Monaco Travel Guide

Monaco Travel Guide

A former Greek colony, Monaco is now the second smallest country in the world with about 32.000 inhabitants and it is a constitutional monarchy. Its location at the Mediterranean makes Monaco one of the most wanted places for luxury vacations.

Monaco Travel Guide – Geography

Monaco has wonderful landscapes even if the entire country is no more than 485 acres. Surrounded by France, the geography is represented by a narrow piece of land along the Mediterranean with rocky promontories and sandy beaches, with the highest point at about 206 ft. The country is divided as follows: Monaco-Ville on the Rock, The Condamine, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille and Moneghetti.

The location near the sea determines the presence of a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers cooled by the sea breeze and mild, wet winters. As a consequence Monaco is a warm destination throughout the year, people being able to sunbathe until October.

Historically Monaco was first a Greek colony, then it was conquered by the Italians and French, which is still spoken today.

Monaco Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

The Mediterranean climate determined the existence of an abundant and exuberant flora represented by typical Mediterranean species like the palm trees, tamarisks, aloes, pine trees and others. There is no distinct fauna here all species are also present in all other Mediterranean countries.

Monaco Travel Guide – Tips for tourists

Monaco is a luxurious destination, only for the rich and famous. It is very similar to the French Riviera and offers lots of ways of entertainment in the famous Monte Carlo Casino, opera, theatre and in the numerous bars and pubs. We must not overlook the various sports that can be practiced here from water sports like wind surfing, sailing, snorkeling to the ones on land like golf, skiing, snowshoe walking and many more.

In order to visit Monaco you must contact a French consulate and inform whether you need a visa or not. Countries from Schengen area and a long list of other countries from the American and Asian continent do not need visas but a valid passport.

Currency here is the Euro, so you will have no problems with conversion no matter where you come from. Monaco is also known as a tax heaven due to the absence of income tax.

Monaco Travel Guide – Transport

You can get to Monaco by air choosing among the numerous airline companies. If you come from the American continent you must know that Swiss Air has direct flights from seven American countries to Monaco and if you are European, then it is much easier, additionally you can travel by train using one of the many train systems.

The nearest airport is Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice, France and links the Principality with any important city of the world, and the only heliport is the Monaco – Fontvieille Heliport.

Monaco Travel Guide – Resorts

Monaco is a heaven for any traveler who wants to enjoy a luxurious and exclusive vacation in one of the most picturesque places of the Mediterranean coast. You also must know that everything comes with a cost, and here they are very high.

Resorts here are present in all five divisions of Monaco, offering seaside many stars hotels or just as many stars mountain chalets with the most surprising and impressive landscapes. A different way to enjoy this paradisiac place is on a cruise in the Mediterranean, on one of the many exclusivist boats offering you an unforgettable experience.

As for the accommodation places on land Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel is representative for the traditional Monegasque refinement. It is situated on a cliff with breathtaking view over the sea, many facilities like casino, fitness center, pool, regional and neoclassical cuisine, and impeccable service.

Another exclusive resort, this time near a sandy beach, is Le Méridien Beach Plaza. It offers the only private beach in Monaco, pool and endless entertainment possibilities.

For the ones willing to spend a few days in the mountains there are also plenty of accommodation offers to for every taste.

Monaco Travel Guide – Cuisine

The cuisine here is mostly influenced by the French, Italian and Mediterranean one. Their regional specialties are Barbagiuan which is a type of pastry with spinach, rice and cheese, Socca is a special pancake made of chickpea flour, Fougasse is a country specialty covered with nuts and aniseed and Stocaffi is again a country fish specialty cooked in tomato sauce. You can enjoy all these and many more in any high class restaurant in the well known sophisticated ambiance, or in a chic country pub.

The mild climate, amazing landscapes, and diverse history attract more and more tourists annually to Monaco in order to have a holiday somewhere between magic and dream in the world of the rich and famous. Its location between mountain and sea, with wonderful gardens, lots of sport and cultural offers, high quality restaurants and hotels and beaches like no other make this corner of heaven the perfect destination for a great holiday.