FAMOUS for its grand casinos, royal history and F1 Grand Prix, Monaco makes the perfect sun escape for all the family.
Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera.
Just a 2h 35m flight from Dublin, Monaco makes the perfect last minute sun-city getaway.
Ryanair currently have flights from Dublin to Nice on offer from €61 in August, €56 in September and a bargain €27.99 in October.
A 35-minute bus ride from Nice Airport, costing €3, will bring you to postcard perfect Monaco.
Or take a captivating 25 minute train ride along the coast with tickets starting from €4.10.
Soak up the sun on one of Monaco’s public or private beaches with average summer temperatures reaching 27C.
Sun lovers can catch some rays on the public beach Plage du Larvotto that has toilets and showers for guests to use.
For those who love water activities, choose from jet skis, boats, windsurfing, and para-sailing.
There’s plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to grab a bite after your beach day.
Other top beaches include La Plage d’Eze Beach, Baie de Garavan Beach and Baie du Soleil Beach.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens dotted around Monaco including the Japanese Garden and the Princess Grace Botanical Garden.
For those who love window shopping, pay a visit to the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo with its exquisite design and luxury brand shops.
Browse the stall at Marché de la Condamine on Place d’Armes and Marché de Monte-Carlo on ave St-Charles.
A must-visit for motor enthusiasts is The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III.
History buffs will have lots to explore at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and at Cathedrale Notre-Dame-Immaculee.
Stop by the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to learn about all the wonders of the marine world.
No trip to Monaco would be complete without stopping by a casino.
A good place to start is Casino Square – home to Casino Café de Paris.
Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys in the old town that are bustling with bars and restaurants.
Foodies will have plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual meals to fine dining.
Don’t forget to try the national dish of Monaco, Barbajuan, a fried ravioli.
‘PARADISE’
People took to TripAdvisor to rate their stay in Monaco.
One visitor said: “My only question now is when can I return. It was the most relaxing short break I have had, that says a lot as I don’t tend to relax.
“I like to see and go all the time. Everything about the place is excellent, when you get past the hype of billionaires and fancy cars, the great and beautiful strutting their well heeled stuff at the casino.
“The cost of food and drink is as good in value as any other city.
“The local bus is excellent and the old town is a pure gem for the tourist but as every square meter is in demand, there is a great lived in feeling to every alley and street.
“You just have to look. Forget about the “rich” of Monaco. Visit and enjoy.”
Another added: “I went to French Riviera to watch the F1 race.
“I visited the whole area Cannes, St. Paul de Vence, Provence’s villages, drove to Les Corniches and of course went to Monaco.
“On the day of the race is a nice, very well organised party at a lovely city.
“We also went there the day after the race to have an idea of their everyday life and it was even greater! The place is a paradise on earth.”
