Port-Vendres / Canet anchorage
Port-Vendres · Canet-en-Roussillon
42°30.8'N 003°06.5'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sandy patches. Good holding. DONIA recommended. Open to SE.
About This Anchorage
Port-Vendres is the last significant harbour before the Spanish border — a genuine working fishing port (unlike the purpose-built resort marinas of the Languedoc) with a proper fish market, excellent anchovies (the famous Collioure anchovy fishing industry), and good provisioning. The Pyrénées begin immediately behind the town, creating a dramatic backdrop. The Catalan culture of Roussillon (French Catalonia) begins here. Collioure, 2nm S, is one of the most painted villages in France (Matisse and Derain worked here).
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: DONIA app recommended. Speed limit 5kt. Maintain clearance from fishing vessel approaches. Fishing nets marked by buoys near the port entrance.
Hazards
- !Tramontane from NNW — strongest here where it funnels through the Pyrenean passes
- !Fishing nets near the port entrance — marked by buoys but approach with care
- !SE/Marin swell enters from E
Skipper's Tips
- →Collioure (2nm S): one of the most beautiful harbours in France — visit by dinghy or short sail.
- →The Collioure AOC wine (Grenache/Syrah) is excellent and available directly from local vineyards.
- →Anchovy festival in Collioure (September) — timed with the annual anchovy season.
Facilities
Port-Vendres has excellent seafood restaurants and a fish market. Try the anchovies.
Nearest provisions: Port-Vendres (1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October. Last French port before Spain — excellent for reprovisioning before crossing to Costa Brava.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
When the Tramontane builds to 40 kt overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm alerts you the moment your boat drifts — giving you time to act before the situation becomes dangerous.
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