There are many ways to discover Monaco—but this one’s by far our favorite. Rising above the sea yet still close to the heart of the city, “The Rock” is where it all began. This dramatic cliff is the birthplace of the Principality. Back in 1297, Francesco Grimaldi arrived from Italy, seized the fortress perched on this very spot… and the rest, as they say, is history. His descendants still rule today, and their palace—built right here atop the cliff—is one of Monaco’s crown jewels. Getting up here takes a bit of effort. Unless you’ve figured out teleportation—or grown wings—you’ll need to climb the 60 meters to the top. But trust us: every step is worth it. Up here, you’re in the oldest part of Monaco, surrounded by elegant architecture, quiet alleys, lush gardens, and colourful townhouses from the 16th to 18th centuries. Of course, the view over the Mediterranean is absolutely spectacular. Go on—take a moment. We told you it was worth it, didn’t we?