Monaco Favorite Tips by Goner Top 5 Page for this destination

Monaco - The Early Days

Favorite thing: Since the very early days, the Rock of Monaco has provided a refuge for primitive peoples, traces of whom have been found in a cave in Saint Martin's Gardens. The first inhabitants of the area were probably the Ligurians. While the Roman period lasted, Monaco was part of the Province of the Maritime Alps - Julius Caesar embarked from its harbor on his way to lead his campaign in Greece. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, the whole region was ravaged by the barbarians which lasted until the end of the tenth century. After the expulsion of the Saracens in 975, people began, little by little, to return to live on the Ligurian coast which is now Monaco. The name "Monaco", "Monoikos" in Greek, is usually associated with Hercules. A temple was consecrated to him in this Ligurian port, throughout antiquity, this place was known as Port Hercules.

Fondest memory: As you can see on the map, Monaco enjoys two different harbors; the Condamine (Hercule port) and Fontvieille, which are equipped to handle yachts of all tonnages. Intercontinental liners are able to anchor in the bay . Monaco enjoys a mild climate year round with exceptional amounts of sun. We visited in September and it was a perfect temperature with a mild breeze blowing from the Mediterranean. Many cruise ships stop here for good reason; the climate, the casino the interesting sites to visit and the beautiful views from the "rock".

Monaco - The Principality

Favorite thing: The state of Monaco is only half the size of New York’s Central Park, but in contrast to New York City, Monaco has no crime, no poverty, no unemployment, no pollution and no income tax. Despite astronomical land value, buildings are limited to 12 stories. Whatever is unbuilt is park or garden. There is no dirty air, so all the buildings sparkle in the sun.

Monaco lies in a narrow coastal strip which sometimes rises vertically upwards with its highest point at 163 meters. There are approximately 30,000 residents packed in this small area and of course this swells to thousands more due to tourists.

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Fondest memory: There are spectacular vistas if you are approaching by car along the high road; the cruise ships look like toy boats in the water below and Monaco looks like a miniature city in an architect's model.

Click on the photo to see a panorama picture I took of this amazing view.