Monaco Travel Guide

Full Name

Principality of Monaco

Former Name

None

Capital City

Monaco

Government Type

constitutional monarchy

Area Size

1.95 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

Monaco has a mild climate throughout the year, the hottest months being July and August, and the coolest being January and February. Rain mostly falls during the cooler winter months and there is an average of only 60 days’ rain per year.

Geography

The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometers east of Nice and near the Italian border. It is surrounded on three sides by France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Région). It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the Alps and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 141 meters.

Languages

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

History

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Travel Information

There is no airport in Monaco. The nearest airport is Nice (NCE), 22km from Monaco. There is a direct bus service from Nice Airport to Monaco, which stops at major hotels. A helicopter service run by Héli-Air Monaco (YO) links Monaco with the airport. Héli-Air also serves points along the Côte d’Azur and in Italy. There are free shuttle links from the heliport to hotels in the principality. Facilities: Restaurants/bars, Internet facilities, shops, car hire and a business centre. The main harbours are at Condamine (Hercule port) and Fontvieille, which are equipped to handle yachts of all tonnages. Intercontinental liners are able to anchor in the bay of Monaco. An extensive train service, including daily and overnight through-trains, runs through the principality to all neighbouring towns. The TGV Méditerranée line runs between Paris and Monaco. Trains run to Genoa, Milan and Basel. Night trains are available to Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse, Irun, Port-Bou, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Rome. The Regional Express Trains (TER) connect with all the towns on the Riviera. SNCF Métrazur stops at all towns on the Côte d’Azur between Cannes and the Italian frontier at Vintimille, including Monaco. Cannes and Nice are 50km and 18km west of Monaco. The French/Italian border and Menton are 12km and 9km east of Monaco. No formalities are required to cross the frontier between France and the Principality of Monaco. The European motorway network is 8km away from the city centre linking Monaco with France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Benelux, Austria and the UK. Between Monaco and Nice there are three attractive roads: Highway 98, Basse Corniche; Highway 7,Moyenne Corniche; and the Great Coastal Road, Grande Corniche.

Accommodation

Some of the most luxurious hotels and conference facilities are centred in Monte Carlo, and all are equipped with extensive modern amenities.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the Eu, Australia, Canada and USA for the following durations:nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days. Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to above except: EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed. France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Getting Around

There are good connections with the surrounding areas, with regular bus services as outlined. Taxi available from Casino Square, Monaco Monte-Carlo Railway Station, avenue Princesse Grace, Fontvieille, Métropole, Place des Moulins and the Post Office of Monte-Carlo. There is a surcharge after 2200. A 15% tip is usual.

Health & Safety

In general, no immunizations are necessary for travel to Monaco and there are no major health risks. Travellers visiting from November through to April are recommended to have an influenza vaccination. It is advised to carry enough personal medication with accompanying doctor's letter. Medical insurance is recommended. Trips to Monaco are usually trouble-free, but the usual, sensible precautions such as being vigilant after dark and taking care of valuables apply.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. Jan - Saint-Devote's Day. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 17 May - Ascension. 28 May - Whit Monday. 7 Jun - Corpus Christi. 15 Aug - Assumption. 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 19 Nov - Monaco National Day. 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception. 25 Dec -Christmas Day.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Electricity

220v AC, 50Hz

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 12.00noon and 2.00pm - 5.00pm.

Emergency Numbers

112