Holiday time is here, and there’s nothing like summer in Monaco for the best of all worlds, whether sunning on glorious beaches along the French Riviera, being inspired by cultural events, enjoying tranquillity in lush gardens, or shopping and dining at the most refined luxury locales. Here’s a look at some of the best 10 things to do in Monaco this summer.
10 best things to do in Monaco
1 – Beaches
Enjoying time at the beach is top of the list when it’s summer in Monaco. The newly renovated Larvotto public beach on Avenue Princess Grace reopens this month (July), with easy access for visitors of all ages. The lovely curved beach features new shops, including an ice cream parlour, of course! Lifeguards are on patrol, and bathers are protected from jellyfish by a net. The beach is lapped by the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is perfect for swimming. Undoubtedly, enjoying time at Larvotto beach is one of the best things to do in Monaco during the summer months.
2 – Fine dining
Fine dining is always a highlight and regularly tops the 10 best things to do in Monaco list. For a special summer treat, head to Nikki Beach on the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo for stunning sunset views and superb speciality cocktails. Try seasonal cuisine at the elegant Le LouisXVI – Alain Ducasse (three Michelin stars) inside the grand Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, or a delightful Sunday brunch overlooking the pool at Elsa, the first Michelin-starred organic restaurant, at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel.
3 – Shopping
Shopping on a sunny day is a treat in Monaco, whether at the designer shops in Le Metropole, where crystal chandeliers and marble floors create a luxe ambience or at the newest — and some say, most exclusive — retail venue, the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade on the new Promenade Princesse Charlene and the Avenue Princesse Alice. So if you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Monaco during the summer, make sure you mark some time in your diary to check out Monaco’s famed shopping destinations.
4 – Cool off in a garden
Monaco offers a myriad of green spaces, so find a shady spot, admire the tropical plants and flowers, and enjoy a few moments of serenity. Stop and smell the many-hued roses at the Princess Grace Rose Garden or admire cacti and succulents and a grand view from the hilltop Jardin Exotique. For a quiet escape from the city centre, visit the exquisite Monaco Palace Gardens on the Rock of Monaco.
5 – Watersports
Watersports beckon during summer in Monaco. Who can resist the gorgeous blue Mediterranean Sea? Choose your favourite activity and dive in, literally. Scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and even canoeing are all available and are amongst the 10 best things to do in Monaco in summer. There are plenty of places to rent all the equipment you’ll need for fun in the surf.
6 – Museums
Museums provide respite on warm days and offer plenty of variety as well. The extraordinary classic car collection of Prince Rainier III is not to be missed. The vintage vehicles are displayed over five levels on the Terraces of Fontvieille. The Oceanographic Museum, housed in a French neoclassical palace, features a simulation of the Great Barrier Reef.
7 – Cruise in luxury
Yachts are synonymous with the principality, and summer in Monaco is the best time to charter one of these stunning vessels and cruise along the fabulous French Riviera. Visit Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Cannes, and Nice in style. For those looking for one of the most decadent things to do in Monaco during summer, enjoying time on a luxury yacht is a must.
8 – Cultural events
Calendars are full of events this summer in Monaco. To name just a few: the Exhibition of Jewellery by Artists, From Calder to Koons, (11 July-29 August); an Organ Festival (11 July); Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (18 July); Summer of Dance (22-24 July); and Paolo Conte in concert (6 August).
9 – Sporting events
Football fans will want to head to Louis II Stadium for League 1 matches (Monaco vs Nantes and RC Lens in August). The stadium features lodges, two outdoor elevators, and a footbridge. The stadium itself is a sight to see, with its massive arches and spectacular lighting at night. This is without question one of the 10 best things to do in Monaco during summer for fans of the beautiful game.
10 – Find your next property
One of the best times to visit Monaco real estate for sale is during the summer, when you will get the opportunity to view property in its best light. Spend a leisurely summer day touring gorgeous properties, from studios ideal as a pied a terre to sumptuous penthouses perfect for those wishing to enjoy the very best of this lavish destination. Why not make your summer in Monaco extra special with the purchase of a dream residence on the French Riviera? Our multilingual team at La Costa Properties Monaco are ready to help you with your property search.
What other summer in Monaco activities would you add to our guide on the 10 best things to do in Monaco?
