Plage Mala
Cap-d'Ail, France, 06320
Set along one of the most exclusive stretches of coastline on the French Riviera, Plage Mala is a paradise of pebbles lapped by the turquoise waters of the Bay of Saint-Laurent and bookended by the dramatic cliffs of Cap Mala and Saint-Laurent. A short drive from Monaco and Cap Ferrat, this Côte d'Azur hot spot is a popular beach break destination.
The basics
Plage Mala sits just a few minutes from Monaco and Cap Ferrat, so you can easily pair a few hours of sunbathing and swimming here with a driving tour or day cruise along the French Riviera. Most tours by land or sea begin in Nice and take in highlights like Eze and Monte Carlo. Alternatively, you can visit on foot by taking the scenic 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) coastal path from Monaco to Cap d’Ail, passing Plage Mala along the way.
Things to know before you go
The beach is accessible only on foot, via a footpath with flights of steps, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
There is a free public section of the beach, plus two beach clubs that rent umbrellas and beach chairs for the day.
You can dine at the restaurants fronting the beach or bring food and drinks to picnic on the free beach area.
The pebble beach and rocky sea floor can be harsh on your feet, so bring water shoes.
Due to the challenging beach access, Plage Mala is inaccessible to wheelchairs or families with young children in strollers.
How to get there
The nearest transport hub is Cap d’Ail; take the SNCF train from Nice or Monaco and walk about 15 minutes to the beach. Alternatively, follow Monaco's Cap d’Ail coastal path to reach the beach in about an hour. There is little parking near the beach, so be prepared to park in Cap d’Ail and walk.
When to get there
This pocket-sized beach can get crowded in the high season months of July and August, so visit in late spring or early fall to enjoy a quieter day. The cliffs lining the beach block the winds and reflect the sun, so Plage Mala is very hot during the midday hours. Bring an umbrella or rent one from the beach clubs.
What to see and do in Cap d’Ail
This pretty town may be less famous than A-list neighbors like Cap Ferrat and Monaco, but it offers a quieter, more authentic base to explore the French Riviera. Admire pretty Belle Epoque villas like Château des Terrasses, bask on the Mala and Marquet beaches, and take in views from the scenic coastal paths of Cap d’Ail and Tête de Chien. From Cap d’Ail, you can reach highlights along the coastline like Nice, Eze, and Monte Carlo in minutes.
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