Long before the first swimmers arrive and sunbeds begin filling Larvotto Beach, a dedicated team is already hard at work preparing Monaco’s most popular stretch of coastline for another busy summer day…
Operations begin as early as 4:45 am, with crews from the Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA) using specialised equipment to sift the gravel, remove litter and ensure the beach is spotless before visitors arrive. The cleaning effort extends beyond the shoreline, with a robotic cleaning system collecting floating debris close to the beach whilst a jet-ski patrol retrieves larger waste further offshore.
The work also includes cleaning surrounding public areas, emptying bins and maintaining walkways, with eight specially trained agents assigned to Larvotto throughout the summer. Many hold boat licences, enabling them to operate the watercraft used in the daily operation.
Despite the extensive effort, staff say far too much rubbish is still left behind by beach users, particularly cigarette butts and plastic waste. Cigarette ends remain one of the most persistent forms of litter, with a single discarded butt capable of contaminating up to 500 litres of water.
To help reduce pollution, the SMA continues to distribute free pocket ashtrays across the Principality, encouraging smokers to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly and play their part in keeping Monaco’s beaches clean for everyone.
Image: Monaco Info