The Best Beaches in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins for 2026

Tucked between Cannes and Nice, the commune of Antibes Juan-les-Pins offers two distinct French Riviera experiences. The coast is split by the prestigious Cap d'Antibes, a lush peninsula of billionaire estates and secluded coves.

To the east, facing the Alps, historic Antibes charms with its medieval ramparts and traditional old-world romance. To the west, the modern resort town of Juan-les-Pins buzzes with high-energy nightlife and superfine golden-white sand.

The beaches near the old town are steeped in local culture, offering calm waters and spectacular views that blend history with seaside relaxation.

Plage de la Gravette is a beloved local oasis. This public, crescent-shaped beach is nestled directly beneath the Old Town's medieval walls. Its waters are exceptionally calm, making it a haven for families with young children. Access is through a historic stone archway, the Porte Marine.

Plage du Ponteil offers a long, wide stretch of fine white sand just a short walk from the historic center. Its peaceful, family-oriented vibe is enhanced by water that stays shallow for a great distance, creating a tranquil swimming environment.

Plage de la Salis sits at the base of Cap d'Antibes and is famed for its stunning panoramas of the Old Town, the ramparts, and the snow-capped Alps. It's a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking and features top-tier accessibility support under the "Handiplage" initiative.

The Cap d'Antibes peninsula is a world of its own, a sanctuary of wild nature, exclusive estates, and beaches that made history.

Plage de la Garoupe is the cradle of summer tourism on the Riviera. In the 1920s, American expats Gerald and Sara Murphy—along with friends like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Pablo Picasso—popularized sunbathing here, forever changing the coast's seasonal rhythm. Please note that Keller Beach club is closed for restructuring in 2026, but public sections remain open.

Plage des Ondes is a tranquil sunset escape on the western side of the Cap. This narrow sandy beach is known for its romantic atmosphere and a small, historic stone tower rising from the shallow water.

Baie des Milliardaires, or Millionaires' Bay, is a wild limestone cove accessible only on foot. Lined with smooth pebbles and flat rocks, it offers exceptionally clear water but no facilities. Proper walking shoes and water shoes are essential for the steep path and rocky shore.

On the western side of the Cap, Juan-les-Pins delivers modern resort glamour with some of the finest sand on the French Riviera.

The central beaches of Juan-les-Pins are lively and fashion-conscious, renowned for their exceptionally soft, golden-white sand. While many prime spots are occupied by private beach clubs, the new La Pinède municipal beach, part of an €18 million project, has expanded public access.

For a quieter experience, Plage de la Gallice is a sheltered, 100% public beach favored by locals. Its calm, pool-like water makes it a perfect launch point for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Nearby, Plage de l'Olivette is a photographer’s dream. This tiny cove is famed for its colorful, traditional pointu wooden fishing boats bobbing gently in its protected waters, offering an authentic Mediterranean scene.

One of the most celebrated walks on the Riviera is the Sentier du Littoral, a 5-kilometer coastal trail that wraps around the Cap d'Antibes peninsula.

Also known as the Chemin des Douaniers (Customs Officers' Path), the walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It begins at Plage de la Garoupe and winds past grand estates before finishing near the rugged Baie des Milliardaires.

The trail offers stunning views and small rocky inlets with ladders for those brave enough to take a dip. Sturdy footwear is required, as the path includes uneven stone steps. The trail is closed during high winds, so always check conditions before you go.

The summer of 2026 is packed with events that bring music, art, and energy to the coastline of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.

• Jazz à Juan Festival (July 9 – 19, 2026): The legendary festival returns for its 65th edition, with headliners like Tom Jones, Seal, and Marcus Miller performing under the stars by the sea.
• World Footvolley Championship (July 24–26, 2026): High-energy athletic competition takes over the sand courts of Juan-les-Pins.
• Festival Pyromélodique (August 6, 13, 20 & 24, 2026): A spectacular competition where fireworks are choreographed to music over the bay.
• Michel Verjux Exhibition (June 28 – September 27, 2026): A contemporary art exhibition at the Picasso Museum, overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Jazz Art Exhibition (July 1 – September 30, 2026): A visual exploration of jazz history at the AC Ambassadeur Marriott in Juan-les-Pins.

Visitors to Antibes can choose between the free-spirited atmosphere of public beaches and the curated comfort of private clubs.

Public beaches are completely free, but space is first-come, first-served. To secure a good spot in July or August, plan to arrive before 10:00 AM and bring your own towel, umbrella, and snacks.

Private beach clubs offer a more structured experience. Sunbed rentals for a full day range from €35 to €85+, with the front row closest to the water being the most expensive. Booking in advance is essential. These clubs provide waiter service for drinks and food directly to your lounge chair.

The waters around Cap d'Antibes are part of a protected marine sanctuary, offering rich biodiversity for snorkelers.

The coast is home to vital Posidonia seagrass meadows, the "lungs of the Mediterranean," which keep the water crystal clear. When snorkeling, look for colorful Rainbow Wrasse, Salema Porgy, and camouflaged octopuses.

To protect this fragile ecosystem, boaters must avoid anchoring in the meadows, and swimmers should use mineral-based, coral-safe sunscreens. Always observe marine life from a distance without touching.

Navigating Antibes in the high season requires a bit of planning, especially when it comes to transport and safety.

Getting Around: The Envibus local bus network is efficient, with single tickets costing €1.50. The SNCF TER regional train has stations in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, offering easy walking access to the main beaches.

Parking: Beachside parking fills up by 9:30 AM. Use paid garages like Parking Pré aux Pêcheurs or the free Park-and-Ride (P+R) Azur Arena with a shuttle bus service.

Jellyfish Safety: The small, pinkish mauve stinger jellyfish can be common. Check real-time maps like Météo Méduses before swimming. If stung, rinse the area with seawater (never fresh water), then find a lifeguard station for assistance.

• Official Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourism Portal
• SeeAntibes Guide to Plage de la Gravette
• SeeAntibes Guide to Juan-les-Pins Beaches
• Her Passport Life - Best Beaches in Antibes