World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Racing
Monaco’s place on the international sports agenda has been secured for many years by the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race, which takes place every year in the Principality’s narrow winding streets, attracting thousands of spectators. Another favourite is the Historic Grand Prix, which is held every other year.

Watersports
Monaco’s Mediterranean location and climate also create perfect conditions for all types of watersports, with facilities for water-skiing, skindiving, parasailing and windsurfing all provided. Swimming in the sea is safe (although the beaches tend to be crowded) and, in addition to hotel swimming pools, there are several heated seawater pools open throughout the year. In the main harbour, expensive luxury yachts and boats, which are a permanent fixture, corroborate Monaco’s reputation as a glamorous destination for the rich and famous. The Diving Club of Cap d’Ail (outside Monaco) organises diving sessions (tel: (4) 9378 3174). Sailing and yachting are generally popular and the Yacht Club de Monaco offers sailing lessons during July and August, while the harbour also offers extensive facilities.

Golf
This is very popular and the Monte Carlo Golf Club (SBM) has an 18-hole course (nearly 6km/3.8 miles long) where international tournaments are regularly staged. The course is open daily all year round. A handicap is required for non-members wishing to play and the green fees range between 53.36 to 68.60. Holders of SBM Carte d’Or get a 50 per cent reduction on green fees. Other facilities include a practice range, equipment hire, a shop, bar and a restaurant. There is also a miniature golf course.

Other
For tennis and squash enthusiasts, the facilities at the Monte Carlo Country Club are excellent; every year, the club’s international championship attracts some of the world’s best tennis players. Monaco also has a renowned sports academy, the Monte Carlo Sports Academy (MCSA), which offers special activity holiday packages to adolescents aged 12 to 17. Their approach combines sport and cultural activities with linguistic workshops (French and English lessons are available) and the package also incorporates the facilities provided by the Centre Mditerranen, a campus set in a large park complete with accommodation facilities and an amphitheatre decorated by the French poet Jean Cocteau.
Perhaps most closely associated with Monaco is the activity of gambling, for which the Principality has long been famous. The best-known casino is the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo (see also Resorts & Excursions section). At all of Monaco’s casinos, the minimum age for entering the gambling rooms is 18. There are also a number of health spas and beauty centres, the most famous one being the Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo.