Your browser is not supported

To use our site, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge

Get Help

Monaco Holidays

Luxury lifestyle on the Riviera

Monaco may be the world’s second smallest country, but if the French Riviera is Europe’s fashionable summer crown, then this is its most glamorous jewel. Perched on the shore of the gleaming blue Mediterranean and taking a sharp climb up the steep terrain of Mont Agel, Monaco holidays offer a haven for more than tax – expect shopping, sunshine and sporting events, but also fascinating doses of local culture.

The iconic Casino, with its plush turrets and palm trees, will be familiar to any keen Bond fan, and the Hollywood connection doesn’t end there. Literal Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier here, and they lived together in the opulent Prince’s Palace, which you can visit. Her 1955 film To Catch a Thief, co-starring Cary Grant and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was filmed up one of Monaco’s long, winding roads. With its lush looks, it’s no wonder that the international jet set have long enjoyed holidays to Monaco and helped shape its amenities. Its warm, balmy summers and Mediterranean breeze don’t hurt, either.

Entertainment here is just as luxurious as the shopping and Michelin-starred fine dining, with horse shows, the Grand Prix and the opera house being the main draws of the city-state. But if your budget doesn’t stretch to all of that, don’t worry. There’s plenty of affordable French cuisine, and besides, people-watching the jet set and their yachts is a spectator sport all of its own. What this country lacks in quantity, it sure makes up for in quality.

All regions in Monaco

Explore our map of Monaco

Your questions answered

Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, and the hottest part of the year is between June and September. If you’re a beach-lover, this may be the ideal choice for a visit; you can also enjoy open-air cinema and long summer evenings then. April is lovely in Monaco too, with beautiful spring flowers and slightly fresher weather; great for any sporting activities. The principality can get busy in May when the Grand Prix takes place, but it’s very exciting for spectators. The Christmas period is filled with popular events, including Le Chemin des Creches nativity trail, concerts and Monaco Christmas Village.
Yes, Larvotto Beach is close to the casino in Monte Carlo, located on Avenue Princesse Grace. There are several ramps, which help with access, and the beach itself, which stretches for 400 metres, is made up of two separate coves. There’s a playground, numerous restaurants and a volleyball court, so it’s absolutely spot on for families. There’s also a tiny beach at Port Hercule, which is a bit more under the radar.
Monaco is famous for its casino, a harbour lined with yachts and, of course, Monte Carlo. If you’re a movie buff, you’re likely to find a lot of the area very recognisable; it’s featured in over 50 films, after all. As well as being known as a favourite haunt of the rich and famous, it’s also very scenic here. Le Rocher peninsula sweeps down to beautiful crystal seas, while Monte Carlo itself is full of pretty, narrow streets. It’s also famous for having its own royal family, and you can plan a visit to the Prince’s Palace as part of your trip.
French is the official language of this principality, but English and Italian are spoken quite widely too. Monegasque and Occitan are the two traditional languages; they’re not used very much by people in Monaco nowadays, but you still see them on street signs around the Old Town. There is an English-speaking community here so you won’t need to worry about being able to get by.
Monaco is a great place to spend anything from a few days to a couple of weeks in – or even more! There’s plenty to see and do here, but it’s also very compact, so it really depends how much time you can spare. On a short break, you could take in the highlights of Monte Carlo, but there are plenty of ways to while away time exploring the backstreets, shops, restaurants and attractions. Of course, it’s also an ideal base for exploring further afield.
There are lots of great places to visit on a day out from Monaco; it’s really well located for exploring the French Riviera. For example, it’s only a short train or bus ride to the capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice. You could enjoy a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais here, or visit the Matisse or Marc Chagall Museum, Alternatively, you could take a trip to star-studded Cannes; the kids would love Chateau de la Napoule, a medieval fortress, close by. Or why not indulge your senses at lavender-scented Grasse, or even pop across the border into Italy? The possibilities are endless!