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Time seems to follow a different set of rules in these small countries, and life functions on a very dissimilar level than in other countries' hectic cities. These smallest countries where small mountain roads connect villages, towns and cities are replete with fresh air, and abundant nature takes precedence over chaotic everyday hustle.
1. Andorra
Explore the stunning Pyrenees mountains - a place where time slows down. Visit the charming old villages and churches and learn more about this fascinating and inimitable micro-state and its heritage.
Background:
Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra is made of mountain valleys of the eastern Pyrenees. Though Andorra mostly has a Catalonian affinity, half the residents are from Spain, France, and Portugal. This small country has practically non-existent custom laws and taxes, which has turned it into a haven for international trade for shoppers coming from all over Europe for duty-free imported consumer goods, liquor, electronics, tobacco, and clothing.
Andorra has warm summers and cold, snowy winters, making it a perfect honeymoon destination all year round. However, it is more famous for winter sports and prime ski destination with its largest territory of ski slopes in the Pyrenees.
Area:
Andorra is 468 square kilometres (181 sq mi) with a population of approximately 77,000.
What to do there:
Shopping for its VAT-free rule. Andorra Shopping Autumn Festival is one of the best times to buy your favourite merchandise.
Rejuvenate at the Caldea Spa - Caldea is a large natural spring complex with water gushing at 70 ºC and is rich in sulphur (S) and other mineral elements. There are numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis and hydrotherapy sections spread over 18 floors in the largest thermal spa glass complex in Europe.
Visit Churches and Museums – there over 20 museums and over 40 churches dating back to Medieval times feature Romanesque art and architecture.
Hiking or Trekking - The country offers 60 trails amidst pristine nature, mountain scenery and lakes.
Explore quaint towns and villages
Ski - The mountains are high and the snow thick all winter long. It is one of the sunniest skiing destinations with over 300 km of the best, most modern ski slopes.
Enjoy Andorran gastronomy – The cuisine over time has integrated both French and Catalan culinary influences. Andorran cuisine has always been closely connected with local products.
Christmas is regularly a busy time with lots of travellers coming to spend some time between Christmas and New Year or for the weekend in between.
Accommodation:
Andorra is expensive; it is recommended you pick your stay based on the nature of the trip. The Grandvalira covers the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and has a variety of lodging from hotels, chalets and apartments, many of which are of a 4-star category. La Massana will, however, provide you with budget options.
How to get there:
The nearest airport is in the Alt Urgell region, in Lleida.
The nearest train station is in France, just 7 miles by road from the border in L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.
For travellers coming from Spain, the high-speed trains (AVE) stops at Lleida Pirineus station, mainly from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Barcelona Sants.
Visa:
Citizen of the European Union/ Schengen Area won’t need a visa to enter Andorra.
Citizens Of Non-EU Countries need Valid passport and Schengen multiple-entry visa as per country regulations.
2. Malta
One of the best places to explore the rich culture, warm climate, plentiful recreational areas, and architectural and historical monuments, out of which three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Background:
Malta is a small island country in the central Mediterranean Sea that lies 80 km off south of Sicily, Italy.
For such a small country, it's astonishing to discover the number of foreign powers - (including the Phoenicians, Romans, Normans, Sicilians, Greeks, Arabs, Swabians, Aragonese, Hospitallers, French, and British) - trying to control Malta for its strategic importance as a naval base. A brave country who withstood heavy wars, their devastating aftermath and yet the Maltese are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and generosity to strangers.
Area:
Malta is over 316 km2 (122 sq mi) with a population of approximately 515,000.
What to do there:
Being an island means an abundance of watersports activities to enjoy - go fishing, scuba diving, paragliding, windsurfing, water skiing or jet skiing or take an underwater safari from Sliema, go snorkelling near Popeye Village.
Visit Valetta for its grand churches, museums and palaces that has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets.
Visit the ancient capital of Mdina, also known as the Silent City & Unesco World Heritage sites such as the Hypogeum and the megalithic temples.
Visit Comino island with limestone cliffs and dotted with deep caves for the best swimming spots. It is a car-free zone, surrounded by crystal clear waters and is popular for day trips.
A tour to Three Cities or locally called Cottonera, is a collective name for the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua are a taste of real-life and showcases Malta’s maritime history.
Blue Grotto Malta, Grand Harbour of Malta, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs and Mġarr Harbour Gozo are other popular sightseeings.
Indulge in Maltese Cuisine – the food echoes Maltese history with a strong Italian influence as well as Spanish, French, British and other Mediterranean cuisines.
Accommodation:
There are hotels and aparthotels of different categories, from regular to premium luxury. There are farmhouses and villas for a more authentic feel. There are also self-catering apartments, guesthouses and hostels for young budget travellers. You can even stay with a local family who host tourists. The choices are endless.
How to get there:
The best option is by plane. Malta International Airport is located between Luqa and Gudja and is well connected by flight from many European airport hubs.
Ferries run between Malta and the Sicilian port of Pozzallo, Italy and takes only 90 minutes one-way to reach.
Visa:
Malta is an EU country. A valid passport and Schengen visa is required for third-countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement (list)
3. Maldives
Take a trip to the Maldives for a luxurious holiday brimming with beautiful vistas of the endless azure sea, sunrise and sunsets, the natural bounty of sandy beaches, blue lagoons, tropical bushes and tall palms lining the shore surrounded by rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Background:
Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is the lowest-lying country in the world. On average, its elevation is at 1.5 meters above sea level. The archipelago is part of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, a vast submarine mountain range. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited. Several of them are operated as full-fledged private resorts for tourist; several others are local islands with the mid-segment hotel. Several and some of the islands are used for industry and agriculture. The inhabitants are Maldivian ethnic group who follow Islam.
Area:
Maldives roughly has 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi) with a population of approximately 515,000.
What to do there:
This close to underwater life means unlimited snorkelling and diving. Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) is one of the Maldives’ most famous marine sites for diving. Besides, every resort provides plenty of motorable and non-motorable watersports activities.
Surfing is becoming increasingly popular here, especially in southern atolls, because of its turquoise water and perfect waves and uncrowded location.
Visit Male, the capital city, for local sightseeing.
Island hopping – this requires a speedboat if islands are close.
Try Maldivian food – the cuisine is influenced by the Sri Lankan and south Indian tradition, especially Kerala. Fish curry and rice is a traditional meal here often served in resorts one of the dishes, but the best and authentic place to eat will be Male.
Accommodation:
There is no dearth of accommodation in Maldives; it is one of the most hi-tech and luxurious places for a vacation. The resort category range from clublike self-contained extravagant resort islands with a famous overwater bungalow to dive resorts and wellness resorts.
There are also many standard & luxury hotels for budget travellers or business purpose respectively. For a different experience, you have an option to stay in a guesthouse in a local town where you would get the chance to mingle with the people and get a taste of the county’s culture. Then there are swanky boats as good as hotels called “Liveaboards”, your private yacht to cruises around the islands providing maximum tranquillity at sea.
How to get there:
By plane. All arrivals are at Velana International Airport situated on Hulhulé Island, right next to the Capital City of Malé. Gan Airport in the south serves an international flight to Colombo. Getting around in Maldives can be done via Domestic flight, Boat, Seaplane or Private yacht.
Visa:
No pre-approved visa is required; everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival. The passport should have 6 months validity from the date of entry, a hotel booking voucher, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds.
4. Liechtenstein
Travel to the tiny alpine country for beautiful mountains and valleys, creating pristine natural landscapes, a perfect addition to your holiday in the neighbouring countries.
Background:
Tucked away in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is located at the crossroads of Europe. Early inhabitants of Liechtenstein included Celts, Romans and descended from the Alemanni tribe that came into the region after 500 CE., but the modern population is fairly similar with predominantly Germanic roots.
Area:
Liechtenstein has just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) with a population of approximately 38,700.
What to do there:
Go hiking in the Alps or enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Malbun, which are the main activities in Liechtenstein during the winter months for tourists.
Take leisure walks on Städtle, a beautiful pedestrian street that runs through the city centre of Vaduz. One of the best places for local cafes, shops, and museums.
Take a ride on the Citytrain that takes you on a comforting tour of the historic village of Mitteldorf, passing important sights like Rotes Haus (Red House).
Visit the Vaduz Castle from the outside - the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. If you want to visit inside of a castle, then go to Gutenberg Castle located in Balzers.
Accommodation:
There are plenty of places to fit any traveller’s style and budget, from a youth hostel or a family-owned guest house to a quiet luxury hotel. But they do tend to be expensive as they follow the swiss model of pricing.
How to get there:
Liechtenstein doesn’t have an airport of its own. The best option is to arrive in Zurich and take a train from there. Train connections are from Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland or Feldkirch in Austria.
Visa:
Liechtenstein is not an EU country but is a member of the Schengen Agreement. A valid passport and Schengen visa is required for Non-EU countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement.
5. Luxembourg
Visit the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a wholesome holiday. Its small size makes it easier not to plan an elaborate itinerary, leaving a lot of space for you to relax and still marvel at the country’s fascinating attractions. It is a melting pot of culture and history, a country of natural beauty and hi-tech infrastructure. Luxembourg is one of the highest standards of living, which means it's expensive.
Background:
A small country often overshadowed by its neighbours Belgium, France and Germany but still has a steep history to prove its worthy stand in the EU. In fact, Luxembourg was one of the founding members of the European Union, and the Schengen Agreement was signed in the region of Schengen of Luxembourg. Historically it was ruled by many states and monarch yet it was maintained as a separate unit politically for its neutral stand between the surrounding powerful nations.
Area:
Luxembourg has 2,586 square kilometres (998 sq mi) with a population of approximately 626,100.
What to do there:
Visit the Bock Casemates – this UNESCO World Heritage site is the underground tunnels, first built in 1644, in the era of Spanish rule.
Luxembourg’s Museumsmile – all the history buffs, curious visitors and culture lovers will love this stretch. 7 museums within a mile!
Castles and fortifications – with over 50 castles to discover, including the huge restored castles (Vianden, Beaufort, Bourscheid, Bourglinster or Clervaux), you will not tire of interesting stories behind the many majestic castle ruins revealing the myths and sagas from medieval times. Try the "Valley of the 7 castles", a hiking trail running through the tranquil Valley of Eisch.
Go on an architectural tour - many buildings like the Grand Ducal Palace, churches, abbeys, bridges, villas and residences in Luxembourg are a part of its national architectural heritage, especially the Old City of Luxembourg.
Go on hiking, biking, walking natural trails at Berdorf’s dense forests with countless streams and even some caves. Looking for rejuvenation, then opt for wellness activities in Domaine Thermal de Mondorf thermal spa.
Unwind in the evenings at the premium restaurants and bars of the Grand Rue or visit Grund are a perfect place to enjoy the nightlife.
Accommodation:
You will have the option of staying in family-owned hotels to historical and luxurious castles such as in Vianden. For those who want to stay in natural surroundings, mobile home rentals are available. Youth hotels for budget travellers and guest houses for families is an option who want a dedicated space for themselves.
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How to get there:
The flight arrives at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport, which is 6km outside Luxembourg-City. It is also easily accessible by train and bus from all borders and neighbouring countries.
Visa:
Luxembourg is an EU country and a member of the Schengen Agreement. . A valid passport and Schengen visa is required for Non-EU countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement.
6. Monaco
Swanky Monaco is a sovereign micro-state on the French Riviera, also known as a “Billionaires‘ Playground.“ In the mood to be dazzled by the lavish wealth, casinos, and glamorous events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show? Then this is a place to visit!
Background:
This second smallest country is surrounded by France and has the Mediterranean Sea as a front yard. The only revenue it generates is through the luxury resort, gambling facilities and recreation centre for tourists. Monaco is a major banking centre since it's a tax haven for businesses.
Area:
Monaco has an area of 2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi) with a population of approximately 19,000.
What to do there:
Stroll through the Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher) – a medieval village from the time the Grimaldis made Monaco their headquarters in the 13th century. This old town on the rock is an astonishingly picturesque site, made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways.
Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco – one of the oldest underwater museum in the world, dating back to 1903.
Visit the Port Hercule - magnificent and offering mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to five hundred vessels, some of which are enormous and elegant. One of the best leisure activities is to take time out of the day to simply have a drink by the waterfront and admire the fanciful superyachts.
Yacht charters are very popular in Monaco, and numerous companies can arrange a sailing trip either on a small boat, a bareboat yacht or on a luxurious, swanky superyacht.
Monaco Grand Prix the celebrated Formula One racing event in the world. The Circuit de Monaco of 3.337km is one of the most difficult routes with sharp corners and very tough to overtake.
Accommodation:
Monaco is expensive, so if you are on a budget trip, try exploring outside towns options. You are more likely to find a wide spread of mid-range to high-end class hotels and resorts in Monaco.
How to get there:
Arriving in Monaco is easy. The nearest airport is the Nice Côte-d'Azur International, well connected by nearly all of Europe's main cities. Monaco-Monte Carlo station also has a good connection to all major stations.
Visa:
Monaco is not an EU country or has a Schengen Agreement. But its territory is part of the Schengen Area under its customs Union with France. Therefore, a valid passport and Schengen visa is required for Non-EU countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement.
In August 2007, Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco were on the "blacklist" or "The List of Uncooperative Tax Havens " by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD).
Schengen Area
The passport-free zone for the free movement of persons of the European Union is known as the Schengen Area. It consists of 26 countries, which have abolished internal borders. Besides, non-EU countries such as Switzerland and Lichtenstein enjoy free movement within this territory as well. If you hold a passport from one of the EU countries, you do not need to show a passport when travelling between countries within the Schengen zone.
