Eucalyptus-bordered route de la Marine links the two parts of the resort. The village proper, known as Vaïta, comprises a strip of supermarkets, shops and hotels 1km from the sea, but the main focus of activity is the small marina, located at the avenue's end. Overlooking the entrance to the harbour is the much-photographed Genoese Tower (May–Sept daily 9am–8.45pm; €2.50, or €6.50 combined entry with the aquarium), a square chimney-shaped structure that was cracked by an explosion in the seventeenth century, when it was used as an arsenal. An awe-inspiring view of the crashing sea and maquis-shrouded mountains makes it worth the short climb. Occupying a converted powder house down in the square opposite the base of the tower is the newly established Aquarium de la Poudrière (June–Aug daily 10am–10pm, Sept–May Mon–Sat 10am–7pm; e5.50, or €6.50 combined ticket with the tower), where you can ogle the various species of sealife that inhabit the gulf, including grouper, moray eels and sea horses.The beach consists of a pebbly cove south beyond the shoulder of the massive rock supporting the tower. To reach it from the marina, follow the little road that skirts the rock, cross the wooden bridge which spans the River Porto on your left, then walk through the car park under the trees. Although it's rather rocky and exposed, and the sea very deep, the great crags overshadowing the shore give the place a vivid edge.
| 