Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach
Lifeguard tower at Larvotto Beach
Lifeguard tower at Larvotto Beach
Aerial view of Larvotto Beach
Monaco skyline from Larvotto Beach
BEACH
Larvotto Beach is the main public beach in Monaco and the easiest place in the Principality to swim in the Mediterranean. It sits below Avenue Princesse Grace, east of Monte-Carlo, with clear water, pale pebbles and Monaco’s modern skyline behind it. Most of the beach is free to use, making it a simple place to add some swimming or beach time to a day in Monaco.
The Larvotto coastline was developed as Monaco expanded toward the sea during the 20th century. More recently, the beachfront was completely redesigned, with the renewed Larvotto seaside complex opening in 2021. Today, it combines public swimming areas with a shaded promenade, restaurants and several private beach sections. It is not a wild Riviera beach surrounded by cliffs. Instead, visitors can expect a clean and organised city beach that is easy to include in a day of sightseeing or enjoy for a few relaxed hours by the sea.
Larvotto Beach is mainly public, so you do not need to pay an entrance fee or book a beach club. Private areas with sun loungers, parasols and restaurant service are also available, but they are optional.
The beach is covered with small pale pebbles rather than soft sand. The water is protected from much of the open-sea swell, which often creates calmer swimming conditions. During summer, an anti-jellyfish net is normally placed around the main swimming area, although it cannot completely prevent jellyfish from entering.
A shaded promenade runs behind the beach with cafés and restaurants. This makes it easy to stop for lunch or a drink without leaving Larvotto.
Tip: Bring water shoes if you find pebbles uncomfortable, especially when entering and leaving the water.
June to September is the main swimming season. July and August have the warmest beach weather but also the largest crowds, and the public sections can become busy during summer afternoons.
June and September usually offer a better balance between warm weather and fewer people. Outside summer, the beach remains accessible throughout the year, but the cooler sea and reduced seasonal services make swimming less appealing.
Tip: In July and August, arrive in the morning for a better choice of space on the public beach.
Larvotto Beach is around 1.1 km from Place du Casino. Walking from central Monte-Carlo usually takes about 15–20 minutes and leads toward the Grimaldi Forum and Larvotto waterfront.
Monaco’s steep streets can make short distances feel longer, so the bus is useful if you prefer not to walk. CAM buses serve stops around Larvotto, including Grimaldi Forum, Plages, Sea Club and Larvotto. Lines 5 and 6 are among the most useful connections with central Monaco.
The underground Larvotto public car park on Avenue Princesse Grace is the most convenient option for the beach. The Grimaldi Forum car park is another nearby choice.
Using an official underground car park is generally easier than searching for street parking in Monaco. Traffic can become much heavier during major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.
Larvotto has public toilets and showers, while cafés and restaurants are available along the waterfront. Lifts and stairs connect the different promenade levels.
A seasonal Handiplage service also helps people with disabilities or reduced mobility access the water with adapted equipment and assistance during its summer operating period.
Smoking and dogs are not permitted on Larvotto Beach.
If you prefer a private beach club instead of the public beach, loungers at Larvotto usually cost around €35–€55 per person per day. Prices vary by club and location, with parasols sometimes included and towels costing extra. Check current rates before visiting.
Larvotto can be practical for families because facilities are close to the beach and the bay is protected from much of the open-sea swell. Swimming conditions can still change, so children should always be supervised and beach safety flags should be followed.
Yes. Visitors using the public sections can bring their own towel and beach equipment.
Yes. Larvotto Beach and its promenade can be visited throughout the year. Winter is better suited to walking and enjoying the waterfront than swimming, as the sea is much cooler and summer services are reduced.
