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Monaco may be associated with glam and splendour, but its other charms should not be dismissed that easily. Close to the brightest pearls of the French Riviera and some of Italy’s most popular boating destinations, this cosmopolitan city-state has lots to offer during a yacht charter in Monaco. Here are some fun facts about the city and its unique history.
It’s a tiny dot on the map
It’s as small as it gets. More specifically, Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, bigger only than the Vatican. As for its population, it’s not bigger than that of a small town (approx. 30,000 people), around a third of which are millionaires. And a significant proportion of billionaires too…
One of the world’s most famous casinos is there
Monaco is home to what is perhaps Monaco’s most famous attraction, the Monte Carlo Casino. Established in 1862, three James Bond films were filmed in this glamorous gambling haunt. Interestingly, the locals are not allowed to gamble there! Another famous film shot here is Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief (1954), featuring Grace Kelly, the future Princess of Monaco. The quarter of Monte Carlo includes Larvotto, a small village where Monaco’s only public beach is located.
It has a rich maritime tradition
Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, founded in 1910, is one of the oldest in Europe. It hosts rare tropical fish and a – somehow scary – shark lagoon. Marine life enthusiasts can also visit the museum’s Turtle Island, where turtles of all size and origin live.
Splendid marinas for a yacht charter in Monaco
If you charter a yacht in Monaco in the summer, you will see some of the world’s most impressive luxury yachts docked in the city’s port and its vicinity. For example, Monaco is home to one of the oldest marinas in the world. Port Hercule de Monte-Carlo, located in the natural bay in Monte Carlo, has been hosting luxury yachts since time immemorial. The international jet set meet here to showcase their yachts. The marina has caught up with changes in boating technology, and can welcome yachts of up to 100m. For smaller boats of up to 40 meters there is also Port de Menton Garavan close to Nice.
Its raw beauty will take your breath away
As with other gems of the French Riviera, Monaco’s landscape is rugged and hilly. Its landmark is the famous Rock of Monaco (‘Rocher de Monaco’), a 62-metre monolith that graciously overlooks the city’s port. The Rock hosts Monaco’s Old Town, which is part of the quarter of Monaco-Ville. From there, you can admire the Prince’s Palace, where the most prominent members of the House of Grimaldi live. In the summer, tourists gather there to come to watch the changing of the guards.
With a yacht charter in Monaco, you will be able to admire the steep hill of Monte Carlo from the sea. This was the setting of an iconic car chase scene in To Catch A Thief. The film’s protagonist, Grace Kelly, was tragically killed there in a car accident in 1982.
The world’s most famous F1 Grand Prix takes place there
Monaco hosts what is perhaps the world’s most iconic F1 race, the Monaco Grand Prix. Held since 1929 in the Monaco Circuit, the race attracts spectators from all over the world. People watch the world’s best drivers from grandstands in the city’s harbour and hotel balconies. With a yacht charter in Monaco, you can catch a glimpse of the race from your yacht.
And what about the Monaco Yacht Show?
Last but not least, Monaco organises the Monaco Yacht Show every year since 1991. The world’s most splendid yachts are showcased in Port Hercules. The city hosts around 125 yachts and several other parties and events, such as luxury car exhibitions. Only by the famous film festival in nearby Cannes rivals this event in terms of glamour.
