MONACO TRAVEL GUIDE
Monaco is the second smallest nation in the world behind Vatican but what it lacks in size it sure makes up for in luxury.
It is famed as a place where the rich and famous gather for luxurious holidays. Every where you turn there are Lamorghinis, Ferraris and huge yachts. There are designer shopping malls, casinos, lavish beach clubs and world famous hotels all over this city state.
With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year you can enjoy a warm climate in Monaco most of the time. It’s at it’s busiest in the heat of the summer months of July and August and due to the heat and the crowds I’d recommend heading there in September or October to still make the most of the glorious sunshine but the crowds will have dissipated and the hotel rates will be lower.
There’s plently to do in Monaco as it has a rich history. You can check out medieval landmarks such as Monaco Catherdral or Monaco-Ville or watch the changing of the guard outside the Palais Princier.
MONACO GENERAL INFO
Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.
Monaco has an area of 2.02 km² and a population of 36,371, making Monaco the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world.
Monaco has a land border of only 4.4 km (2.7 mi), a coastline of 4.1 km (2.5 mi) and a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 m (5,600 and 1,145 ft).
The official language is French, but Monégasque, Italian, and English are widely spoken and understood.
HOW TO GET TO MONACO
BY ROAD
There is a European motorway network which covers many countries in Europe including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and more and this network of roads is only 8km from the centre of Monaco which means the Principality is well connected by road.
Monaco is 22km away from it’s nearest airport - Nice in France. There are three beautiful routes between Nice and Monaco - the ‘Grande Corniche’ which passes through La Turbie and Col d’Eze with an altitude of 510m, the ‘Moyenne Corniche’ which passes through Eze village or the ‘Basse Corniche’ which takes you along the coast.
BY RAIL
There is a major train station in Monaco which is connected to some main european cities.
The TGVs to and from Paris (journey time 5.5 hours).
Overnight trains to Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse, Irun, Port-Bou, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Rome.
Regional Express Trains which connect the towns on the Côte d’Azur
Trains to Milan, Genova or Basel during the day.
Monaco railway station: http://www.garedemonaco.com
BY AIR
PLANE
There is no airport in Monaco so if you want to travel by plane you will use the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport which links the Principality of Monaco to more than 86 worldwide destinations
The airport is 22km from Monaco.
Website: http://en.nice.aeroport.fr
There are direct shuttles from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport and Monaco. They depart every 30 minutes and cost 18 Euros per person.
HELICOPTER
The Monaco heliport is located in the Fontvielle district of Monaco and it makes the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport only a 6 minute flight away from the Principality.
Helicopter transfers are provided by the following companies:
Héli Air Monaco Héliport de Monaco - Fontvieille http://www.heliairmonaco.com
Monacair Héliport de Monaco - Fontvieille https://monacair.mc/
BY BOAT
There are two harbours in Monaco where you can arrive by boat in to Monaco.
HERCULES HARBOUR
Hercules Port is a natural bay at the foot of the ancestral rock of the princes of Monaco.
It is one of the few deep-water port of the French Riviera.
It was used as a trading port by the Greeks and Romans but had the disadvantage of being poorly sheltered from the easterly winds. This prompted the erection of two piers in the early twentieth century which went some way to providing better protection.
Website: http://www.ports-monaco.com
FONTVIELLE HARBOUR
Only fifty years ago Fontvieille was a narrow stretch of sand where the rock plunged into the sea. The emergence of a new area in Monaco was linked to the economic development of the principality. During the development of these new plots of land (17 hectares encroaching on the sea) one section was set aside for the creation of a marina.
Sitting at the foot of the Rock of Monaco to the east, the Port of Fontvieille is certainly one of the most sheltered in the region, being protected from the easterly winds by the rock and from the southerly and westerly swell by the large sea wall, which provides protection to the entire Fontvielle area
Website: http://www.ports-monaco.com
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MONACO
The best time to visit Monaco really depends on what your wanting from your trip.
Monaco enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature is approximately 16.5°C and the seasonal amplitude is less than 15°C. The annual average rainfall is 714.6 mm with the highest precipitation occurring in autumn and spring. Due to the weather I’d recommend Spring and Autumn as the best time to visit Monaco. The peak months are the summer months of July and August and whilst it doesn’t generally get too hot at this time the crowds can be a lot so it’s best to be avoided if possibe.
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO IN MONACO
Larvotto Beach
Fontvielle
The Princes Palace
Casino Monte Carlo
Monaco Harbour
Jardin Exotique
Collection de Voitures Anciennes
Le Rocher
ACCOMODATION IN MONACO
There’s no denying it: staying in Monaco is expensive. The main accommodation is hotels but there are a few rooms in houses or whole apartments or you can even stay on a boat in the harbour. I’d recommend booking at least 3 - 6 months in advance, particularly if you’re on a tighter budget as the cheaper accommodations do tend to sale out as far as 6-9 months in advance.
WHERE TO STAY IN MONACO
Luxury budget - these hotels cost around £650 - £1000 a night depending on the season.
Red Sail a stay with a difference onboard a beautiful catamaran
Fairmont Hotel is where we stay in Monaco as you can get rooms overlooking the hairpin bend from the Formula One race and we love it here.
Mid range - these hotels are around £300 a night.
Port Palace is a fantastic four star hotel overlooking Hercules Port which is still resonably priced.
Novotel Monte Carlo has a swimming pool and views over the harbour
Backpacker budget - these hotels cost around £100 - £150 per night.
There’s not many to be honest. If you are travelling to Monaco on a budget you might want to look just outside Monaco, when I say outside, I mean literally on the border of Monaco and France. There are a lot of options just outside that could work for you and as Monaco is so small it’s no issue getting in to Monaco.
Hotel de France is a great option which is still in the heart of Monaco but for a fraction of the cost.
Monaco Apartment is a great option as it is a 2 bedroom flat with a fully equipped kitchen.
EATING IN MONACO
The food in Monaco is a Mediterranean cusine with influences from northern Italy and Southern France. There is an emphasis on fresh ingredients with olive oil, seafood and vegetables all playing a major role in many dishes.
Here are my top choices of food to try when in Monaco
Tarte au citron
This is a delicious lemon flavoured tart which is often served as a dessert.
Socca
Socca is a crepe made from chickpea flour. It’s a great streetfood, perfect for grabbing as an afternoon snack whilst taking in the sights or sitting by the harbour.
Focaccia
Oh I love a focaccia! It’s a sweet flatbread that can be flavoured with all kinds of different things such as oranges,nutes, raisins, anise, apples and brandy. It’s just delicious and worth hunting down a slice (or two) whilst in Monaco.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
