Passing through Monaco? Why not take advantage of its large beach lined with shops and restaurants? Larvotto Beach is the Principality’s main beach. While there are a few private sectors, the majority are public. Accessible to people with reduced mobility, it is also very well served, both by bus and by bicycle paths!
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to Monaco’s Larvotto beach.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Larvotto Beach worth it?
Yes! This is Monaco’s only large public beach (400m). It is, however, artificial, and lies at the heart of dense urbanization, which may not please everyone. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a well-equipped beach where they can enjoy a meal or a drink overlooking the sea! In fact, it’s lined with many lively restaurants and shops.
It’s a of the Principality’s main attractions.
Beach type
Sand or no sand?
The soil of Plage du Larvotto is made of fine gravel. You won’t find any sand on this artificial beach.
Installations
Showers, changing rooms and toilets are available on the beach. The beach has private areas where you can rent deckchairs and umbrellas for the day only. It is bordered by a two-level concrete promenade with numerous shops.
Monitoring
The beach has a first-aid post. In season, it is supervised 7/7 from 10am to 6pm.
Conditions for swimming
The water is clear and rich in fish, which makes for interesting snorkeling. On the other hand, these fish can sometimes bite swimmers. An anti-medusa net, installed from June to September, allows safe swimming, even if the bathing area is reduced. The water runs deep very quickly.
Larvotto beach in Monaco: access
Where is Larvotto Beach?
- In the city of Monaco.
- Access from Place du Casino (Monte-Carlo): 20min walk.
- Access from Port-Hercule: 40min walk.
Access by car and parking
If you’re driving to Plage du Larvotto, you’ll need to park in a paying underground parking lot. The nearest is the Larvotto car park, located below the promenade along the beach, but you can also opt for the Carmes parking lot, a ten-minute walk away.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
We strongly recommend that you travel around the Principality by bus. It’s difficult to get around on foot, due to its cliff-side construction. The “Plages” stop is located by the beach and is served by lines 5 and 6. To plan your route, visit the official transport network website here. You can also rent an electric bike. A station is located on the upper level of the promenade, which includes a bicycle path. To find out more, visit the official Monabike website here.
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
During the season and until early September, a handiplage area is dedicated to people with reduced mobility. Guides are on hand 7/7 from 10am to 5pm, with tiralos. The beachfront promenade is accessible all year round, with elevators. An access ramp is also available.
With children
The beach is child-friendly thanks to its facilities. The seafront promenade has 2 levels, and the upper level includes a 298m2 area dedicated to children aged 5 to 14. It features rope games and wooden courses. The water, however, quickly becomes deep. Keep a close eye on your children when they’re swimming.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
Along the beach, you’ll find a promenade with a large number of restaurants, such as La Note Bleue, where we had a lovely time. To find out more, read our article on the best restaurants in Monaco.
Hotels
Monaco is home to many hotels, particularly in the Larvotto district, where the beach is located. Here are our recommendations by neighborhood:
WHERE TO STAY IN Monaco
Option 1: In Monte Carlo
Discover luxury palaces in Monaco’s most sought-after district:
- Hotel de Paris – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hermitage Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Métropole – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Larvotto
Close to Larvotto beach, you’ll find some splendid resort hotels.
We recommend..:
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – view prices, pictures and availability
- Le Méridien Beach Plaza – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: At Port-Hercule
Boutique hotels, with superb views of the port and the Rock.
- Hotel Miramar – prices, pictures and availability
- Port Palace – see prices, photos and availability
