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 bay adorned with a few palm trees and bordered by a 300-metre-long promenade is the heart of the Principality's seaside resort .
Bordered byAvenue Princesse Grace, Plage du Larvotto is part of a large seaside complex stretching from the sea to the tree-lined promenade. With its cycle path, spas, fitness area and nearby gardens, everything here has been designed to ensure 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 (the Rose des Vents, the Neptune, the Note Bleue and the Miami Plage) liven up the afternoons and evenings in the area.
In addition to its exceptional setting and easily accessible location in Monaco, Plage du Larvotto is the gateway to superb underwater territory . A few fathoms are all it takes to reach a superb aquatic trail for divers and snorkellers. 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, a protected part of the Mediterranean for marine biodiversity: eight species of cetaceans, in particular dolphins and whales, can be seen in this area, especially when diving.
The Plage du Larvotto has a Handiplage site, set up with the help of theSoroptimist association, which allows people with reduced mobility to swim in complete safety, accompanied by specialised beach staff. Like all the beaches in Monaco, Larvotto Beach is strictly non-smoking and no dogs are allowed.
Plage du Solarium: an unusual place to relax
Situated on the Rainier III breakwater that protects the south of Port Hercule, the astonishing " Solarium Beach "looks more like a grandstand than a stretch of fine sand. And yet, in calm weather, this little-used seaside amenity allows you to turn the Mediterranean into your own private swimming pool by climbing the ladders built into the jetty. Reserved for good swimmers and lovers of jumps and dives of all kinds (the sea is deep here), the Solarium beach also has everything you need for a lazy session. Umbrellas, deckchairs and low tables can be used on site for sunbathing or a lunch break with your feet in the water. A bar-restaurant, the Malizia Mar, on the harbour side, livens up 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
Right next to the Rock and the Palace, the fishermen's path links Monaco's Oceanographic Museum to the quays of Antoine I and Rainier III via a short footpath overlooking the sea. At the bend of a rather "sporty" staircase is a haven of peace and nature: the Fishermen's Cove. Accessible only when the sea is calm, this beach lies below the Ciappaira cliff. Just twenty metres of fine gravel, transparent water and a panoramic view of the surrounding area await walkers and bathers in this confidential spot (but easily accessible by bus or by parking in the adjacent car park). This little-known site even has an outdoor shower.
Surrounding beaches as far as the eye can see
The Côte d'Azur is full of beaches that have made the reputation of places like Cannes, Saint-Tropez and, of course, Nice. In the immediate vicinity of Monaco, the neighbouring municipality of Roquebrune Cap-Martin boasts four beaches famous for their turquoise waters (Le Buse, Golfe-Bleu, Baie de Carnolès and Plage de la Barme, on the border with Monaco). On the west side, just a few dozen metres from the Stade Louis II, Plage Marquet is the main seaside resort of Cap-d'Ail, a very large village where swimming remains a popular pastime for the locals.