Rade de Port Cros

You drop anchor in the crystalline waters of one of France's most protected marine reserves — the Rade de Port-Cros sits within Port-Cros National Park, where the sea is as strictly preserved as the land. Daytime anchorage is free, though a port tax applies if you stay overnight, managed by the park authority. From the hook, it's a short dinghy ride ashore to explore the island's rugged 8.5-mile loop trail through dark volcanic rock and dense Mediterranean forest.