Plage du Larvotto is the principal public beach of the Principality of Monaco, occupying a sheltered bay on the eastern side of the principality between the Grimaldi Forum conference centre and the La Condamine district. The beach stretches approximately 350 metres along Avenue Princesse Grace, divided between a free public section and two licensed private beach concessions. The surface is a mix of fine shingle and coarse sand, with periodic sand additions maintaining beach quality. The water is calm and well-protected within the bay, making it one of the gentler bathing environments on the Côte d'Azur for swimming.
The Larvotto Marine Reserve, established in 1976, extends immediately offshore and is one of the oldest protected marine areas in Monaco. Anchoring within the reserve is prohibited; the clear, protected water supports posidonia seagrass meadows and a diverse fish population, making snorkelling rewarding particularly along the rocky eastern margins of the beach. Water clarity is consistently good, with temperatures reaching 24°C in August.
The private beach concessions operate from approximately June through September, offering sun loungers, parasols, and restaurant service at premium Monaco prices — expect €40–80 for a sunbed pair in high season. The free public section is maintained to a high standard and includes showers, accessible pathways, and lifeguards during the summer season.
The setting is unique: an intimate seaside bay embedded entirely within a city-state, backed by Monaco's high-density residential towers and the Maritime Alps rising inland. Bus No. 6 from Monte-Carlo Casino and Bus No. 4 from Monaco-Ville provide easy public access, and the beach is a 20-minute walk along the seafront from Monaco-Monte Carlo railway station. Despite the glamorous surroundings, the public beach is genuinely open to all visitors at no cost, making Larvotto the most democratic shore in the principality.
| Distance | 1.5km from Monaco-Ville |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus 6 from Monte-Carlo Casino; or 20-minute walk from Monaco-Monte Carlo station |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June–September |
| Address | Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco |
Amenities
- public beach (free)
- beach clubs
- water sports
- showers
- lifeguards
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, snorkellers, couples, families, sunbathers
Location
Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
43.7480, 7.4366 View on map
Highlights
- Monaco's principal free public beach — one of the few genuinely open shores in the principality
- Larvotto Marine Reserve offshore — snorkelling among posidonia meadows with notable fish populations
- Calm, sheltered bay with minimal wave action — comfortable for swimmers of all ages
- Lifeguards and maintained facilities including showers and accessible pathways during the summer season
- Distinctive setting backed by Monaco's skyline and the Maritime Alps rising immediately inland
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10 am on weekends in July–August to secure a spot on the free public section
- Snorkelling is most rewarding along the rocky eastern margin of the beach — bring your own equipment as no hire is available on site
- Monaco's public bus network is free of charge; Bus 6 from Monte-Carlo Casino to the Larvotto stop takes about 8 minutes
- The beach is sheltered from westerly winds by the Rocher de Monaco — conditions are often calm when western Riviera beaches are choppy
- Beach concession restaurants are expensive even by Riviera standards; budget €40–60 per person for a midday meal
When to visit
June through September for swimming and beach club services. The marine reserve is worth snorkelling from May when water clarity is at its highest. Monaco's compact geography means the beach can be busy on summer weekends.
Accessibility
The free public section of Larvotto includes wheelchair-accessible pathways and shower facilities. The principality has invested in adapted beach infrastructure, and the relatively firm surface near the waterline makes access easier than at many natural pebble beaches on the Riviera.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plage du Larvotto in Monaco free to use?
The main public section of Larvotto is free to access and equipped with showers and changing facilities. The private concession areas alongside it charge for sunbed hire, but these are entirely optional.
Is there a marine reserve at Larvotto?
Yes — the Larvotto Marine Reserve, established in 1976, covers the bay offshore and prohibits anchoring. Snorkelling is permitted; the reserve supports posidonia seagrass beds and significantly more abundant fish populations than unprotected neighbouring stretches of coast.
How do I get to Larvotto from central Monte-Carlo?
Bus No. 6 from the Casino area takes approximately 8 minutes to the Larvotto stop on Avenue Princesse Grace. Alternatively, the seafront walk from the port of La Condamine takes about 15 minutes. Monaco's public buses are free.
Are there restaurants near the beach?
Two private concessions operate seasonal beach restaurants. The public section has no on-site food service; cafés and restaurants along Avenue Princesse Grace are within a few minutes' walk of the beach.