At just over two square kilometres, Monaco is wonderfully compact so where you stay is not necessarily the most important aspect of your holiday. Whether you are looking for a luxury city break, the full Monte-Carlo casino experience or a beach and spa holiday, you will find that Monaco caters for all with its vibrant centre, historic quarter and beach front resorts.
Old town and historic centre of the 'rock'
The western area of Monaco is known as Fontvieille and is the quietest area of Monaco. The football stadium is located here as well as Princess Grace Botanical Gardens. This is a good area for less expensive hotel accommodation as well as apartment rentals. Note that it is a fairly long and hilly walk into the main area of Monaco from here as you have to walk around the Port de Fontvieille and over the Rocher de Monaco, the rock of Monaco.
Beach clubs and beach resorts
As you go further to the east, it becomes quieter again; there are a couple of hotel options here including both the Monte-Carlo Bay Resort and Le Meridien Beach Plaza hotels. This area is also home to the only public beach in Moncao, Larvotto, in addition to a couple of private beach clubs.
Medieval villages, chateau hotels & rural retreats
There are several lovely options to stay in the area without paying the premium prices for Monaco itself. Up the coast towards Italy are the seaside towns of Roquebrune Cap Martin, with its mix of medieval hilltop village and beach holiday resort, and Menton, a picture perfect town just before the border. To the other side, on the west of Monaco lie Cap d'Ail, an elegant coastal area and Eze, one of the best examples of a preserved hilltop village in France. The train line runs through the coastal towns, making travel to Monaco very simple if you prefer not to drive.
No better way to explore the coastline than on a yacht
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