The Smallest Countries In Europe

Europe’s smallest countries may not cover much ground, but they offer a wealth of history, beauty, and culture. Many of these nations are also among the least populated in Europe, making them especially appealing for travellers looking to explore without the crowds. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the 10 smallest countries in Europe by land size - and what makes each one worth visiting.

Whether you're chasing art and architecture, alpine trails, sunny beaches or underrated charm, these compact countries offer the chance to see and do more in less time.

Get ready to uncover the irresistible appeal of Europe’s tiniest nations - from the awe-inspiring Vatican City to the coastal beauty of Montenegro. Each one is proof that size isn’t everything.

What are the smallest countries in Europe?

1. Vatican City - This is the smallest country in the world, let alone Europe. It's situated in Rome, the capital of Italy.
2. Monaco - A Mediterranean microstate south of France, known for its casinos, luxury yachts and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.
3. San Marino - A landlocked republic on Mount Titano, northern Italy. Mostly known for its medieval architecture and ancient fortifications.
4. Liechtenstein - An Alpine principality bordering Switzerland and Austria.
5. Malta - An archipelago nation in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its pristine beaches and warm climate.
6. Andorra - The sixth smallest country in Europe, situated in the Pyrenees Mountains.
7. Luxembourg - A grand duchy surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany.
8. Cyprus - A holiday hotspot located in the Mediterranean Sea.
9. Kosovo - A landlocked nation in Southeast Europe. It was formerly a Serbian province before declaring independence in 2008.
10. Montenegro - A popular coastal tourist destination, home to some of Europe's most beautiful beaches and mountains.
    
    

1. Vatican City 🇻🇦 (0.44 km²)

Population: ~900

Vatican City holds the title of the smallest country in Europe - and the world - yet it's home to some of the most recognisable cultural and religious landmarks on the planet. Situated entirely within Rome in Italy, this tiny city-state is the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. The entire country can be walked in under an hour, but its history and cultural impact span centuries.

Regardless of religious beliefs, Vatican City welcomes approximately 19,000 visitors daily. Home to religious and artistic treasures, Vatican City houses St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel (famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling), and the Vatican Museums, which draw millions of visitors every year. Entry is free to St. Peter’s Basilica, although you’ll need to buy tickets for the museums and chapel.

Italian is the most widely spoken language in Vatican City, and it is the language of the Vatican’s official documents, however, Italian is not the only language spoken within the walls of the Vatican City. Several other languages are commonly heard in this tiny country such as Latin, Spanish, French and English.

Vatican City offers a traditional Italian culinary experience closely resembling the cuisine found in Rome, Italy's capital. The city has numerous cafe-style eateries and pizzerias serving delectable Italian dishes like pasta, polenta, and risotto.

✈️ How to get to Vatican City:

• The closest airport to Vatican City is Rome Ciampino (CIA) Airport, situated 16.3 km away. Other nearby airports include Rome's Fiumicino (FCO) (20.6 km) and Naples (NAP) (190.5 km) airports.
  

2. Monaco 🇲🇨 (2.02 km²)

Population: ~38,000

Monaco is an independent city-state situated between France and the sea. Monaco sits on the French Riviera and is known for its luxury lifestyle, glamorous casinos, and world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. Despite being the second-smallest country in the world, it has the highest population density globally with nearly 26,000 residents per square kilometre.

The official language is French. There is a local language, Monégasque, but many inhabitants are multilingual and also speak English. The culture and various traits of the nation reflect both Italian and French influences.

Although it’s only about the size of New York’s Central Park, Monaco has become a global hotspot for luxury travel, high-end casinos, and superyachts - most evident in Monte Carlo, where you’ll find designer shop and Michelin-starred restaurants. But there’s more than just glitz: Monaco also has a historic old town, beautiful gardens, and a cliffside oceanographic museum.

Although pricey, it’s possible to enjoy Monaco on a budget with free walking paths, public beaches, and local bakeries. The clifftop Prince’s Palace offers panoramic views of the coast, and the charming Old Town (Monaco-Ville) reveals a quieter side of the city-state, with narrow lanes and traditional eateries. Thanks to its size, it’s easy to explore in a day, but you'll find yourself wanting to linger.

✈️ How to get to Monaco:

• Monaco is a country without an airport, but it's still easily accessible. The nearest airport is Cote d'Azur Airport in Nice, France, which is linked to Monaco by the Express 110 bus. Alternatively, passengers can opt for Nice tramway lines 2 and 3 to downtown Nice, then transfer to a train heading to Monaco.
  

3. San Marino 🇸🇲 (61 km²)

Population: ~33,000

San Marino is a small mountainous enclave nestled in north-central Italy and is the world’s oldest existing sovereign state, dating back to 301 AD. As one of the world's oldest republics, it preserves a wealth of historic architecture. The country's size makes it ideal for a day trip from nearby Italian cities.

Set on Mount Titano, San Marino’s medieval town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its views over the surrounding countryside are stunning. The three towers of San Marino (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale) are perched on the peaks and offer fantastic photo opportunities.

The official language is Italian, but despite being heavily influenced by the surrounding Italian culture, the people of San Marino have preserved their distinctiveness over the centuries. They possess a strong sense of identity and take pride in their unique heritage.

It's a hugely popular and easy day trip from Italian cities like Rimini or Bologna, Italy and offers a more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere compared to many Italian destinations. Compared to other parts of Europe, San Marino is known for cheap goods so if you're looking for somewhere less expensive then this may be an option for you.

✈️ How to get to San Marino:

• The closest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini, about 25 km away. From Rimini, you can take a bus directly to San Marino. Alternatively, you can fly into Bologna Airport (BLQ) and travel by train and bus (roughly 2.5 hours).

4. Liechtenstein 🇱🇮 (160 km²)

Population: ~39,000

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a German-speaking country known for its alpine landscapes and charming villages. It’s a fantastic destination for hikers, with trails that lead through forests, mountains, and meadows, and is best known for winter sports such as skiing, cycling, hiking and many more thanks to its position in the Alps.

An interesting fact about Liechtenstein is that it has a world record of the lowest debt externally and is one of the wealthiest populations in the world. Liechtenstein is also known as one of the safest countries in the world, making it perfect for solo travellers and families alike.

Despite its alpine location, the climate in Liechtenstein is relatively mild, characterised by wet winters and warm summers. The optimal times to visit the country are during the periods between April and June, as well as September to October. The capital, Vaduz, is home to a hilltop castle and a handful of museums.

Liechtenstein is a difficult country to fly to as not only is it small but there are no airports. While Liechtenstein doesn’t have its own airport, you can reach it easily by flying into Zurich and taking a scenic train and bus journey (about 1.5 hours).

✈️ How to get to Liechtenstein:

• The closest airport to Liechtenstein is Altenrhein (ACH) Airport, located 38.6 km away. However, the easiest way to get there would be to fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. From there, take a train to Sargans, then a local bus to Vaduz. The entire journey takes around 1.5–2 hours and is very straightforward using Swiss public transport.

5. Malta 🇲🇹 (316 km²)

Population: ~520,000

Malta, formally known as the Republic of Malta, is an island nation in the Mediterranean, situated between Sicily and North Africa. The Republic of Malta is not one island but three islands - Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta became one of the smallest countries in Europe when, in 1964, it gained independence from Britain and subsequently became a member of the Commonwealth.

Though small, it’s rich in history, with influences from the Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, French, and British. The population of Malta consists predominantly of ethnic Maltese, who are descendants of ancient Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Italians, and various other Mediterranean peoples. With English as one of its official languages and an affordable cost of living compared to many other European destinations, Malta is both accessible and budget-friendly.

Due to its position in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia, Malta experiences hot summers and mild winter weather, rendering it a sought-after tourist destination throughout the year. Valletta, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with baroque architecture, fortresses, and cathedrals. Malta is also famous for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diving sites - including shipwrecks and underwater caves.

Malta’s compact size means you can explore ancient temples, baroque cities, and beautiful beaches all in one trip.

Thinking of flying to Malta? You can book flights to Malta with KM Malta Airlines, the country's flag carrier airline.

✈️ How to get to Malta:

• Malta International Airport, also known as Valletta Airport, is the sole airport serving Malta and all its islands. Positioned 5km southwest of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, the airport offers direct flights to the following destinations. Ferries also connect Malta with Sicily if you’re travelling from Italy.

6. Andorra 🇦🇩 (468 km2)

Population: ~87,486

Tucked between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is a haven for outdoor lovers. Though it’s larger than the other countries on this list, it still ranks among Europe’s smallest - and most scenic - nations. It’s particularly popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is known for its duty-free shopping and cosy alpine atmosphere.

Despite its location, Andorra is not part of the EU, but it uses the euro. It’s often overlooked, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path addition to a Spain or France itinerary.

The population is around 87,486 with ethnic groups including Andorran, Spanish, Portuguese and French. The oldest section of Andorra la Vella, known as the Barri Antic, constitutes the historic heart of the city. Comprising just a block of narrow streets and charming stone buildings, the Barri Antic offers a glimpse into Andorra’s history and traditions - a peaceful contrast to the city’s modern shopping and business areas.

A lot of people decide to go to Andorra for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding or hiking. Find out more information about how to fly to Andorra with Andorra Airlines.

✈️ How to get to Andorra:

• Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell is the closest airport to Andorra, but keep in mind that despite its name, the airport is actually located in Spain. Andorra is also accessible from both Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in France. From either city, buses run daily to Andorra and take about 3–4 hours.

7. Luxembourg 🇱🇺 (2,586 km²)

Population: ~650,000

Luxembourg is a small European country, surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. Luxembourgish is considered the national language of Luxembourg however, people also speak French and German.

Luxembourg may be small, but it’s one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world. The capital, Luxembourg City, is a mix of old and new - think mediaeval fortresses sitting alongside sleek modern buildings.

With lush green valleys, scenic hiking trails, and a multilingual population, Luxembourg is great for a short getaway. You can also hop between Germany, France, and Belgium within a few hours. Compact and well-connected, it's easy to explore in a few days, yet it leaves a lasting impression.

Luxembourg is open for visits year-round, yet the prime times are typically in May, June, and September when late spring and late summer offer particularly pleasant weather. The nation experiences a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters, without any extreme conditions. However, if you're looking for cheaper flights, travelling during the off-season months - such as January - might be a better option.

If Luxembourg looks like the perfect trip for you then we have more information on flights with Luxair.

✈️ How to get to Luxembourg:

• The closest airport to Luxembourg is Luxembourg (LUX) Airport, located 6.7 km away. Other nearby airports include Hahn (HHN) (89.8 km), Charleroi (CRL) (152.1 km), Cologne Bonn (CGN) (157.6 km), and Strasbourg (SXB) (161.1 km). Trains and buses from Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt are also reliable and frequent, making cross-border travel easy.

8. Cyprus 🇨🇾 (9,251 km²)

Population: ~1.2 million

Cyprus, formally known as the Republic of Cyprus, is an island nation situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It lies to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, south of the Anatolian Peninsula, and west of the Levant.

There are two parts of Cyprus - one is the Turkish side which is Larnaca and the other is Greek which is known as Paphos. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia and the official languages are Greek and Turkish. The population is around 1.244 million and it attracts tourists due to its beautiful landscape and hot summers.

Cyprus offers a great mix of history and beach relaxation. You can visit ancient Greek temples, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques - all in the same day.

The best time to visit Cyprus is May, June, September and October as the weather is around 35 degrees Celsius. However, if you want to go on a budget then February time would be perfect for you. Cyprus is the perfect summer holiday destination, so if you want to check out which airlines fly there and cheaper routes then we have more information on our Cyprus Airways page.

✈️ How to get to Cyprus:

• Fly into Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO). Both airports offer direct flights from Europe, the UK, and parts of the Middle East. You can also take ferries from Greece during the summer months.

9. Kosovo 🇽🇰 (10,887 km²)

Population: ~1.8 million

Kosovo, officially referred to as the Republic of Kosovo, is a nation in Southeast Europe recognised with partial diplomatic recognition. Kosovo is one of Europe’s youngest countries, having declared independence in 2008. It’s still relatively under the radar for most travellers, which makes it an intriguing destination.

The capital of Kosovo is Pristina and the official languages are Albanian and Serbian. The population is around 1.873 million. You’ll find Ottoman-era architecture, rugged mountains, and a lively café culture in cities like Pristina and Prizren. It’s also very affordable compared to more established European destinations.

With its mix of cultural influences, stunning mountains and warm hospitality, Kosovo offers a fresh perspective on Europe that’s well worth exploring before it becomes more widely discovered.

✈️ How to get to Kosovo:

• Fly into Pristina International Airport (PRN) from major European cities. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from neighbouring countries like Albania, North Macedonia, or Serbia. Road connections are decent, though border crossings can sometimes take longer.

10. Montenegro 🇲🇪 (13,812 km²)

Population: ~620,000

Montenegro is a small, mountainous country in Southeast Europe. It borders Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania and the Adriatic Sea. In its compact size, Montenegro offers a plethora of attractions.

Along its Adriatic coastline, you'll find charming fishing villages, secluded coves, and beaches, as well as resorts that are gaining popularity. The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica where the centuries-old Clock Tower, built by the Turks, dominates the old town. Kotor, with its fortified old town and fjord-like bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top draw for visitors.

Montenegrin is the official language of Montenegro, with Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Albanian also recognised as official languages.

The people of Montenegro are known for their friendliness, making it a welcoming destination for solo travellers, regardless of gender. Locals generally have a high level of proficiency in English, especially in tourist hotspots, making communication easy and convenient for visitors.

Despite its small size, Montenegro packs in national parks, lakes, beaches, and historic towns - perfect for nature lovers and road trippers alike. For a country that’s easy to get around, Montenegro offers an incredible range of experiences in a short time.

Any questions about how to travel to Montenegro? Head over to our Air Montenegro page to find out more.

✈️ How to get to Montenegro:

• The main airports are Podgorica Airport (TGD) and Tivat Airport (TIV). Tivat is closer to coastal towns like Kotor and Budva. There are also bus connections from neighbouring countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Albania.

Why Visit Europe’s Smallest Countries?

These nations may be small, but they offer unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Each has its own character, history, and culture:

• Compact travel: Distances are short, making it easy to explore more.
• Distinct identities: From the luxury of Monaco to the serenity of San Marino, each country feels unique.
• Accessible language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• High safety standards: Countries like Liechtenstein and Malta are among the safest in Europe.
• Cost-effective options: Smaller countries like San Marino and Malta offer great value for money.

Ready to Visit the Smallest Countries in Europe?

Europe's smallest countries are brimming with charm, history and majestic landscapes - all packing into the most delightful of spaces. From the iconic Vatican City to the sunny shores of Malta, each petite nation offers something unique.

Whether you're intrigued by San Marino's culture or Monaco's glamour, these pint-sized destinations prove that great adventures can come in small packages.

So, dust off your passport and prepare to uncover the hidden treasures of Europe's tiniest countries, where small size promises big adventures!

Book flights to any country of your choice with Alternative Airlines