The 7 Best Beaches in Monaco

A crescent of turquoise water framed by cliffs in Cap d'Ail, just over the French border from Monaco — the closest thing to a hidden-cove experience within walking distance of the principality. Free public beach plus two beach clubs. Caveat: access is 124 steps down (and back up), and summer weekends get packed despite the effort.

Monaco's main public beach — free, renovated in 2021, with showers, lifeguards, a jellyfish net, and wheelchair access, steps from the new Mareterra district. It's fine-gravel rather than sand, and in July-August it's towel-to-towel by mid-morning. A friend would send you for a convenient swim, not for a wild-beach experience.

The only true public beach in Monaco, this small stretch of pebbly shoreline sits within the Larvotto Marine Reserve, making the water exceptionally clear and protected. It's a genuine local hangout on weekday mornings before the summer crowds arrive. The beach is compact and fills up fast in July and August, so arrive early. Facilities are basic but functional, with showers and nearby cafés.

A small, charming pebble beach just minutes from Monaco's western border in Cap d'Ail, popular with Monaco residents who want a more relaxed alternative to Larvotto. The water is crystal clear and the atmosphere is genuinely local and unpretentious. A simple beach snack bar operates in summer. The access path is steep and narrow, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.

Technically just across the French border but considered part of the Monaco Riviera scene, this legendary private beach attached to the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel has been a glamour destination since the 1920s. The Olympic-size seawater pool and pristine lounger setup are exceptional, and the Elsa restaurant offers organic Mediterranean cuisine steps from the water. Access is reserved for hotel guests and day-pass holders. The heritage and setting are genuinely world-class.

A quieter, lesser-known rocky shoreline on the western edge of Monaco near the industrial port district of Fontvieille, favored by locals who want to avoid the Larvotto crowds. The setting is more rugged and less manicured, with direct access to calm Mediterranean water. It lacks the amenities of Larvotto but rewards those seeking solitude. Best visited outside peak summer months.

One of Monaco's most glamorous private beach clubs, operated under the Monte-Carlo SBM umbrella, offering sun loungers, a pool, and refined Mediterranean dining right on the Larvotto waterfront. The service is impeccable and the crowd is well-heeled, making it a quintessential Monaco experience. Day passes are expensive but include full lounger and umbrella service. Book well in advance in summer as it sells out quickly.