The best beaches in Antibes capture everything that makes this French Riviera town special: a picturesque setting and an easy mix of city life and coastal escape.
It’s one of my favorite French Riviera towns to recommend for a beach day, thanks to the golden sand and calm turquoise water. From the city beaches with their postcard backdrop of ramparts and tiled rooftops to the tucked-away coves of Cap d’Antibes, every beach has its own atmosphere.
Whether you’re after a central beach you can walk to in minutes from the Old Town or a secluded bay that feels far from the city, Antibes boasts some of the French Riviera’s most appealing options.
Are you ready to discover the best beaches in Antibes? Let’s go!
This article highlights the best beaches in Antibes, from family-friendly city beaches to the scenic coves of Cap d’Antibes.
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A quick word about beaches in Antibes
Antibes stands out on the French Riviera for having some of the softest and most pleasant sand along the coast. While many Côte d’Azur towns are known for pebbly shores, Antibes’ city beaches have fine golden sand, making them especially family-friendly.
Most beaches are free to access, although there are a handful of private beach clubs in Antibes, mainly on Cap d’Antibes. Since these private beaches are highly coveted during the high season, I strongly recommend reserving well in advance. You can book your beach chair here.
The waters in Antibes are usually calm, especially in the bayside locations. On most days, you’ll find excellent swimming conditions. Around the rugged tip of Cap d’Antibes, the water is typically clearer, but also more exposed to waves and currents on windy days.
If you plan to explore beyond the beaches, don’t miss the top things to do in Antibes, from wandering the Old Town and its Provençal market to walking the coastal path around Cap d’Antibes.
The best beaches in Antibes
Let’s explore Antibes’s beaches, from lively stretches of soft sand near the Old Town to the wind-swept coast of Cap d’Antibes.
1. Plage de la Gravette
Tucked just behind the old town walls, this sandy crescent is one of the most convenient beaches in Antibes. Families love it for the calm, shallow water and easy access from the city center. It’s also the perfect place to pause during your Antibes day trip, especially if you’re arriving from Nice by train.
Plage de la Gravette lies just behind Antibes’ old ramparts, steps away from the port and the Marché Provençal. It’s the easiest beach to reach if you’re staying in the old town.
This sheltered, sandy cove has soft sand and calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families and beginner swimmers. The views of the ramparts and yachts add to the Riviera atmosphere.
There are no private beach clubs here – the entire stretch is public – but lifeguards are on duty in summer, and there’s a small snack kiosk at the entrance.
I love this blissful beach. It has everything you need: a great location, an intimate vibe, soft sand, and the most picturesque setting. I usually assemble a picnic with fresh finds from the Marché Provençal so that I can stay on this beautiful beach for hours at a time.
Best for:
Easy access, families, swimming in calm waters.
Downsides:
Gets very crowded in summer, limited shade.
2. Plage du Port
This small and narrow stretch of beach sits just east of Plage de la Gravette, between the ramparts and the port entrance, near the iconic Le Nomade sculpture. It’s tucked away against the quay wall and easy to overlook, which makes it feel pleasantly hidden even in high season.
Plage du Port is a mix of gravel and coarse sand, and the water here is usually calm thanks to the breakwater. Note that there’s no lifeguard, so this is not the best beach for families.
There are no facilities either, but its proximity to Vieil Antibes means cafés and restaurants are just a few minutes away. It’s a convenient beach for a short swim without the crowds of La Gravette.
Best for:
Quick dip near the port, quiet alternative to Gravette.
Downsides:
Very small, mixed sand and gravel, no amenities.
3. Plage du Ponteil
Situated just south of the Old Town, Plage du Ponteil stretches along Boulevard James Wyllie with clear views of Antibes’ fortifications and Cap d’Antibes.
This long sandy beach has a relaxed local feel, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The water remains shallow far out, and the gentle waves make it a favorite among families.
There’s one private beach club here, Royal Beach, part of the hotel Royal Antibes across the street. The public section is also equipped with showers, toilets, and a lifeguard post. You’ll find food trucks and cafés nearby for snacks and cold drinks.
There’s a parking lot right behind the beach, separating it from the street. Parking can be challenging in peak season, but the promenade access and large surface area make Ponteil one of the most comfortable beaches for a full-day experience.
Best for:
Space, city and sea views, budget-friendly beach day.
Downsides:
Parking can be a headache, some pebbly patches near the waterline, no shade.
4. Plage de la Salis
Plage de la Salis lies south of Plage du Ponteil, with the two separated by the sailing club. It sits directly next to the road.
This wide, sandy beach is known for its golden sand and beautiful view of the Alps across the bay. The sea is calm, clear, and perfect for a swim at any time of day.
The northernmost side of Plage de la Salis is a “handiplage” and is reserved for people with reduced mobility.
You’ll find restrooms, showers, and a small kiosk on the public section, and the beach is supervised during the peak summer months.
Best for:
Spacious and family-friendly.
Downsides:
Busy in summer, road noise, further away from Vieil Antibes.
5. Plage de la Garoupe
Located halfway around Cap d’Antibes, Plage de la Garoupe is one of the French Riviera’s most famous beaches, once frequented by artists like Picasso and writers like Hemingway.
It’s a sheltered, picturesque bay with dazzling turquoise water and fine sand. Water quality is excellent, and there’s a lifeguard on duty during the high season. However, the area is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project that continues throughout the 2026 season, with completion anticipated before the 2027 beach season.
For the 2026 season, beach services at Garoupe remain limited due to the ongoing redevelopment. Villa Miraé‘s intimate Solarium offers loungers on a seafront sun deck overlooking the beach rather than directly on the sand. Nearby, Le Rocher and La Petite Garoupe provide dining options, while the iconic Plage Keller beach club and restaurant remains closed until its planned reopening in spring 2027. The upside is that the entire beach is public this summer, providing significantly more room than usual, although visitors should expect some construction activity nearby.
Parking is currently affected by the ongoing works. While access remains possible, the final parking layout and capacity will only become clear once the redevelopment is completed and the area fully reopens in 2027.
If you’re visiting off-season, Garoupe is also the starting point for the Cap d’Antibes coastal walk, part of the
also known as the Sentier du Littoral network, and one of the most beautiful coastal paths on the French Riviera.
Best for:
Classic Riviera glamour, turquoise water, and private beach club option.
Downsides:
Limited public space, expensive clubs in peak season.
6. Plage des Ondes
This small crescent-shaped beach lies along Boulevard Marechal Juin on Cap d’Antibes, facing the Îles de Lérins. Parking is scarce, and it’s a bit out of the center, but easy to reach by bike.
The beach itself is tiny and narrow but charming, with shallow, transparent water that’s perfect for a refreshing dip. The calm water makes it very suitable for children.
Plage des Ondes is quieter than La Garoupe, attracting locals who prefer a more discreet setting. It’s a public beach, and there are no restaurants in sight, so bring your picnic if you plan on spending a few hours here.
Arrive early if you want to secure space; the beach fills up quickly, especially in July and August.
Best for:
Pretty views, calm water, and family-friendly vibe.
Downsides:
Very small, fills up quickly, limited facilities.
7. Baie des Milliardaires
Hidden at the far end of Cap d’Antibes near the Villa Eilenroc estate, Plage des Milliardaires is the most secluded of all Antibes beaches. It’s reached via a steep path through pine trees, about a 10-minute walk from the nearest street. This beach is also the most emblematic stop along the rugged Sentier du Littoral around Cap d’Antibes.
The setting is spectacular: a rocky cove with crystal-clear, deep blue water and views toward the Lérins Islands. The sea floor is rocky, making it excellent for snorkeling.
There are no facilities or beach clubs here: this is pure, untouched nature. Bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. The rocks are sharp, nothing like the pebbles you find elsewhere on the Riviera.
The descent is steep, but the reward is a peaceful, unspoiled cove far from the crowds. It’s one of the few places where Antibes still feels truly wild.
Best for:
Adventure seekers, dramatic scenery, snorkeling.
Downsides:
Access is tricky (steep paths), no amenities, and sharp rocks.
Map of the best beaches in Antibes
For your convenience, I created this map to help you visualize the beaches in Antibes.
A note on Juan-les-Pins’ beaches
This guide focuses on Antibes town beaches and those around Cap d’Antibes. Juan-les-Pins, the other ‘sub-destination’ of the larger municipality of Antibes–Juan-les-Pins, is situated on the peninsula’s west side. It has its own long sandy beaches and a lively resort vibe. If that’s the experience you’re after, stay tuned for my dedicated Juan-les-Pins beach guide.
Beach essentials in Antibes
Before heading to the beach, here are some important things to know about swimming conditions, safety, and local etiquette:
Where to stay in Antibes
From boutique old town hotels to luxury Cap d’Antibes resorts, you’ll find a wide range of options within walking distance of the beaches. Stay tuned for a full guide on where to stay in Antibes.
Discover the best hotels in Antibes and explore the top vacation rentals in my Antibes stay guide. Here are some of my favorites:
Practical tips for enjoying Antibes’ beaches
Before heading out with your towel and sunscreen, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
FAQ about the beaches in Antibes
When are you planning a beach day in Antibes?
That’s a wrap for this guide to the best beaches in Antibes and Cap d’Antibes. Whether you come for a quick dip near the old town or a full beach day on the peninsula, the coastline here offers something for every mood, from lively stretches to serene coves.
If you’re planning to explore more of the region’s coastline, don’t miss my complete guide to the best beaches on the French Riviera. It’s the perfect next step for finding your next favorite Côte d’Azur bay.
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