Monaco

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Monaco has an abundance of outdoor activities. I have included many things you can do in places of interest such as the amphitheatre, zoo and many others, however as it is on the water, beaches and water sports are very popular. Most beaches are private and belong to hotels however their is a public beach “Larvotto Beach”. The beach is man made and was laid in front of the pre-existing sea-front some time after the Second World War. It comprises three concrete jetties, protected by large boulders and a gravel beach. The water is warm and swimmable between June and September, however during these months, as its the only public beach it becomes very crowded so arrive early for a good space. It is very popular with Nannies and families as its a great place for young children to run around. The lifeguard watchtower in the centre of the beach is only manned in July and August, from 10 am to 6 pm. They post a flag indicating the danger level of the sea. Green = OK. Orange = Warning. Red = Danger. An orange flag usually indicates the presence of jellyfish, but can mean the waves are high. There are no tides or tidal currents to speak of. In fact, there are no strong currents at all unless you swim well out to sea. Snorkeling off the beach can be very enjoyable due to the fish that also use the shore. They may not be tropical but nice all the same. Their are many bars and restaurants to the rear of the beach, so there is pretty much anything you desire. There are a few things to do other than lounge, swim, eat and drink, for those so inclined. At the eastern end (towards Italy) there’s volleyball and a kids’ trampoline. Nearer the centre there’s a new fitness gym. By the central jetty there’s a jazz bar and devices for lowering disabled people into the water. At the western end there are watersports: jetski, windsurf, parachute and a long plastic sausage. Down that end there’s also a scuba diving school. On the upper level, kids rollerblade, skateboard and ride trick bikes. There’s a creche near the western end and a playground for toddlers near the eastern end. All the bars have “transats”, which are deckchairs and parasols for hire. All in all it is a very nice relaxing beach but with all amenities to make it action packed as well.

Monte Carlo Golf Club

At 900 metres altitude, a veritable golfers paradise awaits you with 18 unique and contrasting holes between the sky and the sea with views stretching to the French and Italian Rivieras, satisfaction guaranteed. If you really must have a game of golf while in Monaco there aren’t many options, with prices at the Monte Carlo Golf Club being astronomical. It is an 18-hole course and the fairways and greens are perfectly manicured, while the views of the Cote de Azur are superb. Proof of handicap and membership of another club are requirements for non-members. With all the wealth in Monaco it is expected that shopping there will include some of the best fashion houses in the world. Hours could be spent wondering around the fashion shops, sipping champagne, trying on clothes from the fashion world, just remember all this comes at a high cost.

Monaco also offers a diverse nightlife with its many trendy bars and clubs. It is also considered a culinary capital.

Sailing

Although many people who visit Monaco via a boat are multimillionaires and their vessels are out of reach of the masses, sailing for the humble tourist is a possibility, and the Monaco Yacht Club rents out boats. The club also gives lessons and organises fishing trips. A cultured walk of Monaco’s world famous Yacht Club de Monaco and Digue de l’Avant Port is a must. This 1,100-ft long floating dike weighs in at 163,000 tons and has drastically increased Monaco port’s mooring capacity. From here, stroll the coast and through the fine St-Martin Gardens to Monaco Ville.

Cycling and the EuroVelo

Cycling or Bicycling as it is less known is a form of transport, recreation and sport which has had a significant resurgence in recent years due to rising fuel costs, traffic congestion as well as a means of keeping fit. Depending on the kind of cycling you wish to do, there is a bike suitable to your needs. From mountain bikes, Tourers, Road Bikes to racing bikes, there is a cycle to fit all.
In areas in which cycling is popular and encouraged, cycle-parking facilities using bicycle stands, lockable mini-garages, and patrolled cycle parks are used in order to reduce theft. Local governments promote cycling by permitting bicycles to be carried on public transport or by providing external attachment devices on public transport vehicles. Conversely, an absence of secure cycle-parking is a recurring complaint by cyclists from cities with low modal share of cycling.
The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) is coordinating the development of a network of high-quality cycling routes that connect the whole continent. The routes can be used by long-distance cycle tourists, as well as by local people making daily journeys. EuroVelo currently comprises of 14 routes and it is envisaged that the network will be substantially complete by 2020