With its prime location between France and Italy, 300 days of sunshine a year, a world-class cultural scene, incredible calendar of events, incredible luxury hotels and a deep concern for environmental sustainability, Monaco is a truly fascinating destination.
This year is a particularly exciting one for Monaco with the Principality's most iconic 5-star hotel, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo reopening after undergoing a 4-year multi-phase renovation. Monaco's local gem, the charming 3-star Columbus Monte-Carlo, also recently revealed its new look after undergoing a major revamp last year.
Being the diverse Principality that it is, there is something for everyone to see and do in Monaco.
Couples can indulge in some culture at the Opera or wine and dine in the Principality's gourmet gems, Michelin stars to local eateries. Adventure travellers will be pleased to hear that the Principality, being just a short drive from the French Alps, presents perfect hiking, climbing, canyoning and mountain biking opportunities in summer and makes for an excellent stop on a ski holiday in winter. Even family travellers are catered for with family-properties such as the 4* Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offering plenty of family-friendly facilities and outdoor fun such as spacious pools, a sandy lagoon, a kid's club, and more.
Monaco enjoys a very privileged geographical location in the heart of Europe. Access to Monaco from Australia could not be easier with two leading international airlines (Emirates and Qatar Airways) operating regular flights into Nice Côte d'Azur International, Monaco's closest airport. Nice airport links the Principality to over 100 destinations on top of being less than a two-hour flight from a range of European capitals. From Nice, a 7-minute helicopter flight between Nice and Monaco with Monacair does not only provide the ultimate WOW-factor but is also an extremely convenient and affordable experience (from 130 € one way). Transfer options by road (bus, taxi and train) are also available and take between 30-45 minutes.
20% of Monaco are devoted to green spaces and our 'Green' favourites include the Exotic Garden of Monaco, an extraordinary botanic garden clinging to the steep stone cliff-side of Moneghetti, the zen-like oasis that is the Japanese Garden, or the Princess Grace Rose Gardens, the result of Prince Rainier III wanting to create a place in memory of his wife Princess Grace.
What better way could there be to bond and mingle with the locals than a boules tournament under Monaco's olive trees. For the authentic foodie experience, the Condamine market is Monaco's local farmers' market serving specialities from Monaco, such as socca and barbagiuan and seafood and local organic produce from the French Riviera.
Michelin stars are aplenty in Monaco, but whilst the Principality prides itself on its world-renowned fine dining classics, such as Louis XV by Alain Ducasse or Elsa Restaurant (the world's only organic Michelin-starred restaurant), there are also a wave of local eateries to be explored, such as Perles de Monte-Carlo, a hangout where you can sample the finest locally grown oysters, or Eat me-by l'Inattendu-e for innovative raw food creations.
As dynamic as Monaco is, there is also a largely relaxing side to the Principality and it offers genuine pleasure. The Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo covers 7,000 square metres of wellbeing including a large seawater pool, sauna, hammam and more. Spa Metropole by Givenchy lures celebrities and discerning wellness travellers alike with personally tailored massages and treatments. Other wellness Top Spots include the Fairmont Spa and Spa Cinq Mondes.
Looking for a responsible and unique way to get to know Monaco? Monaco Bike Tours now offer 3.5 hour e-bike tours taking in the best of Monaco including those spots that most tourists miss.
Explore the Riviera on a catamaran or splash out on a private luxury yacht cruise.
For the adrenaline junkie, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, located in the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, is Monaco's hub for water sports offering everything from para-sailing, jet skiing and sailing, to Fly Fish, Tubing and Fly Boarding.
Take to the skies on a panoramic helicopter tour over Monaco and the French Riviera with Monacair. Experience the charms of not only the Principality but surrounding destinations such as Menton, Eze, Villefranche-sur-mer and Cannes, from above.
On top of being home to some of the most iconic annual events such as the F1 Grand Prix and the Monte-Carlo Rolex Tennis Masters and the annual Yacht Show, there is a whole world of lesser-known, but equally enticing, amusements to be discovered in the Principality, from the Historic Grand Prix to the Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
Green and Glam go hand in hand in the Principality that holds a sustainability ethos that no other destination can match. Monaco invites travellers to be part of its green heart with a variety of sustainable activities available from taking advantage of Monaco's latest innovative mode of eco-friendly transport: Mobee. Take a guided nature tour or set up vegetable gardens on Monaco's rooftops with Terre de Monaco, the world's largest private city farm.