When you think of Monaco, you think of yachts, roulette wheels, and high-end fashion. But if you’re looking for the real heartbeat of summer in Monaco, it’s not the casino or the Formula 1 grid-it’s the beach. And at the top of that list? Monaco Beach Club.
This isn’t just another stretch of sand with umbrellas. Monaco Beach Club is where the Mediterranean meets luxury, and every detail is curated for people who know the difference between ordinary and exceptional. It’s not just a place to sunbathe. It’s a full sensory experience.
What Makes Monaco Beach Club Different?
Most beaches in Europe are public, crowded, and basic. Monaco Beach Club is private, exclusive, and meticulously maintained. It’s located on the famous Larvotto Beach, right next to the Prince’s Palace and just minutes from Monte Carlo’s shopping streets. But once you step through the gates, you leave the city behind.
The sand here is imported from the Mediterranean coast-fine, warm, and free of pebbles. The water is clear enough to see your toes from the floating loungers. The umbrellas aren’t plastic-they’re custom-made canvas with monogrammed pillows. Even the towels are thick, oversized, and changed twice a day.
Unlike other beach clubs that charge a cover fee and then nickel-and-dime you for everything, Monaco Beach Club includes access to its full amenities in the daily rate. That means: sunbeds, towels, locker access, non-alcoholic drinks, and even a chilled towel upon arrival. No hidden costs. No surprises.
Who Goes There?
You’ll see a mix of people. Some are European aristocrats who’ve been coming for decades. Others are tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley taking a break between funding rounds. There are models, athletes, and a few celebrities who prefer to stay low-key. But you won’t find tourists with flip-flops and selfie sticks.
There’s no dress code posted, but you’ll quickly learn the unwritten rule: elegance is expected. Men wear linen shirts and shorts. Women wear designer swimwear or one-pieces with cover-ups. Flip-flops are acceptable, but only if they’re from a brand you’ve heard of. This isn’t about showing off-it’s about fitting in.
Security is discreet but present. You don’t need a reservation to get in during the day, but if you’re not dressed right or acting out of place, you’ll be politely asked to leave. It’s not rude-it’s just how it’s done here.
Food and Drink: More Than Just a Cocktail
The menu at Monaco Beach Club is designed by a Michelin-starred chef who used to run the kitchen at Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo. It’s not a buffet. It’s not a fast-casual counter. It’s a full-service dining experience with a beachside view.
Breakfast is served until noon: smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche, freshly baked brioche, and espresso made with beans roasted in Liguria. Lunch options include grilled octopus with lemon zest, lobster thermidor, and truffle-infused risotto. All dishes come with a side of silence-no loud music, no shouting waiters. Just the sound of waves.
The bar serves only premium spirits. The rosé? It’s from Château d’Esclans in Provence. The gin? It’s a small-batch batch from London, infused with Mediterranean herbs. The cocktails are named after Monaco’s landmarks: the Prince’s Palace Old Fashioned, the F1 Martini, the Riviera Spritz. Each one comes with a tiny edible flower and a napkin monogrammed with the club’s logo.
What You Can Do Beyond Sunbathing
Monaco Beach Club isn’t just about lying still. There’s a full schedule of activities, all included in your day pass.
- Stand-up paddleboarding on calm waters just offshore
- Private yoga sessions at sunrise (bookable the night before)
- Beach volleyball tournaments every Wednesday and Saturday
- Free massage chairs under shaded cabanas
- On-call personal stylists who can help you pick the right swimwear or cover-up
They even have a floating platform for snorkeling. It’s not a coral reef, but the water is clean enough to see sea urchins and small fish. Kids under 12 get free snorkel gear and a guided tour by a marine biologist.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll arrange a private boat ride along the coast-just you, the captain, and a chilled bottle of champagne. It’s not advertised. You just ask.
How to Get In and When to Go
You don’t need a membership to visit Monaco Beach Club. Day passes are available to anyone who shows up and meets the dress standard. But here’s the catch: they only sell 200 passes a day. And they sell out.
Reservations open at 8 a.m. local time, seven days in advance. You book online through their official website. Walk-ins are rarely accepted unless someone cancels last minute. Don’t show up expecting to get in without a reservation-it won’t happen.
The best time to go? Midweek, between Tuesday and Thursday. Weekends are packed with locals who bring their entourages. Monday is quiet, but some services are limited. Friday and Sunday are the most expensive and crowded.
Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. In shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October), hours shorten to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The club closes entirely from November to March.
How Much Does It Cost?
A day pass in peak season (June-August) costs €320 per person. Children under 12 pay €120. Couples can get a 15% discount if they book together. VIP cabanas (with private service, dedicated waiters, and a mini-fridge) start at €1,200 per day.
That’s steep. But consider what you’re paying for: the location, the service, the privacy, and the absence of crowds. In most places, €320 gets you a beach towel and a lukewarm soda. Here, it gets you an entire day of curated luxury.
There’s also a monthly membership for €3,800. It includes unlimited access, priority booking for boat trips, and a personal concierge who handles your reservations, laundry, and even your car parking in Monte Carlo. It’s not for everyone-but for those who use it, it’s worth every euro.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
- Bring: Sunscreen (reef-safe, no aerosols), a book, sunglasses, a light cover-up, and cash for tips
- Don’t bring: Loud speakers, drones, alcohol, or beach balls
- Pro tip: Bring a small waterproof bag. They’ll store your phone, keys, and passport in a secure locker-but you’ll want your ID and credit card handy for any extra purchases
They have a small boutique on-site selling swimwear, hats, and sunscreen-but prices are 40% higher than in town. Buy what you need before you arrive.
Why This Isn’t Just a Beach Club
Monaco Beach Club isn’t trying to be the biggest or the loudest. It’s trying to be the most thoughtful. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your name, your favorite drink, and that you hate olives in your salad. It’s where you can truly relax because you know everything’s taken care of.
It’s not a party spot. It’s not a photo op. It’s a sanctuary. And in a place as fast-paced as Monaco, that’s rare.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what true luxury feels like-not the flashy kind, but the quiet, confident kind-this is it. You won’t leave with a hundred Instagram stories. But you’ll leave with a memory that lasts longer than any filter.
Can I visit Monaco Beach Club without a reservation?
No. Monaco Beach Club sells only 200 day passes per day, and they almost always sell out. Reservations must be made online at least seven days in advance. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, even if you’re dressed appropriately.
Is Monaco Beach Club open year-round?
No. The club operates seasonally from late April to late October. It closes completely from November through March. Hours vary by season-summer hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while spring and fall hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What’s the dress code at Monaco Beach Club?
There’s no official dress code, but there’s a strong unwritten rule: elegance is expected. Men should wear linen shirts or tailored shorts. Women should opt for designer swimwear with a stylish cover-up. Flip-flops are fine, but avoid beach sandals or worn-out sandals. No tank tops, baggy shorts, or swimwear with logos.
Are children allowed at Monaco Beach Club?
Yes. Children under 12 are welcome and pay a reduced rate of €120 per day. They get free snorkel gear, access to the shallow kids’ zone, and a guided marine biology tour. Parents are expected to supervise their children at all times.
Can I book a private cabana or boat trip?
Yes. VIP cabanas start at €1,200 per day and include private service, a mini-fridge, and priority access. Private boat trips along the coast can be arranged through the concierge-just ask at check-in. These are not advertised online and are only available to guests.
Is Monaco Beach Club worth the price?
If you value privacy, service, and attention to detail, then yes. For €320, you get more than a beach day-you get a curated experience with no crowds, no hassles, and no compromises. If you’re looking for a cheap day at the beach, this isn’t it. But if you want to experience luxury the way it’s meant to be, it’s one of the best values in Monaco.
