Monaco Leisure

With its perfect climate, modern infrastructure and amazing location on the Mediterranean Sea, while also being very near the Southern Alps, Monaco is an ideal place to enjoy a wide variety of sports and activities.

There’s nothing particularly unique about Monaco’s sports, except to say that all of the facilities are top class. Like most seaside towns, all of the popular water sports are available. The main public beach is called Larvotto Beach, where anyone can go and enjoy the sand and surf. There are also a few private beaches, as you can imagine. The most famous is the Monte Carlo Beach Club, which has been an integral part of the social life of this town for decades. Princess Grace herself used to sunbathe here among her adoring fans. There’s a steep entrance fee, but the beach has great facilities, cabanas, cafés and bars. As on most beaches in Monaco, topless sunbathing is the norm. The Beach Club also offers jet-skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing and parasailing from April to October.

Sailing

Sailing, which is typically a rich man’s sport, is very popular in Monaco, as you will see by the sheer number of million dollar yachts floating in the marina. If you don’t manage to make friends with a hospitable yacht owner, the Monaco Yacht Club is the place for sailing classes, boat rentals and deep sea fishing excursions. Scuba diving is also offered by the Diving Club of Cap d’Ail, located just outside of Monaco.

Golf and football matches

Surprisingly, Monaco has one of the best professional football teams in the French League, AS Monaco. Formed in 1924, they are one of France’s best club teams and play their home games at the Louis II Stadium. Golfing is available at the prestigious Monte Carlo Golf Club. Located on the slopes of Mont Agel, the 18-hole course has panoramic views of the Italian Riviera, the Côte d’Azur and Monaco. Non-members can play, but they must belong to another club and be able to show proof of their handicap. The green fees are expensive but worth it.

Winter sports

In the winter, there’s great skiing just a few hours away at several French and Italian resorts in the Southern Alps. For a ski experience to remember, book a daytrip with Heli Air Monaco, who will whisk you right to the ski stations in their helicopter. During the summer, this same company offers helicopter trips over the principality and along the coast.

Monaco loves its auto racing and is home to two of the most important races in Europe. The world-famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race takes places every May in the narrow winding streets of the principality. Thousands of spectators come to watch. Le Rallye, in January, is another popular race and every other year Monaco hosts the Historic Grand Prix.