Beaches in Monaco: Larvotto, Mala and where to swim

Beaches in Monaco

For a city-state of just two square kilometres, Monaco offers a surprisingly pleasant beach experience. The main beach is at Larvotto, in the eastern part of the Principality, but there are also excellent options just across the border in France.

Larvotto Beach

Larvotto is Monaco's primary public beach, stretching along the Avenue Princesse Grace. Following a major renovation completed in 2022, the area features improved promenades, landscaping, playground areas and anti-jellyfish nets in the swimming zone.

The beach is pebble and gravel rather than sand, so water shoes or a thick towel are recommended. Facilities include:

• Free public beach area with showers and toilets
• Private beach clubs (Miami Plage and others) offering sunbeds, umbrellas and table service
• Restaurants and cafes along the promenade
• Playground and shallow water areas suitable for children
• Anti-jellyfish nets protecting the swimming area during summer

Larvotto is easily reached on foot from Monte-Carlo or by public transport (line 6). parking guide is available in the nearby underground car parks.

Port Hercule swimming area

A small public swimming area with a pool and sea access is located near the port at the Stade Nautique Rainier III. This open-air seawater pool is popular with locals and offers a different option from the beach.

Beaches near Monaco

Some of the best beaches on this stretch of coast are just outside Monaco:

• Plage de Mala (Cap d'Ail): a beautiful cove with clear water, about 15 minutes on foot from Fontvieille. Accessible by a coastal path or steps from the road above.
• Plage Marquet (Cap d'Ail): a small public beach near the Monaco border, popular with families
• Menton beaches: sandy and pebble beaches, 15 minutes by train or bus
• Eze-sur-Mer beach: a quieter stretch below the hilltop village of Eze

Practical tips

• Water shoes are strongly recommended for pebble beaches
• Sunscreen is essential; the Mediterranean sun is intense in summer
• Beach mats or thick towels provide better comfort than thin towels on pebbles
• Water quality in Monaco is monitored regularly and is consistently rated excellent
• The sea is calm most of the time, though currents can occur; swim within marked zones