The Principality of Monaco may be the world’s second smallest nation – beaten only by Rome’s Vatican City – but walking around its winding streets can be thirsty work, especially in the summer heat.
The tiny microstate is only two square kilometres, meaning that it can easily be tackled by foot as long as enough fluids are taken on board. So, before travelling to Monaco, it is a good idea to know exactly where to head for a refreshing glass of Rosé wine, or local Monegasque beer, when the walk up to the Rock gets too much, for example.
To help visitors arriving in Monaco, we have highlighted below some of our favourite watering holes located at strategic points across Monaco to keep dehydration at bay.
- U Cavagnetu, 14 rue Comte Felix Gastaldi
Starting up on the Rock, in the old streets of Monaco-Ville, this simple restaurant which means ‘picnic basket’ in the local dialect is a great place to sit and watch the world go by over local delicacies such as a barbajuan and a glass of Italian wine or beer. There is also a terrace at the back of the restaurant for a longer, more drawn out lunch.
- Joseph, route de la Piscine, Monte-Carlo
For those of you wandering around the port in La Condamine, there are a number of excellent places to stop for a drink, with the relatively new addition being Joseph. This restaurant has a cool lounge bar were you can sit and while away the hours with an excellent glass of wine from its extensive wine list.
- Crystal Bar, Hotel Hermitage
For an aperitif or a refreshing drink in between shopping in Monaco’s famous Carré d’Or, why not stop off at the spectacular Hotel Hermitage, in the beautiful setting of Beaumarchais Square. Our favourite bar here is the Crystal Bar, which also has a beautiful terrace with views over the port.
- Note Bleu, Larvotto Beach
On this stretch of pristine beach there are a number of bars and restaurants, one of our favourite of which is the Note Bleu, which doubles up as a jazz club by night. Sit in the comfy sofas and relax.
- Blue Gin, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel
If you have made it round to the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, which is at the far end of Larvotto Beach, by sunset the Blue Gin is a spectacular place to pause. Try out one of the bar’s signature cocktails on the seaside terrace whilst listing to some tunes chosen by resident DJ John Lorenz.
Suggestions delivered to you exclusively by Heli Securite, specialist in Nice to Monaco helicopter air transfers.
