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They say good things come in small packages and nowhere is this truer than in Monaco. Tucked between the South of France and the Italian border, this dazzling city-state packs more wow-moments-per-mile than any of its European counterparts.
Monaco is a heady whirl of high-octane sporting spectacles, marinas of glittering superyachts, uber-luxe living, grand palaces and penthouses, all framed by the peaks of the Southern Alps and azure waters. But by no means do you need billionaire status to enjoy its pristine beaches, medieval streets, cliffside hikes and harbourside coffee.
Read on to discover why Monaco should be a fixture on your Europe itinerary.
It’s the perfect Mediterranean crossroads
From Monaco’s prime location on the Côte d’Azur, which is easily reached from Nice and other Riviera hotspots, there’s no better base for a Mediterranean odyssey. Here you can experience multiple cultures in one day, not only from neighbouring France and Italy, but from its high proportion of jet-set global residents. In the same day, you could enjoy breakfast in Monaco, a stroll along the Monte Carlo waterfront, lunch in the French town of Menton and then a pasta and prosecco dinner in Italy – bellissimo!
You’ll stay in style
Le Grill, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Source: ©Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
It goes without saying that as a global hub to some of the world’s most thrilling events, Monaco does hospitality exceptionally well. Its standout hotels deliver wow-factor in spades, marrying historic grandeur with A-list glamour and Mediterranean views.
For million-dollar views over the Grand Prix circuit and Riviera elegance, the landmark Fairmont Monte Carlo cannot be surpassed. If harbourside vistas are more your scene, check into the Port Palace Hotel Monte-Carlo, which overlooks the marina and the Prince’s Palace. For resort vibes, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers Mediterranean styling and a lagoon pool beside the sea, while Le Méridien Beach Plaza promises private beach serenity.
The legendary and uber-luxurious Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo is the jewel in Monaco’s crown; in the beating heart of the city, this Belle Époque treasure rises majestically on the Place du Casino, and is home to the three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse, a private beach (with a famous beach club) and an epic spa. Another grand dame of the city is the palatial Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo with its Gustave Eiffel-designed glass cupola, as is the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo with its poolside reimagined by Karl Lagerfeld.
Sunshine & sea days
Monaco from the Tête de Chien & Larvotto Beach in summer. Source: ©BVergely & Visit Monaco.
With approximately 300 days of sunshine a year, Monaco is all about the outdoors lifestyle. From days of beachside lounging and clifftop walks to balmy evenings of rooftop cocktails followed by alfresco dining, this is living la dolce vita, Riviera-style. Larvotto Beach is Monaco’s most famous, whose 300-metre long, palm-lined promenade is the perfect spot for people-watching beneath the shade of an umbrella (glamorous sunglasses optional). For a bird’s-eye view over the glittering urban cityscape, head to a sky-high bar, like Amù by the Pool, to spot the palace, casino and opera house.
There is always something happening
As the home of the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, perhaps it’s no surprise that this is a city that never sleeps, with an action-packed events calendar year-round. This is where the world’s high rollers come to play and the spectacles are quite something. From tennis at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, to performances by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, ballet and opera, there’s always something to enjoy. But the most famous of all is the Monaco Grand Prix. Held annually on the first weekend in June, this legendary street race – one of the oldest and most iconic on the F1 calendar – brings an electrifying atmosphere, not to mention lashings of glamour from its high-profile guests.
Its majestic history
Le Rocher & Prince’s Palace. Source: ©BVergely & Visit Monaco.
Though one of the smallest countries in the world, Monaco’s history is a sweeping epic. Reigning Prince of Monaco, Albert II, is a descendant of the Grimaldi dynasty, which has largely ruled the country since the 13th century – and whose modernisation was ushered in with the glamorous Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly era.
Immerse yourself in Monaco’s rich tradition by observing the age-old changing of the guards ceremony, which takes place daily at 11.55am on the Place du Palais, and admiring the centuries-old Italian Renaissance frescoes on display in the Grands Appartements of the Prince’s Palace. The surrounding Old Town, or ‘Le Rocher’, is not to be missed: here, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is the Romanesque-Revival Monaco Cathedral, and charming medieval, cobblestone streets of boutiques and restaurants. You’ll also find here the Oceanographic Museum, a marine science museum and aquarium of more than 6,000 species. The Golden Square, or Carré d’Or, marries 19th-century splendour with luxury shopping and the glamour of the casino and Café de Paris.
There are amazing things to do, packed into a small space
Beyond the grand-scale events are countless authentic ways to immerse yourself in Monegasque life. Head to the 1880-era Condamine Market to jostle with the locals for homegrown Mediterranean fruit, veggies and flowers, and artisanal foods, to the sound of live music. Taste the best of the region at La Distillerie de Monaco, where small-batch spirits are crafted using Riviera citrus, Chocolaterie de Monaco, which supplies the Prince’s Palace, the organic brewery Brasserie de Monaco, and Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, the city’s first and only oyster farm with an adjoining restaurant. Find a moment of serenity in the fragrant Princess Grace Rose Garden, where more than 450 global varieties bloom, and the Zen-inspired Japanese Garden.
Opportunities to experience the world-famous glamour
Get a taste for the good life as you stroll the promenade of One Monte-Carlo; here you’ll find a succession of luxury brands, from Bottega Veneta to Chopard jewels and the understated sumptuousness of Loro Piana. Admire views over the harbour and glittering clifftops from a private yacht charter, before dressing in your best for a performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
Monaco is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre than any other destination in the world; the finest of which is the three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse (at the Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo). Aside from its eight starred restaurants, traditional brasseries and modern cafes offer local French, Mediterranean and Monegasque flavours as well as Asian and fusion-style dishes.
Safe, sophisticated and seamlessly accessible
Monaco is one of the safest places in the world; thanks to its high concentration of ultra-wealthy and A-list residents, security is superior. This makes exploring a pleasure from day to night, especially as the city’s compact size means you can cross it on foot in an hour. Something that will strike you as you walk around is how beautifully green the city is; despite being densely populated, there are bountiful manicured gardens to discover. Adding to the pleasurable experience is Monaco’s commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2050, making it exceptionally clean, quiet and abundant with nature.
Feature image: Monte Carlo. Source: Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock.
