Monaco Port Guide: Where to Dock, Dine & Explore
Dock in Monaco’s glamorous ports and explore rooftop bars, historic quarters, and Riviera hideaways—all just a short sail from shore.
Monaco may be the world’s second-smallest country in terms of size, but it’s Europe’s leader in luxurious yachting. You’ll find an impressive selection of upscale experiences in this tiny city-state in the middle of the French Riviera. The Principality lives and breathes exclusivity – from playing at the Belle Époque halls of the iconic Casino of Monte-Carlo to dining at the Michelin-starred restaurants, hanging out at the glamorous beach bars of Larvotto and sunbathing at the rooftop pools of five-star hotels in the harbor. Impeccably clean and always safe, Monaco never fails to deliver the highest level of luxury.
Chartering a yacht here is a one-of-a-kind experience and a way the Principality’s fashionable allure is meant to be savored. The country is the ultimate destination for superyachts – you will see the world’s most coveted vessels docked in Monaco’s two high-class marinas. Proximity to other French Riviera destinations like Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton and Beaulieu-sur-Mer makes the city-state a perfect base for hassle-free exploration of the beautiful Azure coast.
Where to Drop Anchor
Port Hercules
The main marina of Monaco is Port Hercules, a large harbor right in the middle of the Principality. Fontvieille is a smaller port at the western edge of the country next to the French border. Both are minutes away from all the top attractions, as Monaco is less than a square mile in total size.
With 760 berths, Port Hercules is an exemplary deep-water port with every facility you need for superb mooring. Ships have entered this port since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans, thanks to its strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean. The harbor is designed to accommodate vessels of virtually all sizes – from small yachts to large cruise ships. The VHF channel is 12.
Port Hercules is an integral part of Monaco’s glamorous lore. Located in the very heart of the Principality, it gives you immediate access to the vibrant La Condamine district. The port was featured in GoldenEye, a 1995 film with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Also, it becomes an open-air viewing platform when the Monaco Grand Prix kicks off in May, as the whole Principality turns into an F1 racing track. The Port area is one of the highlights of the circuit.
Fontvieille
More compact and intimate, Fontvieille is located on the other side of Le Rocher (Monaco Rock). The setting here is a beautiful cove alongside a limestone cliff – a striking place to anchor your yacht. There are 290 berths. The maximum draft is 3 meters. Fontvieille offers a more tranquil berthing experience, without the rush of the main port.
While Port Hercules gets you in the very center of the action, Fontvieille has the perks of its own. First of all, there’s a shopping mall right upon disembarking. You’ll find luxury boutiques, a Carrefour hypermarket and many restaurants there. Then, you’re steps away from the Rock of Monaco – a fabled Old Town – with such must-sees as the Oceanographic Museum, Princely Palace and Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.
Port de Cap d’Ail, France
Officially, Monaco has only two ports. But Port de Cap d’Ail (located in France), literally meters away from the Monegasque border, should also be mentioned. While it’s in a different country, you will enter Monaco just by crossing the road. This modern marina has 265 berths and services yachts of up to 65 meters.
Photos from multiple sources
What to Do Onshore
Although tiny, Monaco shouldn’t be underestimated. The Principality is filled with unique things to do. The small size works in its favor, as it’s easy to move around and you can see many attractions within a short time. Whether it’s a stopover, a romantic night out or a week-long luxury-filled vacation, the city-state has got you covered.
Old Town
The Old Town is where Monaco’s history began. It’s also a charming place to visit, with narrow streets, sweeping vistas and top-notch museums. Walk through the elegant halls of the Prince’s Palace, immerse yourself in local history at Old Monaco Museum, get the best view of the glistening sea at the relaxing Jardins Saint-Martin and admire the white-stone beauty of the 19th-century Cathédrale de Monaco.
It’s also here that you find the Oceanographic Museum, a fascinating aquarium with over 6,000 species.
Monte Carlo district
Monaco of glamour and dazzle awaits in the Monte-Carlo neighborhood. The emblematic Beaux-Arts Casino is a must-visit. Even if you’re not playing, the awe-inspiring, intricate halls are a delight. Adjacent is the Opéra de Monte-Carlo – an amazing idea for an unforgettable night out.
Nearby, the Hotel Metropole, Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage may well be Europe’s most exclusive accommodations. The area around the manicured Jardins de la Petite Afrique is also for luxury shopping, with the world’s top brands represented.
La Condamine
A neighborhood next to the Port Hercules, La Condamine, introduces you to the Monegasque lifestyle. Eat local delicacies at the buzzy Condamine market, see old cars at the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco and have a drink at the legendary F1 venue La Rascasse.
Photos from multiple sources
Where to Eat and Drink
The Monaco dining scene is exceptional. Cozy harborside brasseries, starred Michelin institutions, casual beach bars, elegant cafeterias and exclusive rooftop terraces, you name it.
For class, head to Le Louis XV (3 Michelin stars), where French chef Alain Ducasse creates food magic with his interpretations of Mediterranean recipes. Another famed fine dining spot is Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at Hotel Metropole. West Indian culinary influences and a gorgeous sea-facing terrace are at Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. The best seafood is at Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, a vibrant restaurant alongside Fonteville Port.
La Brasserie de Monaco, directly at Port Hercules, is where everyone goes for locally produced beer and a cheerful atmosphere (DJ nights are organized every evening). Try traditional liqueurs, such as carruba and l’orangerie, at La Distillerie de Monaco. Take a seat on the terrace of Café de Paris Monte-Carlo for the best view of the Casino.
Nightlife & Sunset Viewing
Visit a cocktail party at the hedonist Nikki Beach Fairmont Monte Carlo. Sunset-watching feels stylish at the rooftop terrace of the upscale Blue Gin lounge, sea view included. For clubbing, head to the long-running Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo with the top dancefloor in the Principality.
Photos from multiple sources
Suggested Itinerary
The beauty of chartering a yacht in Monaco is being at the very center of the stunning French Riviera. It allows you to enjoy incredibly scenic sails over short distances. Here’s a 7-day yachting itinerary for Monaco.
Day 1 – Mala Beach and Villefranche-sur-Mer
Make a short swimming stop at Baie de Saint-Laurent, which is home to the magnificent Mala Beach. Then, proceed to idyllic Villefranche-sur-Mer, famous for a photogenic bay, superb promenade restaurants and Jean Cocteau-painted chapel.
Day 2 – Nice
A pearl of France, Nice is a quintessential Mediterranean destination. Wander the streets of UNESCO-protected Old Town, go to the Mont Boron viewpoint, sample the delicious Provençal street food and have fun at beach bars.
Day 3 – Antibes and Bay of Billionaires
Another historic port of the Côte d’Azur, Antibes, is among France’s most striking fortified cities. It’s famous for the weekly traditional Provençal markets and lively pastel-colored center. After exploring the town, sail to the Bay of Billionaires for turquoise waters.
Day 4 – Cannes and Lérins Islands
Known for a film festival, Cannes offers that glamorous Riviera atmosphere, where you sip cocktails at ultra-exclusive beach clubs, party all night and eat at Michelin restaurants. Make a Lérins Islands detour for sheltered, crystal-clear bays and privacy.
Day 5 – Saint-Tropez
If Monaco is the world’s yacht capital, Saint-Tropez holds this title in France. This Provençal city has long catered to yacht enthusiasts, offering superb infrastructure, luxurious boutiques, and plenty of fine dining establishments.
Day 6 – Pampelonne and Tahiti Beaches
Spend the whole day lounging at France’s top sandy beaches. There will be top-notch restaurants, fashionable beach bars and all kinds of water activities.
Day 7 – Èze
On your way back to the Principality, make an excursion to Èze, which is among the most beautiful villages in Europe. The most dramatic coastal views are from the Jardin Exotique.
Photos from multiple sources
Best Time to Go
May to September is the best time for chartering a yacht in Monaco. The weather is pleasant, the winds are not strong and the city life is vibrant.
Annual Events
The last week of May is when the Monaco Grand Prix takes place. It is a special time to visit on a yacht, but there are several things to consider. As space is limited at two marinas, book early to get a berth.
Monaco during the F1 race gets crowded, and the entire city changes to accommodate the track. There are road closures, and museums stop working. If you’re into racing, it’s definitely time to go.
Another big event is the Monaco Yacht Show. Taking place in September, it’s one of the most famous yacht-themed events in the world.
Chartering a Yacht
Overall, chartering a yacht in Monaco is as straightforward as it gets. As a prestigious destination, the costs are significantly higher here. But you’re getting the top-of-the-line service and great access to the French Riviera.
The small size and popularity of the Principality among the superyacht crowd make reserving everything in advance a must.
Arriving in Monaco by sea means that your passport will be checked at the port. Ensure that all your documents are up-to-date and in line with the Principality’s entry requirements.
If there are no free berths at the city-state marinas, you can always head to Port de Cap d’Ail for mooring. As mentioned earlier, it’s steps away from the Monaco border.
Photo by Antoine Contenseau/Unsplash
Conclusion
Chartering a yacht in Monaco isn’t just a vacation, it’s a front-row seat to Riviera glamour. With world-class marinas, easy access to stunning coastal towns, and a city that blends old-world elegance with modern indulgence, Monaco offers an experience that is unforgettable. From the buzz of the Grand Prix to the quiet morning sails past cliffside villages, this is where the yachting lifestyle comes into full view.