Sailing Guide Monaco
Casinos, luxury yachts and extravagant hotels - this is what comes to mind when thinking about Monaco. And yes, this is what you can find here, but there is more! Quiet streets, quaint villages that are not too far away and stunning nature are surrounding Monaco. Charter a yacht in Monaco to get a glimpse of the glitzy lifestyle of the rich and famous, but also to see the country from a different perspective.
Things to do and see when sailing in Monaco
There are plenty of activities in Monaco that you can participate in. Whether it’s trying your luck in one of the local casinos or sightseeing around the country, you won’t get bored on your week-long trip to this part of the Mediterranean.
Activities in Monaco
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Sail from Monaco to Nice or from Nice to Monaco by boat for a fun adventure
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Head to the Monte Carlo Casino to try your luck at gambling and for some entertainment as the Opéra de Monte-Carlo is also located here.
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Visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco to see an important historical building in Monaco first hand. It is still the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and his family. The fort was built in 1191 and is definitely an impressive site to see
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Stop by the Musée océanographique de Monaco where you can learn more about the oceans and marine wildlife in the area
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Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a beautiful church you have to see for its architecture and the pieces made from white Carrara marble. It is the burial place of many Grimaldis, including Grace Kelly
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Visit the Exotic Garden of Monaco not just to discover a variety of plants, but also for the stunning views over the Mediterranean
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The Princess Grace Japanese Garden is also worth visiting. The Zen garden where you can go to meditate is a special highlight
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Charter a yacht in Monaco to explore the Mediterranean coast and the French riviera
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Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Château Médieval de Roquebrune, located east of Monaco.
Beaches in Monaco
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Baie de Garavan Beach is a wonderful beach located in Menton, east of Monaco. Keep in mind that only Rondelli is a public beach
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Plage des Fossettes is a stunning beach located South-West of Monaco on a beautiful little peninsula. It is not just a great spot for sunbathing, it is also perfect for snorkelling
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Larvotto Beach in Monaco might be surrounded by large buildings, but the mountains in the background definitely make up for that. It is a great spot to spend the day if you don’t want to drive or sail for too long
Restaurants in Monaco
Casual dining in Monaco:
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Il Fornaio: This restaurants offers delicious pasta and salads at a reasonable price for expensive Monaco
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Maison des Pâtes Monaco: Enjoy a delicious and authentic Italian meal in this wonderful restaurant. It is extremely affordable compared to other more expensive restaurants in Monaco
Beach restaurants in Monaco:
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Elsa: This wonderful restaurant with a fantastic view is a Michelin star restaurant and uses only organic ingredients. You can really taste it in the dishes
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La differance is a great restaurant very close to Monte Carlo Beach. You should definitely try the calamaris here
Fine dining in Monaco:
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Admire the elegant interior that awaits you at Restaurant du Métropole Monte-Carlo. The lunch and dinner is as exquisite as the simple bread and butter that you enjoy alongside the meals
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Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris: This three star Michelin restaurant is going to offer you one of the finest dining experiences of your life. Be prepared to pay for what you get - it’s absolutely worth it!
Bars and Clubs in Monaco
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Le Bar Américain is a rustic bar that invites you to relax on one of their beautiful pieces of wooden furniture. The interior is inspired by the 1920s. Sipping a cocktail in a location this beautiful is wonderful, isn’t it?
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Monte Carlo Casino is a fun place for a night out and to try your luck
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La Note Bleue is a great place for anyone who appreciates Jazz. Is there a better way to end the day after being out at sea all day?
Explore historical Monaco
Monaco is an independent state, but has been of interest to France and Italy for centuries. It has also been part of France for a while and was under “protection” of different Italian powers. In 2002 Monaco’s independence was reassured. Even if there are no heirs to the Monegasque throne, the country will keep its independence and will not become part of France again.
There are many buildings showing the turbulent history of the little country. One of them is the Prince's Palace of Monaco where the royal family still resides today. The fortress is a testament to the greed of the country’s neighbours who tried to invade the land more than once. It wasn’t simply built for show like other European palaces, it was also built for protection. The palace’s origins reach back as far as the 1200s.
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one iconic place in Monaco you have to visit when visiting. It has been the set for many movies and you can get a piece of the glitz and glam when coming here.
Discover mystical Monaco
While there are ancient myths suggesting that even the famous Greek legend Hercules came to Monaco, there are many modern legends and myths about the city. If you thought that everyone in Monaco drives expensive cars, you are very wrong. Many Monegasque people either drive very simple cars or don’t have a car at all and simply take public transportation. The buses are very clean!
Another myth that many foreigners hold up is the belief that Monaco is actually part of France. While it is true that the little country has been part of France, it is an independent country and even became part of NATO in 1997.
Sailing conditions in Monaco
Located on the Mediterranean sea, along the French riviera, Monaco is a wonderful place with a great climate and ideal wind conditions. The summers can get very hot and there is a reason why the summer months June, July and August are the most popular months amongst tourists. The sailing season generally starts in May and lasts until the end of September/the beginning of October. If you are looking at avoiding the masses and saving some money, you can always find a good deal in May, September or October. You will be blessed with warm temperatures, but not with scorching heat.
It is no surprise that Monaco is the location where the Classic week of Monaco is set. It’s a regatta where traditional sailing ships compete against each other. This definitely speaks for the ideal wind conditions this part of the Mediterranean has to offer.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Monaco?
If you want to charter a luxury yacht in Monaco to feel like the rich and famous for a week you need to expect a hefty price tag, but there are more affordable options that don’t break the bank. The cost to rent a yacht in Monaco depends on different factors, including the season, the type and size of the boat, the amount of passengers and the amenities included.
What type of boat is best for sailing in Monaco?
What type of boat you should charter in Monaco all depends on the type of holiday you would like to experience here. If you want to go on a sailing adventure and go wherever the wind leads you means that you would rent a very different type of boat than the one you would charter if you just want to sunbathe all day and occasionally explore the coast and its quaint villages.
Rent a catamaran in Monaco
Pros of renting a catamaran in Monaco
One great thing about renting a catamaran in Monaco is that they are equipped with both a sail and an engine. This means that you can sail when the winds are strong enough, but can also use the engine should the wind suddenly stop blowing. This is great, because you won’t get stuck in the middle of the sea, having to wait patiently for the wind to pick up again.
Another advantage of chartering a catamaran in Monaco is the fact that they are equipped with a shallow draft. This means that you can sail in shallow waters and closer to the shore. So you can discover some of the most beautiful beaches and bays along the French riviera.
If you want to rent a catamaran in Monaco, you get to enjoy more space than you would get on another type of boat. You will feel more comfortable and like in a hotelroom than in a simple cabin on board a boat. The two hulls that catamarans stand on give them also more stability, meaning that you will feel the boats shake less should the wind suddenly pick up.
One of the most popular catamarans to charter in Monaco is Catamaran Lagoon 410 which comes with a professional captain who is going to navigate you safely through the Mediterranean. Up to 15 people can stay on board the boat, making it the perfect boat to go on a sailing vacation with your friends.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Monaco
One of the downsides of renting a catamaran in Monaco is the size of catamarans. While it might feel amazing to have a lot of space on board, it might come at a disadvantage when trying to find a spot for mooring at a marina - especially during the busy summer months. It might also come with a higher price tag, because a bigger boat takes up more space and leaves less room for mooring for other boats.
Charter a catamaran in Monaco
Rent a sailboat in Monaco
Pros of renting a sailboat in Monaco
Renting a sailboat in Monaco comes with the advantage of running solely on wind and not on fuel. This means that you don’t need to pay an additional fee in addition to your bareboat charter. The wind conditions in this part of the Mediterranean are ideal and make for a fantastic sailing holiday in Monaco.
Chartering a sailboat in Monaco brings many advantages to those seeking an adventure. Setting sail, feeling the wind on your skin and sailing right into the Mediterranean is an experience any adventurer wouldn’t want to miss. One of the most popular sailboats to rent in Monaco is Sailboat Beneteau First 47.7 which offers space for up to six people and can be booked with or without a captain. This gives you the flexibility to either practice your sailing skills or lean back while someone else takes care of the navigation and operation of the boat.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Monaco
One of the downsides of a sailboat rental in Monaco is that they solely run on wind. This means that you are highly dependent on the wind conditions. Should the wind suddenly stop blowing, it means that you might get stuck in the middle of the sea and have to wait patiently for the wind to pick up again. This can become incredibly annoying - especially if you only have a week to sail around Monaco and the French coast.
Charter a sailboat in Monaco
Rent a motorboat in Monaco
Pros of renting a motorboat in Monaco
One of the advantages of renting a motorboat in Monaco is the fact that they are generally faster than other types of boats. This means that you can explore more of Monaco and the surrounding areas.
Another advantage of chartering a motorboat in Monaco is the fact that they have a shallow draft. This means that you can sail closer to the shore and explore all the hidden bays and beaches Monaco and the surrounding areas have to offer. You can find some truly beautiful gems that you might miss otherwise or would only be able to admire from a distance.
One of the most popular motorboats to rent in Monaco is Motorboat Wally Tender 45. Up to 11 people can fit onto the boat and you can book this motorboat in Monaco with or without a captain, depending on your holiday preferences.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Monaco
One of the downsides of renting a motorboat in Monaco is the fact that it runs solely on fuel. This means that you will need to take into account that you have to pay extra for all the fuel you’re using - in addition to your bareboat charter. This might come with a hefty price tag, especially considering the ever-increasing fuel prices.
Motorboat rental in Monaco
Charter a luxury yacht in Monaco
Monaco is definitely known as the playground for the rich and famous in Europe. Celebrities, successful businessmen and royals happily flock into the country to enjoy the high life. Boats and yachts are naturally part of this lifestyle. Charter a luxury yacht in Monaco for a week to become part of this whole spectacle. One of the most beautiful luxury yachts you can rent in Monaco is Motorboat Amels 177 which comes with a crew. You just hop on board and everything is taken care of. Up to 11 guests fit onto the yacht, making it the perfect boat for a vacation with your closest friends. You definitely won’t get bored. A set of jet skis, water skis, a wakeboard, a SUP and snorkelling gear are already waiting for you!
Charter a luxury yacht in Monaco
What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Monaco?
Whether or not you need a boat licence when renting a boat in Monaco is not as straightforward as in other countries. While most charters obligate you to hold a boat licence or at least show proven experience in operating a boat in order to charter a yacht in Monaco, there are smaller charters who allow you to hire a boat in Monaco without a licence. However, this is often only possible for smaller types of boats.
To be on the safe side, we would recommend you to carry the International Certificate of Competency or short ICC. This type of licence is, as the name suggests, internationally recognized.
Sailing routes in Monaco
One of the most popular sailing routes around Monaco is taking you from Nice to Monaco by boat. The two places are only a short boat ride away, but make for a wonderful day trip.
Another popular route is taking you from Monaco to explore the whole French riviera. Explore the glitzy town of Cannes where the famous international film festival takes place annually, stop by the stoney beaches of Nice and walk around the picturesque streets of Antibes.
A multi-day trip around the Cote d’Azur could be planned as follows:
Day 1: Sail from Monaco to Antibes: Before heading to Antibes, you should take your time to explore the country of Monaco. Stroll around the picturesque streets, admire the fancy cars of the rich and famous and try your luck at the casino. In Antibes you should visit the Musée Picasso which holds a wonderful collection of the famous painters masterpieces. The Fort Carré d'Antibes is also worth visiting - for the history and the views.
Day 2: Sail from Antibes to Saint-Raphael: Before setting sail, you should visit the Marché provençal in Antibes for the fresh fruits, vegetables and pastries. In Saint-Raphael you should take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the hilly landscape. Visit the Musée Louis De Funès and Saint-Raphael Archaeological museum to learn more about the famous French comedian and the ancient history of the area.
Day 3: Sail from Saint-Raphael to Saint-Tropez: Before setting sail again you should hike up the Massif de l'Esterel. The stunning views will be worth every effort. You should definitely grab a delicious croissant in one of the local bakeries before making your way to glitzy Saint-Tropez. Once you have arrived in the place where stars like Brigitte Bardot loved to vacation, you should visit the Citadel of Saint-Tropez - Museum of Maritime History which is not just an impressive fortress, but also a fascinating museum where you can learn more about the maritime history of the town as well as the lives of people in former times in this area of the Mediterranean.
Day 4: Sail from Saint-Tropez to Cannes: Cannes has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches to offer. Soak up the sun and head to one of the glamorous bars the city has to offer for a refreshing cocktail. Cannes is of course famous for its international film festival, but has so much more to offer. Visit the Vieux Port de Cannes for a lovely view and La Malmaison to discover some beautiful contemporary art. If you want to get some shopping done while visiting Cannes, you should head to Rue d'Antibes.
Day 5: Sail from Cannes to Nice: Before leaving Cannes, you should take a walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette. It is THE place to see and be seen. While you stroll around the luxury boutiques and the road that is filled with magnificent palm trees, you can soak up the sun. When you return to your boat, set sail for Nice where you can spend the day soaking up the sun on one of the pebble stone beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters.
Day 6: Sail from Nice back to Monaco: Your sailing holiday that started in Monaco might come to an end in the exact same spot, but your relaxing holiday doesn’t have to end yet. End your day with a wonderful, fancy meal in one of Monaco’s fabulous restaurants. You won’t be disappointed!