They may be small but they’re beautifully formed. Skyscanner showcases Europe’s 10 smallest countries.
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.
Rome tops our list of seven romantic city breaks around the world.
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.
Valletta, the capital of Malta, made Skyscanner’s list of the best short-haul getaways to boost your winter rays.
6. Andorra (468 km2)
Lying in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by Spain and France, Andorra attracts millions of day-tripping tourists thanks to its tax haven status, which means cheap booze, ciggies and electronics. Those visitors staying longer than to fill their trolleys with whisky do so for the excellent winter sports and walking in the mountains.
7. Luxembourg (2,586 km2)
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is not high on the list of European tourist hotspots, but one of its biggest draws is the preposterously scenic fairytale medieval castle at Vianden. The jumbled old town of the charming capital, Luxembourg City, is the ideal place to try the national dish of judd mat gaardebounen – smoked pork in a cream sauce with broad beans and potatoes.
8. Cyprus (9,251 km2)
Ayia Napa may have occasionally hogged the headlines with its hoards of badly behaved tourists, but there is so much more to Cyprus than discos, drinking and debauchery. Like scuba diving. The wreck of the Zenobia, off the port of Larnaca, is rated as one of the world’s top wreck dives. The Zenobia was a passenger ferry, which sank here on her maiden voyage in 1980.
Cyprus counts among the best places for late summer holidays in the Med.
9. Kosovo (10,887 km2)
‘Born’ in 2008, Kosovo is Europe’s newest country. Well, the self-declared republic of less than two million people is only partially recognised, but politics aside it is a stunning country to visit. Explore vibrant, friendly capital Pristina, with its historic mosques and many markets and cafes (and a surreal three-storey portrait of Bill Clinton), while Brezovica in the mountains offers some of the best ski terrain in the Balkans.
10. Montenegro (13,812 km2)
The small country of Montenegro packs a lot into its small area. Its Adriatic coast is dotted with pretty fishing villages, deserted coves and beaches and increasingly-visited resorts. Its mountainous interior is truly spectacular, covered with ancient forests, sprinkled with lakes and rivers and rising to snowy peaks, offering some excellent skiing in areas like Kolašin.
It might be small in size, but certainly not in character. Here are 7 beautiful places to visit in Montenegro.
Top 10 smallest countries in Europe
| Country | Area (km2) |
| 1. Vatican City | 0.44 km2 |
| 2. Monaco | 1.95 km2 |
| 3. San Marino | 61 km2 |
| 4. Liechtenstein | 160 km2 |
| 5. Malta | 316 km2 |
| 6. Andorra | 468 km2 |
| 7. Luxembourg | 2,586 km2 |
| 8. Cyprus | 9,251 km2 |
| 9. Kosovo | 10,887 km2 |
| 10. Montenegro | 13,812 km2 |
*Updated May 2019. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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