The unmissable Larvotto beach
Monaco's main beach, Plage du Larvotto is both public (for the most part) and open all year round. Protected from the surf by two geotubes, this palm-fringed bay, bordered by a 300-metre-long promenade, is the Principality's seaside heart .
Bordered by Avenue Princesse Grace, Plage du Larvotto is part of a large seaside complex stretching from the sea to the tree-lined promenade. Bike path, spas, fitness area, nearby gardens... Everything here is designed for the comfort of bathers and strollers, as well as visitors to the Grimaldi Forum. A large number of restaurants, not to mention four private beaches (La Rose des Vents, Le Neptune, La Note Bleue and Miami Plage) liven up the afternoons and evenings in the neighborhood.
In addition to its exceptional setting and easily accessible location in Monaco, Plage du Larvotto is also the gateway to superb underwater territory . For divers and snorkelers, it's just a few fathoms away from a superb aquatic trail. The Monaco Marine Reserve, a protected area, boasts sublime specimens of flora and fauna typical of the Mediterranean ecosystem. The Principality borders the Pelagos Sanctuary, an area of the Mediterranean preserved for marine biodiversity: eight species of cetaceans, in particular dolphins and whales, can be spotted in this area, especially when diving.
The Plage du Larvotto has a Handiplage site, set up with the help of the Soroptimist association, which enables people with reduced mobility to swim in complete safety, accompanied by specialized beach staff. Like all Monaco beaches, Plage du Larvotto is strictly non-smoking and dog-free.
Plage du Solarium: an unusual place for lazing around
Located on the Rainier III seawall that protects the southern part of Port Hercule, the astonishing " Solarium Beach "looks more like a grandstand than a stretch of fine sand. And yet, in calm weather, this seldom-visited seaside amenity allows you to make the Mediterranean your own private swimming pool, by using the ladders sealed to the jetty. Reserved for good swimmers and lovers of jumping and diving of all kinds (the sea is deep here), the Solarium beach is also equipped with everything you need for a farniente session. Umbrellas, deckchairs and low tables can be used on site, so you can enjoy a sunbath or a lunch break with your feet in the water. A bar-restaurant, the Malizia Mar , on the harbour side, enlivens the site in fine weather, while an open-air sports area, the MonaMove, and a shower provide swimmers with everything they need for their pre- and post-swimming rituals...
La crique des pêcheurs: Monaco's hidden beach
In the immediate vicinity of the Rock and the Palace, the Fishermen's Path links the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to Quai Antoine Ier and Quai Rainier III via a short footpath overlooking the sea. At the bend of a rather "sporty" staircase, you'll find a haven of peace and nature: La crique des Pêcheurs. Accessible only when the sea is calm, this beach lies below the Ciappaira cliff. Just twenty meters of fine gravel, transparent water and panoramic views of the surrounding area await walkers and bathers in this confidential spot (but easily accessible by bus or by parking in the adjacent parking lot). The little-known site even has an outdoor shower.
Surrounding beaches as far as the eye can see
The Côte d'Azur abounds in beaches that have made Cannes, Saint-Tropez and, of course, Nice famous. In the immediate vicinity of Monaco, the neighbouring commune of Roquebrune Cap-Martin boasts four beaches, famous for their turquoise waters (le Buse, le Golfe-Bleu, la baie de Carnolès and la plage de la Barme, on the border with Monaco). On the west side, just a few dozen meters from the Stade Louis II , Plage Marquet is the first seaside resort of Cap d'Ail, a sprawling village where bathing remains a popular pastime for locals.