Impressive mountain landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, historic monuments, picturesque villages... Despite their small size, these European countries offer plenty of delights to enchant you.
How would a trip to a country that you could tour and discover its beauties in just a single day sound? See below 6 countries in Europe that, despite their small size, can surprise you with their sights, natural landscapes and cultural treasures. Some of them are popular tourist destinations, while others attract a very small number of visitors.
Andorra
- Area: 468 sq. km.
The Principality of Andorra is a tiny country in the Pyrenees, between France and Spain (about 3.5 hours from Barcelona). It covers 468 sq. km. and counts just 76,000 inhabitants. The capital, Andorra la Vella, sits at an elevation of 1,023 m, making it the highest capital in Europe. Snowcapped peaks, dense forests, lakes, thermal baths and picturesque villages that recall Swiss hamlets in the Alps await visitors to explore them.
Malta
- Area: 316 sq. km.
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a small and densely populated island nation made up of an archipelago of seven islands in the middle of the Mediterranean. The capital, the beautiful Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was built by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem and is predominantly Baroque in style, with elements of Renaissance, Neoclassical and contemporary architecture. The old capital of Malta, Mdina, is perched on a hill in the center of the island (about half an hour from Valletta) and has the medieval character of a fortified medina with narrow alleyways. The second natural harbor of Malta, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk is in the southeast of the island. Here you will eat fresh fish at the harbor tavernas and see the colorful «Luzzu» boats.
Liechtenstein
- Area: 160 sq. km.
This tiny country, between Switzerland and Austria, covers 160 sq. km. and has a population of 38,000. Liechtenstein boasts impressive mountain scenery ideal for winter sports, and it is famed for its wines. A major attraction is Vaduz Castle (12th century). In the capital, Vaduz, you will find the Art Museum, a stamp museum and a ski museum.
San Marino
- Area: 61 sq. km.
The landlocked state of San Marino, which is surrounded by Italy, is the fifth-smallest country in the world, with an area of just 61 sq. km. and 33,000 inhabitants. What it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. The historic center of the City of San Marino has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Among the best known sights are the three towers -Guaita, Cesta and Montale- built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the three summits of Monte Titano.
Monaco
- Area: 1.95 sq. km.
The small principality on the French Riviera is the second-smallest independent country in the world, as well as the most densely populated. It is also one of the richest, with one third of its residents being millionaires. In addition to the striking harbor filled with yachts and the legendary Monte Carlo casino, Monaco also has a world famous Oceanographic Museum, once directed by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Naturally, the most famous sporting event is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, held every year since 1929.
Vatican City
- Area: 0.44 sq. km.
It is the smallest state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer. And yet, the Vatican, as the «Holy See» of the Catholic Church, today wields greater influence even than the whole of Italy. You cannot visit Rome without seeing up close St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Just be sure to go prepared and buy your tickets for the attractions in advance to avoid the long queues.
