As the glitzy Monaco Boat Show opens this week, we take you on a tour of one of the most glamorous holiday destinations in the world

When you hear the word Monaco, you think of fast cars, rich people, casinos and a harbour full of gleaming super yachts. But the extravagance doesn’t end there. You can also indulge in the finest of hotels, bars and gourmet restaurants, relax on idyllic beaches and get a good dose of European history.

The city state of Monaco is nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean with the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east. It’s the second smallest state in the world after the Vatican and is divided into four areas: Monaco-Ville (the old city), La Condamine (port quarter), Monte Carlo and Fontvieille.

The picturesque Monaco Ville, known to the French as “le rocher”( “the Rock”) still retains a very medieval feel with its quaint old buildings and narrow streets. Take a guided door of the grandiose 13^th century Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) and witness the traditional changing of the guards ceremony. The imposing Monaco Cathedral is equally impressive, a Romanesque-Byzantine church built in 1875 that houses the remains of the former Princes of Monaco. Another must-see is the beautiful Monaco Opera House where you can admire the impressive frescos and sculptures dotted around the auditorium, built by famous French architect Charles Garnier at the end of the 19^th century. Then take a stroll around the Exotic Gardens (Jardin Exotique) that features several thousand rare plants from around the world, from desert species to subtropical flora.

After Monaco Ville, La Condamine is the second oldest district in Monaco and it’s where all the yachting action happens. The glitzy harbour, one of the most glamorous in the whole of the Mediterranean, is always full of luxurious yachts. And you have plenty of sailing opportunities at your fingertips at the Monaco Yacht Club. www.yacht-club-monaco.mc

When evening falls, it’s time to dressed up to the nines and try your luck in the Monte Carlo Casino, while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. You’ll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling there). You can also go without gambling, but you will have to pay a minimum entrance fee. The gaming rooms are a spectacle in themselves outfitted with stained glass, onyx columns and magnificent sculptures. (www.montecarlocasinos.com).

By far one of Monaco’s biggest attractions is its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix race which takes places through Monte Carlo’s narrow winding streets. Running since 1929, it’s one of Europe’s premier social highlights. The race track measures 263-kilometers and constitutes 77 laps. Even if you don’t make it to Monaco for the race, you can still get a feel for the experience by walking around the track or pay to get driven around in a sports car.
Note that the best way to get around Monaco is by foot. Since the region is quite hilly, you can navigate the steep slopes of the city via public escalators or lifts. There’s little need to rent a car around Monaco but you want to venture further afield, you can rent a car and take a full-day-journey (or half-day-journey) across the border to France or Italy.

Where to Stay:

Port Palace: A room in the luxurious Port Palace Hotel offers prime views of the glistening superyachts in the marina and the beautiful old town. The hotel was designed by chief Hermès designer Leila Menchari and features 50 rooms and suites with Jacuzzis or private hammams. The Michelen-starred restaurant is also a must-try. www.portpalace.net

Ni Hotel: You can dine on your own private terrace overlooking the superyachts in the harbour at the 17-room Ni boutique hotel. The hotel is also celebrated for its chic lounge bar, stylish grey-and-white colour scheme and duplex suites with Perspex spiral stairs and hi-tech private kitchens.  www.nihotel-nibar.com/

Getting there:

The nearest airport is the Nice Côte-d’Azur International Airport in France (around 40km from the city center) which operates daily flights to nearly all of Europe’s main cities. There are regular buses connecting the airport to Monte Carlo.

The main airlines are: Easy Jet (www.easyjet.com)

British Airways. (www.britishairways.com)

Air France (www.airfrance.com)