Top ten tiniest countries in Europe
1. Vatican City (0.44 km2)
The smallest country in the world, not just in Europe, the tiny walled enclave of Vatican City is technically a ‘sovereign city-state’ ruled by the whichever Pope is currently in office. Whatever the case, with a mere 1000 residents, it’s the smallest independent state in the world, by both area and population. And half of it is a garden.
Small is beatific, you could say. Definitely a must-see on a visit to Rome, you may well marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, explore the Vatican Museums and get your photo taken with a Swiss Guard.
2. Monaco (1.95 km2)
Another cause of many a pub quiz argument, the Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state surrounded by France, and the sea. It is a multiple record holder, having the highest population density in Europe (25,105 people per square kilometre in 2018) and one the world’s lowest unemployment rates (an unbeatable 2%).
Gape at the mega-yachts, lose a million at the casino, and ideally time your visit for the Monte Carlo Grand Prix (23-26 May 2019). If you don’t own a yacht, you may be better staying in Nice – it’s much cheaper.
Tip: Nice airport is the closest, about 30km from Monte Carlo – only a short drive, or bus ride away.
3. San Marino (61 km2)
The third smallest country in Europe by area, tiny Republic of San Marino is also the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, founded on 3 September 301. It is an immensely popular day trip from surrounding Italy, so join the crowds climbing up to Castello della Cesta and pick up an extremely kitsch souvenir. Despite its small size, San Marino is known for perennially propping up international football qualifying groups, and taking the lead against England at Wembley in 1993 after only 8.3 seconds. They lost 7-1.
A cycling holiday through Italy features in our top 10 destinations for summer fun this year. Why not combine this with a family visit to San Marino?
4. Liechtenstein (160 km2)
Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, little Liechtenstein is a (somewhat unheralded) destination for winter sports, thanks to its position in the Alps. The capital Vaduz, with its imposing 12th-century castle, is more popular as a tax haven than for city breaks. But sights and museums like Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Vaduz’s temple of modern art, are well worth a visit.
Tip: You can book a direct flight from Dublin to the closest major airport, in Zürich, an hour and a half drive away from Liechtenstein.
5. Malta (316 km2)
The Republic of Malta is not actually an island but three islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino. Thanks to its situation – in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia – Malta enjoys hot summers and a clement winter climate, making it a popular year-round tourist destination. Malta also boasts some outstanding prehistoric sites, such as the Ġgantija megalithic temple complex.
Fans of Game of Thrones shouldn’t miss Mdina Gate (or King’s Landing Gate!) and Fort Ricasoli (Red Keep Gate in King’s Landing), among other sights, where scenes of the popular TV series were shot. Unfortunately, the utterly cinematic Azure Window (where Daenerys and Drogo’s wedding took place), collapsed in 2017.
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