Monaco, the ultimate yacht destination on the Côte d'Azur

The Principality of Monaco is considered the world’s ultimate yachting destination, home to some of the finest superyachts, ultra-exclusive marinas, and luxury yacht service providers, including leading Monaco yacht brokerages like Northrop & Johnson. 

From Monaco, yacht owners and charterers can discover the delights of the French Riviera, indulging in exclusive beach clubs, lavish resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and some of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque cruising grounds.

Here, we take an in-depth look at Monaco, including its superyacht infrastructure, real estate market, world-class events, luxury amenities, the best way to get around the principality, and Monaco’s culture. 

Monaco’s superyacht infrastructure 

Where can I berth my yacht in Monaco?

Monaco is home to several world-class marinas, including Port Hercules, Port Fontvieille, Mareterra, and Cala del Forte.  

Port Hercules

Port Hercules is a natural deep water port at the foot of Monaco’s legendary ancestral rock. The port boasts 760 berths, including 30 visitor berths, along with a host of services, including two private careening areas and two shipyards. The marina is flanked by multiple bars and restaurants, while the exclusive offerings of Monte-Carlo are just a short walk away. Adjacent to Port Hercules is the Yacht Club de Monaco, designed by Lord Foster, which offers a selection of refined amenities, including a gym, restaurant, library, and meeting spaces.

Contact:

Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco
30, quai l’Hirondelle
98000 MONACO

Tel : (+377) 97 77 30 00 (Tapez 1 pour le port Hercule)

Port Fontvieille

The Port Fontvieille offers full marina services in the heart of the principality. The marina can accommodate up to 290 boats with a maximum draft of 15 meters. Surrounding the vibrant marina, yachting enthusiasts will find a good selection of bars, restaurants, and service providers catering to superyachts. Close to the port, there are several restaurants, bars, and shops, the Louis II sports stadium, as well as the Monaco heliport, providing seamless transfers to the Nice Cote d’Azur airport.  

Contact:

Quai Jean-Charles Rey 

98000 Monaco

Harbour Master: +377 97 77 30 15

Cala del Forte

Cala del Forte is Monaco’s newest port. While this Monaco yacht marina is operated by Monaco Ports, it is actually located just across the border in Italy, Ventimiglia. This brand-new, state-of-the-art marina features 178 berths for motor yachts and sailing vessels up to 70 meters. The marina boasts a wide range of facilities, including a shipyard, fuel station, charging points, a selection of shops and restaurants, and mooring assistance. Guests can also enjoy direct access to the historical town of Ventimiglia Alta via elevator. The marina is just 7.9 nautical miles from the Principality of Monaco and is served by a dedicated electric shuttle service.

Contact:

Cala del Forte, Passeggiata G. Marconi 5, 18039 Ventimiglia IM, Italy

Marina Manager: 

Tel. +39 0184 33109

Mob. +39 347 9529545

Email: info@caladelforte-ventimiglia.it

Mareterra

The soon-to-be-completed marina at Mareterra, Monaco’s new eco-district, will offer around 15 berths for motor yachts and sailing vessels. The marina will provide easy access to the service providers in Mareterra, as well as direct access to the district of Larvotto along a purpose-built seafront promenade.

When is the best time to visit Monaco on a luxury yacht charter?

The best time to visit Monaco on a luxury yacht charter is during late spring, summer, and early fall, when you can enjoy superb weather and some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix. 

Average air temperatures in Monaco

Winter (December to February):

• Daytime temperatures typically range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Night-time temperatures may drop to approximately 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).

Spring (March to May):

• Daytime temperatures start to rise, ranging from about 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Nights become milder, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Summer (June to August):
• Daytime temperatures are at their highest, often reaching 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.
• Nights are warmer, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Fall (September to November):

• Daytime temperatures begin to decrease, ranging from around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Night-time temperatures gradually drop, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Monaco luxury real estate 

Why is Monaco real estate so sought after?

Monaco’s real estate market is considered the most exclusive in the world. Indeed, Monaco boasts the highest price per square meter in the world.

Whether you are a property owner or yacht owner, Monaco is considered the ultimate destination along the Cote d’Azur, with high-end service providers and an infrastructure dedicated to catering to the needs of the most discerning individuals. For Monaco yacht owners, owning or renting property in the city-state provides immediate access to the best yacht service providers and some of the world’s most glamorous cruising grounds.

Luxury real estate agents, like La Costa Properties Monaco, work as trusted advisors to the world’s wealthiest individuals seeking to buy, sell, or rent property in the principality. As a family run real estate agent in Monaco with more than 40 years of expertise, the team at La Costa Properties Monaco boasts access to the very best Monaco property for sale, as well as highly exclusive off-market properties.  

Monaco luxury events 

What are the best Monaco events?

There are several spectacular events that take place in the principality. These include:

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters takes place every April and is a popular sporting event with tennis enthusiasts. The Monte-Carlo Masters is the first of three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments played on clay and is set against a stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The best way to enjoy this eight-day tournament is aboard a luxury yacht charter, offering a private and exclusive escape. A luxury Monaco yacht charter is also an ideal option for corporate hospitality.

Formula One Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is without question one of the highlights on the annual Monaco events calendar, taking place every June. The principality comes to life as the streets are transformed into one of Formula One’s most exciting racetracks, and extravagant parties are held at VIP destinations across the principality. During this prestigious event, Monaco yacht charters are in exceptionally high demand, with prime berths located in Port Hercules just meters from the legendary track. 

Monaco Yacht Show

The Monaco Yacht Show is the world’s most prestigious yacht show, held every September in Port Hercules. The show boasts the world’s largest display of luxury superyachts, global debuts, and leading service providers. Alongside the yachts, guests can enjoy a luxury lifestyle showcase and various informative seminars and workshops.

Monaco luxury amenities 

What are the best restaurants in Monaco?

Monaco is without question the undisputed dining capital of the Mediterranean, home to some of the world’s most critically acclaimed restaurants. Some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants include:

• Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse at l’Hotel de Paris, 3 Michelin stars
• Le Blue Bay, 2 Michelin stars
• Yoshi, 1 Michelin star
• Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alleno, 1 Michelin star
• Le Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi, 1 Michelin star
• Le Grill, 1 Michelin star

Other notable restaurants include:

• Beefbar
• Elsa
• MayaBay
• Song Qi
• Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac 

Where are the best shops in Monaco?

The Principality of Monaco boasts a superb selection of shops, including local retailers and international designer boutiques.

The most exclusive shops can be found around the Carre d’Or in Monte-Carlo, along the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade. Here, you will find a handpicked cluster of 40 high-end boutiques, including the biggest names in haute couture, designer fashion, perfumes, and jewelry, in a stunning setting that perfectly reflects the prestige of these iconic luxury brands. 

Peppered across the Principality, there is also a superb selection of local boutiques offering a selection of made in Monaco products, ideal for taking back home as a keepsake. 

Getting around Monaco 

A superb infrastructure ensures getting around Monaco is effortless, with multiple options available, including by foot, bicycle, or limousine.

The principality has ambitious aims to reduce its greenhouse gases and has therefore invested heavily in multiple eco-friendly modes of transportation. 

By foot 

Monaco’s small size means that reaching most destinations is possible by foot, with beautifully maintained footpaths, underpasses, elevators, and lifts, enhancing the city-state’s accessibility. 

By electric bike 

For those wishing to traverse the principality by pedal power, the Monabike scheme offers electric bikes, with 43  bicycle docks strategically located throughout the principality, providing access to nearly 390 electric bicycles.  

By limousine  

One of the most exclusive and private ways to travel in Monaco is by private limousine. There are several limousine companies offering a fleet of luxury executive cars for a personalized VIP service.

Monaco culture 

Monaco has a rich and varied culture heavily influenced by its neighbors, France and Italy. Many of the principality’s residents are ex-pats, with a significant portion from France, Italy, the UK, Belgium, and Switzerland. Only around one in five residents are of Monegasque descent. This vibrant mix of residents creates a rich tapestry of cultures. 

Monaco’s official language is French; however, English is widely spoken. You’ll also hear Monaco’s traditional language, ‘Munegascu,’ or ‘Monegasque’ a language which has its roots in Genoese. The Principality is governed by Prince Albert II, the hereditary ruler who ascended to the throne following his father’s death in 2005. 

Best Monaco Views 

With an enviable location on the Mediterranean Sea, spectacular views can be enjoyed throughout the Principality. However, some of the best Monaco views can be enjoyed from: 

• The Jardin Exotique Botanical Gardens
  
• Le Rocher, or The Rock of Monaco
  
• The Oceanographic Museum
  
• Some of the finest luxury real estate, especially high-rise residential Monaco buildings, such as Tour Odeon, Jardin Exotique, Château Perigord Monaco, Millefiori Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Sun, Annonciade, Park Palace, Parc Saint Roman, and Mirabeau.
  

If you would like to learn more about chartering or buying a yacht in the Principality of Monaco, contact the team at Northrop & Johnson.