Discover the best beaches in Monaco and along the French Riviera: Larvotto Beach, exclusive beach clubs, hidden coves and practical tips for your seaside stay.
The beaches in Monaco rank among the finest in the Mediterranean. Between the soft sand of Larvotto, prestigious beach clubs and the wild coves nearby, the Principality offers a rare variety of seaside experiences along a remarkably compact coastline. Whether you are looking for a lively public beach, a refined private club or a hidden cove just minutes from your hotel, this complete guide will help you find your perfect spot.
From the Port Palace, located in the heart of Port Hercule, every beach in Monaco is within easy reach on foot or by car. Here is our selection, tried and tested by our team.
| Beach | Type | Distance from Port Palace | Access | Main highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larvotto | Free public beach | 15 min walk | Open access | Anti-jellyfish net, calm waters |
| Monte-Carlo Beach Club | Private (paid entry) | 10 min by car | Reservation required | Heated Olympic-size pool |
| La Note Bleue | Beach restaurant | 15 min walk | Reservation required | Live jazz concerts |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | Free public beach | 15 min by car | Open access | Turquoise waters, charming village |
| Paloma Beach (Cap-Ferrat) | Public + restaurant | 20 min by car | Open access | Sheltered cove, crystal-clear waters |
| Plage du Buse (Roquebrune) | Free public beach | 30 min walk | Open (steep stairs) | Unspoilt wild cove |
| Menton (Les Sablettes) | Free public beach | 30 min by car/train | Open access | Sunniest city in France |
Larvotto Beach: the heart of Monaco's seaside
A fully redesigned public beach
Larvotto Beach is Monaco's main beach and one of the few free public beaches on the French Riviera. Running along Avenue Princesse Grace, it stretches over roughly 300 metres of palm-lined promenade. Completely redesigned in 2021 as part of the land-reclamation project, it now features a modernised setting with green spaces, a cycle path and direct access to the new Mareterra district.
The beach is protected by two underwater geotubes that break incoming waves, keeping the sea calm and pleasant for swimming. An anti-jellyfish net covers the entire bathing area, making Larvotto one of the few beaches in the region where you can swim without worry.
Every year, replenishment works take place in spring (usually mid-April to early May) to restore the beach ahead of summer season. If you are planning a stay in Monaco during April, check the exact dates with the town hall beforehand.
Facilities and practical access
Larvotto has everything you need for a comfortable beach day: free showers, toilets, lifeguard stations and accessible facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. Entry is completely free and the beach is open all year round.
From the Port Palace, allow around 15 minutes on a pleasant seafront walk, or five minutes by car. The Larvotto underground car park (paid) sits just above the beach. You can also take bus line 5 from Monaco train station to the "Plages" stop.
Our concierge's tip
To enjoy Larvotto Beach without the crowds, arrive before 10 am or after 5 pm in summer. Port Palace guests can ask our concierge to prepare a picnic hamper or book sun loungers at the Larvotto private beach sections. In May and June, you will have the beach almost to yourself, with the water already warm enough for swimming.
Private beaches and beach clubs in Monaco
Beyond Monaco's public beach, the Principality is home to several private seaside venues that combine gastronomy, comfort and Mediterranean atmosphere.
La Note Bleue: jazz and the Mediterranean
Set directly on Larvotto Beach, La Note Bleue has been a Monaco institution since 1984. This beach restaurant serves refined Mediterranean cuisine with your feet in the sand, accompanied by live jazz several evenings a week during the season. The mood is relaxed yet elegant, perfect for a seafront lunch or a dinner under the stars.
Booking is recommended, especially on concert nights and during the Monaco Grand Prix.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club: elegance since 1928
The Monte-Carlo Beach Club is the most iconic beach club on the Riviera. Located in the bay of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, just past the Larvotto district, it reopens each season in mid-April (scheduled for 13 April 2026). With its legendary pier, striped cabanas and heated Olympic-size saltwater pool, it is the go-to address for a day of seaside luxury.
Contrary to what you might expect, the Beach Club welcomes outside visitors by reservation, with a daily entrance fee. The venue also offers padel courts, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and several restaurants, including La Vigie Zanoni and the newly redesigned Deck (2025).
Tip: book your cabana at least two weeks in advance, and up to a month ahead during major events like the Grand Prix or the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo
Located at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Nikki Beach brings an international touch to Monaco's seaside scene. This world-famous beach club (Miami, Saint-Tropez, Dubai) offers a festive atmosphere with DJs, Sunday brunches and a pool overlooking Port Hercule. It operates mainly from May to September.
Larvotto's beachfront restaurants
Besides La Note Bleue, the Larvotto promenade hosts several popular spots: Miami Plage (casual Italian fare), La Rose des Vents (grilled fish and seafood) and Le Neptune. Each offers sun loungers and beach service alongside dining. For food lovers, also see our guide to Michelin-starred restaurants in Monaco.
Plan your seaside stay in Monaco
Mediterranean views, direct beach access and personalised concierge service.
Book your roomThe best beaches near Monaco
One of the great advantages of staying in Monaco is the easy access to the finest beaches on the French Riviera. In just a few minutes by car or train, you can explore coves and bays with crystal-clear waters that many travellers have yet to discover.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: the turquoise bay
Only 15 minutes by car from Monaco, the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer is considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Its deep turquoise waters attract yachts from around the world. The Marinieres beach, public and free, offers a long stretch of pebbles and sand with a spectacular view of the bay and Cap Ferrat.
The setting is authentic and unspoilt, with the old fishing harbour and the colourful lanes of the village just behind. It is the ideal beach excursion for guests who want to combine swimming and the charm of a typical Riviera village.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: coves and the coastal path
The peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 20 minutes from Monaco, is home to some of the most secluded coves on the French Riviera. Paloma Beach, tucked into a small wind-sheltered bay, is a jewel with its transparent waters and namesake restaurant. On the other side of the peninsula, Passable Beach offers a panoramic view of Villefranche.
Do not miss the coastal path that circles the peninsula (about 1 h 30 min walk). The trail reveals exceptional views and access to rocky coves where you will find yourself almost alone. This walk is particularly pleasant in spring, when the vegetation is in bloom and temperatures are still mild.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: Plage du Buse
Reachable on foot from Monaco along the seafront (about a 30-minute walk), Plage du Buse is a well-kept secret among locals. This pebble cove at the foot of Cap Martin offers crystal-clear waters in a wild, unspoilt setting. Access is via a steep stairway, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
For easier access, the public beach at Cabbe in Roquebrune is a pleasant alternative with its seaside restaurants.
Menton: the sunniest beaches on the French Riviera
Menton, 30 minutes from Monaco by car or train (TER line), is the sunniest city in France. Its long pebble beaches line the Promenade du Soleil, backed by the colourful old town and the Italian mountains. Les Sablettes beach in the town centre is the most popular.
Menton is also the gateway to Italy: Ventimiglia and Bordighera are just a few kilometres away, offering sandy beaches with an Italian flair. An ideal day trip to pair with your weekend in Monaco.
When to enjoy Monaco's beaches
The beach calendar
The beach season in Monaco runs from May to October, with peak crowds in July and August. May-June and September are the most enjoyable months: the water is already warm (22-25 °C), the beaches are less busy and beach-club rates are sometimes more attractive.
That said, Monaco's climate allows you to enjoy Larvotto Beach from April onwards, even though the water remains cool (17-19 °C). The beach is open year-round and locals come for a stroll even in winter.
If you are planning a beach-focused stay, see our guide on things to do in Monaco in spring to balance your days between sea and culture.
Seaside events not to miss
Monaco's beach life follows the rhythm of the Principality's major events. During the Monaco Grand Prix (late May), Larvotto Beach buzzes with energy, the helicopters overhead adding to the city's festive atmosphere. The Monaco Yacht Show (September) turns Port Hercule into a showcase of luxury yachting, visible from the terraces of the beachfront restaurants.
In summer, Larvotto Beach regularly hosts open-air concerts and events. Evenings at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club and Nikki Beach are among the social highlights of the Riviera's summer season.
Frequently asked questions about Monaco's beaches
Are there free beaches in Monaco?
Yes, Larvotto Beach is entirely free and open to the public all year round. It is Monaco's main public beach, with showers, toilets and an anti-jellyfish net. No reservation is needed.
What is the best beach in Monaco?
Larvotto Beach is technically Monaco's only beach, but it is a high-quality one with calm waters and a renovated setting. For the most spectacular beaches in the area, the coves of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer are just a short drive away.
Can you swim in Monaco in April?
Larvotto Beach is open year-round, but the water temperature in April hovers around 17-19 °C, which is still cool for swimming. Beach clubs such as the Monte-Carlo Beach Club (reopening mid-April) have heated pools so you can enjoy the seaside without waiting for summer.
How do you get to the beaches from central Monaco?
From Port Hercule (where Port Palace is located), Larvotto Beach is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive. Bus line 5 serves the beach from the train station. For the surrounding beaches (Villefranche, Cap-Ferrat), allow 15 to 30 minutes by car or regional train.
Do you need to book for private beaches?
Yes, booking is strongly recommended for beach clubs, especially in high season (June to September) and during major events. The Monte-Carlo Beach Club and Nikki Beach are often fully booked days in advance during the Grand Prix.
Staying by the sea at Port Palace
Port Palace is the ideal hotel for a beach holiday in Monaco. Situated directly on Port Hercule, halfway between the Rock and Larvotto, the hotel offers panoramic Mediterranean views from the majority of its suites and rooms.
Port Palace guests benefit from personalised recommendations by our concierge to make the most of every beach day: cabana bookings at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, transfers to the coves of Cap-Ferrat, boat hire to explore the coastline from the water. That is the advantage of a 4-star boutique hotel: every request is handled on a bespoke basis.
After a day in the sun, La Mome restaurant on the hotel's ground floor serves refined Mediterranean cuisine on its terrace overlooking the harbour. A natural extension of a beautiful day spent by the water.
If you are planning your stay, our guide to what to do in Monaco in 3 days will help you combine beach, culture and gastronomy for a full itinerary.
