the day.
⛱️ Plage de la Salis – Antibes
A little bit of a walk further, beyond Plage du Ponteil towards the Cap d’Antibes, you will find the wider, longer, sandy beach of Plage de la Salis. There are several snack outlets along this beach which have been renovated for the 2024 season.
The whole beach is sandy and the water remains shallow for quite some way out. It is sandy underfoot making it easily accessible. If you like to swim further out into the sea, this beach is ideal as the water never really feels so deep.
To the north end of the beach you will also find the Handiplage organisation – a not for profit organisation making beaches accessible for all. Since 2019 they have established access to the water for all visitors with limited mobility. Eligible visitors can enjoy the facilities with up to two companions. Click here for more information (in French).
👍🏼 Sandy, shallow waters – great for kids, and swimmers who don’t like deep waters.
👍🏼 Accessibility for everyone with the presence of the ‘Handiplage’ organisation.
👎🏼 It can become very busy in the afternoons and early evenings.
⛱️ Plage de la Garoupe – Cap d’Antibes
For views, this is the most dramatic beach of Antibes, particularly in the winter when you have a spectacular view over the Baie des Anges towards the snow-capped Alps. This vista is also superb in summer.
Adjacent to the Beach Club Keller, this small palm lined sandy beach is a favourite. The picturesque bay and crystal clear water makes it an ideal spot for enjoying the best of the Mediterranean. A great beach to stop at for a swim at the end of the Cap d’Antibes walk which I feature in the blog post ‘Ultimate Cap d’Antibes Coastal Hike.’
👍🏼 Spectacular views over the Baie des Anges and the Alps.
👍🏼 Beautiful azure blue swimming water.
👎🏼 If coming by car in July/August make sure to arrive very early in the morning as it can be extremely difficult to park.
📸 Insta Tip – Walk to the top of the road behind the beach for an Instagram worthy shot.
Beach Clubs in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
⛱️ Royal Beach – Antibes
Situated across the road from the Royal Antibes Hotel and at the north end of Plage du Ponteil, you will find the swanky Royal Beach. Open between April and October each year. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel to use the idyllic beach club facilities. Sun-loungers can be rented here, either on their pier and deck above the beach, or on the sandy beach, although note that different rates apply (listed below).
At the time of writing rates are;
- Beach – front row €35 per sun-bed with parasol.
- Beach – second and third row €30 per sun-bed with parasol.
- The raised deck is €40 per day.
- Towels can be rented for an additional €5.
Advance booking in July and August is strongly recommended.
The Royal also offers a shuttle boat to collect you from your yacht in order to enjoy a day on land – advance booking is required for this service.
A restaurant offers a wide selection of items for lunch and snacks as well as a comprehensive cocktail and wine list.
👍🏼 Stunning location and superb access to the sea from the beach and the deck.
👍🏼 The restaurant has a decent menu catering to all needs.
👎🏼 It can be quite pricey for a couple or family if renting beds for everyone and eating a drinking all day – make sure you budget for it.
💡Insider Tip: If arriving after lunch try negotiating a half-day rate.
⛱️ Plage Keller Beach Club – Cap d’Antibes
Open from mid-March to mid-October, Plage Keller occupies the centre section of the Plage de la Garoupe on the Cap d’Antibes. This stunning location features in my top 5 beaches for a reason. The views over the Baie des Anges towards Nice and the Alps is uniquely spectacular.
Sun-loungers can be rented on the beach or on one of the two pontoons for a truly unforgettable day. There is free parking close by, although an early arrival is advised. A boat shuttle is offered to collect you from your mooring – advance booking is required.
The gourmet restaurant Le César is a must for lunch if you are spending the day here. However, if you prefer a lighter snack the beach restaurant can cater to your needs.
👍🏼 The unique setting and view.
👍🏼 Booking can be done in advance on their website.
👎🏼 Can become very busy in July and August and it can be pretty pricey.
📸 Insta Tip – Walk to the top of the road behind the beach for an Instagram worthy shot.
⛱️ La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club – Juan-Les-Pins
A little pricier than its Antibes neighbours, the Belles Rives Beach Club offers pure luxury. Nestled in front of the iconic Belles Rives Hotel, this beach club provides you with the opportunity to spend the day under the sun with the glistening Mediterranean at your feet.
The beach club is open to non-residents of the hotel. Advance booking is mandatory and the daily rates are as follows;
- Pontoon/jetty sun-bed €50
- Front line beach sun bed with parasol €40,
- Second line sun bed and parasol €30.
- Towels can be rented for €8.
- Valet service, if coming by car, up to 6 hours for €15. Water skiing, pedals and paddle boards can also be arranged at the beach club.
👍🏼 A luxurious treat.
👍🏼 Water sports on offer – paddle, pedalo and water skiing.
👎🏼 It is expensive.
⛱️ Farniente at the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel – Cap d’Antibes
Having a name that translates to ‘lazy’ one can easily imagine how summer days pass here. It is a chic and modern beach club offering the luxury that is synonymous with the Cap d’Antibes. With a sandy beach and a unique sensory pool, this is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the Riviera.
With decor all in pink, sipping chilled French Rosé wine here is the perfect plan for visitors with a big budget.
Advance booking is necessary and rates are as follows;
- Beach first row – €70 per sun-bed high season, €50 per sun-bed low season
- Beach second row and beyond – €50 per sun-bed high season, €40 per sun-bed low season
- By the swimming pool – €55 per sun-bed high season, €45.00 per sun-bed low season
- Towels are offered at the rate of €9 per towel.
Do note that high season is classed as June, July, August and September.
👍🏼 The sensory pool is a warm water pool, perfect for the afternoons when the mistral winds blow in.
👍🏼 Feels like a million miles away from the crowds.
👎🏼 It is rather expensive compared to the other beach clubs.
Secluded and Off-the-Beaten-Track Beaches
For ease of navigation I have ordered these beaches from the north of Antibes, through Antibes and around the Cap d’Antibes in a clock-wise direction towards Juan-Les-Pins.
With the exception of Plage du Fort Carré and Plage de la Fontonne, access by car is extremely difficult due to the lack of parking close by. I recommend exploring these beaches on foot or by bike.
⛱️ Plage du Fort Carré and Plage de la Fontonne – Antibes’ pebbled beaches
Plage du Fort Carré is my preferred beach of these two. Located to the North of Antibes towards Biot, this is an often over-looked beach. With easily accessible parking located directly over the road this is a great beach to visit if you are pushed for time and just want to get to the beach for an hour with easy parking.
Although rocky, the corner location of the beach means it is more sheltered and offers a beautiful colour of water in which to swim.
💡 Insider Tip: Pack in water shoes to easily access the water without discomfort in your feet!
A few hundred metres to the north is the longer rocky stretch of beach known as Plage de la Fontonne. Popular with overnight campers, this is a great spot if you are looking for somewhere to pitch overnight with a motor home. Alternatively, simply pull off the road and have a short time on the beach listening to the waves.
👍🏼 Easy parking for a quick visit.
👍🏼 Possible to camp overnight with a motor home.
👎🏼 Not as picturesque as other beaches in Antibes and access to the water can be tricky without water shoes.
⛱️ Petite Plage – Antibes
Quite difficult to find, this tiny beach is located just after you leave Antibes and the road starts to head out towards the Cap d’Antibes. There is a single, beautiful villa on the sea-side of the road, and the beach is located just after it.
A short scramble over the wall and the rocks brings you to Petite Plage – a tiny sand beach. Outside of the weekends there is the possibility to discover that you have this small patch of paradise to yourself.
👍🏼 If you are lucky you can have the beach to yourself.
👎🏼 Difficult to find and access.
⛱️ Baie des Milliardaires – Cap d’Antibes
This is the first beach that you will encounter if completing the Cap d’Antibes Ultimate Coastal Hike. Do note that access here is only on foot and parking can only be found quite some way away near the Plage de la Garoupe. However, a visit here really is worth the effort.
This beach was recently featured in the 2020 version of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, starring Lily James; opening scenes of the movie were filmed here.
I simply love this beach because of the pockets of deep blue water that can be found when swimming further out from the beach. Stronger swimmers can swim quite some way along the coastline. Glimpse into the private beach access of the French Riviera’s most exclusive villas.
During my visit in June 2024, I was excited to see that a ship wrecked yacht had washed up onto the beach. It was a dramatic site to see!
It is worth taking some time to walk up the path and stairs to the left of the beach. Marvel at the views across the bay.
👍🏼 The swimming here is quite simply some of the best that the Riviera has to offer.
👍🏼 A glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous with views of some spectacular villas from the footpath.
👎🏼 Access in and out of the water is extremely difficult without water shoes.
💡 Insider Tip: a walk a little further along the path and down the steep stairs brings you to the abandoned private beach/harbour of Villa Eden Roc. There are great opportunities for some adrenaline packed rock-jumping into the water here.
⚠️ It is worth noting that access here is via the Sentier du Littoral and is difficult for those with mobility issues. There is no wheelchair access.
⛱️ Plage de l’Olivette – Cap d’Antibes
Another one of my favourite beaches, the Plage de l’Olivette is an easily missed beach when touring the Cap d’Antibes. With its quaint little harbour and cute, colourful fishing boats lined up along the jetty, this is really a must visit to soak up the atmosphere. While away a few hours with a good book.
Choose to spread a towel somewhere along the jetty,next to the boats, or find a spot on the beach beneath the trees. My favourite spot is just beyond the little rocky outcrop where there is a tiny shingle beach. I have spent many afternoons here beneath the afternoon sun.
👍🏼 Much quieter than the other beaches close by.
👍🏼 The harbour is so picturesque.
👎🏼 Access to the water is very difficult without water shoes.
⛱️ Plage du Port Mallet – Cap d’Antibes
A stone’s throw from Plage de l’Olivette is the slightly larger beach of Port Mallet. A combination of pebbles and sand, this is another beach that does not disappoint for the afternoon sun. Access to the water is easy when wearing water shoes and it can be fun to explore the waters in the old port area.
I often use this beach as a starting point for open-water swimming along the coast towards Juan-Les-Pins. With water that is never more than 3-4 metres deep and an exclusion zone for motorised vessels. This is a safe swimming space.
👍🏼 Easy access to the water and a great starting point for open-water swimming.
👍🏼 Never seems to get so busy.
👎🏼 Shaded until quite late in the morning.
⛱️ Plage des Ondes and Petit Port de Valette – Cap d’Antibes
No more than 200 meters from Plage du Port Mallet, this is an extremely popular spot, especially with families, thanks to the sandy beach and shallow waters. For afternoon sun lovers this is a perfect location. The Petit Port de Valette just off-shore makes it a quaint setting. This is a great spot for paddle boarding.
👍🏼 Sandy beach and warm shallow water.
👍🏼 Perfect location for families and children.
👎🏼 Can get very busy in the afternoons.
⛱️ Plage de la Gallice – Juan-Les-Pins
This is another of my favourite spots. Tucked away between the harbour and the Belles Rives Hotel, this sandy beach is a beach popular with locals. Walk a little beyond the beach if you prefer more solitude. There is a small pontoon which can be nice to set up for a few hours on.
Enjoy diving for old pieces of terracotta tiles in the shallow water between here and the Belles Rives Hotel.
The snack bar Le Crique offers hearty lunches, coffees and alcoholic drinks.
👍🏼 Feels off the tourist trail.
👍🏼 Snorkelling in the bay beyond the beach is fun.
Swimming & Sea Conditions at Antibes Beaches
In general the water is shallow at the beaches of Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and Juan-Les-Pins. Many of the busier beaches are manned with life guards during peak season. Do note that my ‘Off the Beaten Track’ recommendations are mostly unmanned beaches.
If you like swimming and open-water swimming in particular the area from Plage de l’Olivette towards Juan-Les-Pins is perfect as the water is never more than 3-4 metres deep and motorised vessels are not permitted. I always recommend swimming with an inflatable buoy (see image below) though when swimming further out from the shore.
As mentioned above water shoes are necessary for easy accessibility to the water on the non-sandy beaches, particularly around the Cap d’Antibes.
Jellyfish (méduse) can be an issue during the summer months. A sting can easily ruin a beach day — speaking from experience, I was stung myself last summer. The Côte d’Azur now uses a jellyfish monitoring system, allowing swimmers to check the current risk before heading to the beach. Check out the Meduseo website here.
Map of Antibes’ Beaches
Map Key
🟨 – Family/Accessible Beaches
🟪 – Beach Clubs
⬜️ – Rocky Beaches
🟩 – Off the Beaten Track
Planning Your Visit to Antibes’ Beaches
Where Is Antibes?
Located approximately mid way between Nice and Cannes in the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, you will find the more laid back town of Antibes. If you arrive on the French Riviera by aircraft, you will no doubt spot the town of Antibes on final approach towards the airport of Nice.
The Cape of Antibes – known in French as Cap d’Antibes – is the large body of land to the south of Antibes and home to many of Antibes’ luxury homes and more secluded beaches.
How Can I get to Antibes?
Antibes is well connected by road, rail and bus to other parts of the French Riviera.
🚃 – All types of trains including the Paris/Nice TGV stop at Antibes – however only the local TER trains stop at the stations of Biot and Juan Les Pins. You can find train schedules by clicking here.
🚌 – Several bus lines connect Nice, Antibes and Cannes. Consult the Zou website here to plan your route.
🥾 – If you plan to visit the Cap d’Antibes, this is possible on foot, but I would set aside at least half a day and have some decent walking shoes (click here for my guide to the Ultimate Cap d’Antibes Coastal Hike).
🚲 – Alternatively, hiring bicycles in Antibes and cycling out to the Cap d’Antibes makes for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
What Types of Beaches Will I Find in Antibes?
Whilst Nice is famed for its pebble beaches, Antibes has more variety of beaches. You will find sandy beaches with shallow waters, secluded craggy coves and chic beach clubs all within a stones throw of each other.
When is the Best Time To Visit Antibes?
Antibes, like most of the French Riviera, is a year round destination, thanks to the 300+ days of sunshine per year. Whilst it is possible to swim all year round (if you are accustomed to cold water swimming in the winter), Antibes’ beaches are best enjoyed between the months of May and October.
The peak season is July and August, when the beaches become significantly busier. If you prefer to avoid the crowds I recommend June and particularly September when the sea temperature is perfect.
💡 Top Tip: Visit in September just after the schools return; you will enjoy cheaper accommodation, quieter beaches, yet still benefit from the hot Mediterranean sun and warm waters for swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antibes’ Beaches
Does Antibes have nice beaches?
Yes – absolutely!
Can you swim in the sea in Antibes?
Yes – the waters are shallow and calm.
Are the beaches in Antibes free?
Yes – all public beaches in France are free. However, you can find private beach clubs in Antibes where there is sun-bed and parasol rental.
Is Antibes better than Nice?
Yes – in my opinion there is more variety in the type of beaches – you will only find pebble beaches in Nice.
If you’re looking for things to do beyond the beach, check out my post on Things to do in Antibes.
Plan Your Trip With My Favourite Resources
The Wrap Up – Which Beaches Should you Visit in Antibes?
To conclude, when coming to the French Riviera for a vacation you must schedule a day or two to visit Antibes and its beaches. It is a year round destination.
If you are short of time, there is plenty of variety within the town of Antibes itself. I would recommend Plage de la Gravette as it is quite unique being beneath the city walls. To spoil yourself you won’t regret spending an afternoon or morning at the Royal Antibes Beach Club.
However, to really enjoy Antibes and its beaches, I recommend spending at least 2 days here and making the effort to explore the Cap d’Antibes on foot or by bike. You can find such unique and beautiful swimming spots, I advise picking two or three from my ‘Off the Beaten Track‘ list. You can also read about the beautiful coastal walk in my post – Cap d’Antibes Ultimate Coastal Hike.
Finally, enjoy your stay and discover why Antibes Beaches are the best the Riviera has to offer.
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Written by Richard Hoskisson
Founder of The Cosmos Traveller
With over 30 years of travel experience across France, South Africa, the UAE and Greece – and many more far flung places – Richard helps curious travellers explore hidden gems, discover culturally-rich adventures and enrich their travel stories.
Published May 2024 – Updated July 2025