Europe's Microstates: A Guide for Savvy Country Counters
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You might be wondering “What in the world is a Microstate?”
But I bet you’ve heard of country counting.
COUNTRY COUNTING IS THE PRACTICE OF TRAVELERS KEEPING TRACK OF THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES THEY’VE VISITED.
The ultimate goal, of course, is to visit as many countries as possible.
A lot of folks view visiting a large number of countries as a personal achievement. ⭐
It’s challenging to cover that much ground and hitting a particular milestone can be a big deal!
THAT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THE PRACTICE OF COUNTRY COUNTING ISN’T WITHOUT ITS CRITICS.
Some argue that country counting can lead to superficial travel, where the focus is on quantity over quality.
This quantity obsession could lead to super brief country visits that never allow you to truly experience its culture. ☹️
The definition of what constitutes a country visit is also open to interpretation.
Some folks may count airport layovers, while others believe that a certain time in-country is required for a new place to make the list.
REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU QUALIFY ADDING A NEW COUNTRY TO YOUR “VISITED” LIST, EUROPE IS A DREAM FOR COUNTRY COUNTERS.
First, the continent is very densely populated, with a lot of countries packed into a relatively small geographic area. This allows travelers to visit multiple countries in a short period of time.
Europe’s reliable transportation infrastructure also helps, with rail systems, budget airlines, and highways that make it easy to cross borders frequently.
And since many European countries are part of the Schengen Area, travelers can move between these countries without needing to go through lengthy border checks.
Another way to run up the numbers on your country count list when visiting Europe?
VISIT EUROPE’S MICROSTATES, THOSE TINY PRINCIPALITIES, CITY-STATES, AND REPUBLICS THAT OFTEN GO OVERLOOKED.
Below, I’ve rounded up a list of these hidden gems and what to see and what to do once you arrive.
Europe's Microstates: A Guide for Savvy Country Counters
Luxembourg
Luxembourg sits between Belgium, France, and Germany, and its multilingual population reflects this geographical influence: the three official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German.
It’s one of the world's wealthiest countries, known for its strong finance sector, while its Old Quarters and the Fortifications of Luxembourg City have garnered UNESCO World Heritage site status.
LUXEMBOURG OFFERS A BLEND OF MEDIEVAL AND MODERN ARCHITECTURE, WITH HISTORIC CASTLES AND MUSEUMS.
Vianden Castle is a popular attraction in Luxembourg.
Visitors flock to Vianden Castle, a picturesque medieval castle located in the north of the country.
Luxembourg boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including the Ardennes and Mullerthal regions.
The Mullerthal, known as “Little Switzerland,” is especially stunning and is popular for its hiking trails.
If visiting the capitol, don’t miss the Bock Casemates and explore the underground tunnels and fortifications in Luxembourg City.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest countries, is nestled between Switzerland and Austria.
The mountainous country is full of spectacular alpine views and is ideal for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
DESPITE ITS SMALL SIZE, LIECHTENSTEIN HAS A RICH CULTURAL SCENE OF MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.
Liechtenstein sits between Austria and Switzerland and has the same beautiful mountain scenery as those larger countries.
The Liechtenstein National Museum includes artifacts, art, and historical pieces related to the ruling family of Liechtenstein, as well as a fascinating display of historical weapons and armor.
Visitors can stop by Vaduz Castle, residence of the royal family. (Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, and the Prince of Liechtenstein is still actively involved in day-to-day governance.)
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Fürstensteig, a famous trail offering stunning views of the Rhine Valley.
Andorra
Andorra, nestled high up in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, is one of the highest countries in Europe.
It’s known as a tax haven with outstanding duty free shopping for visitors and low taxes for residents.
The country also has a curious political system with two co-princes – the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, from Catalonia in Spain.
Andorra is famous for its ski resorts, like Grandvalira or Vallnord.
SKIING IN ANDORRA HAS BEEN HIGH ON MY SKI BUCKET LIST FOR THE LAST YEAR.
Imagine slopeside tapas and Vianda Andorrana, a hot spiced wine often mixed with brandy or rum.
Located in the northwest corner of Andorra, the Tristaina Lakes are a series of three mountain lakes located high up in the Pyrenees.
That, coupled with the country’s breathtaking mountain landscapes, makes it a fantastic location for winter enthusiasts.
In the summer, hikers flock to Andorra to explore the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a glacial valley and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its natural beauty.
The Old Town of Andorra la Vella, the capital city, is also worth a visit, with its charming narrow streets, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks.
Monaco
The second smallest country in the world, Monaco is synonymous with luxury and glamour.
Its reputation for casinos, luxury yachts, and the annual Monaco Grand Prix has made it one of the best known of all of Europe’s microstates.
The municipality of Monaco has no personal income tax, which attracts wealthy residents, and lots of them - Monaco is also the most densely populated country in the world.
Monaco’s perch on the French Riviera affords it stunning coastal views.
IT’S A MUST-VISIT DURING ANY VISIT TO THE CÔTE D’AZUR, AND A SHORT RIDE FROM MANY SOUTH OF FRANCE DESTINATIONS.
Monaco is synonymous with glamour, luxury, - and yachts.
There are so many luxury experiences to savor in Monaco, from fine dining to designer shopping.
A visit to the Monte Carlo Casino is high on the list for many visitors, as the location is known for its Belle Epoque architecture and has been featured in classic James Bond films (Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye, for my 007 fans.)
THE PRINCE’S PALACE ATTRACTS THOSE CURIOUS TO TOUR THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE RULING PRINCE.
Garden enthusiasts will absolutely love a stroll through the Exotic Garden of Monaco, a beautiful cliffside garden with exotic plants and panoramic views. (Portions of the garden are closed for renovations, though, so be sure to check its status before planning a visit.)
Malta
Malta is a collection of islands located south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea.
It has a rich history that spans over 7,000 years, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Knights of St. John, also known as the Catholic crusaders.
That history imbues Malta with an incredible array of historical sites, from prehistoric temples to medieval fortresses.
IT’S ALSO HOME TO THREE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES, INCLUDING THE CAPITAL CITY OF VALLETTA.
Exploring Valletta is a must for those visiting Malta.
With English as one of its official languages, Malta is easy to navigate for Americans who may be a little leery of not speaking the local language of their destination.
The fact that it has bountiful beaches with crystal clear water and golden sand doesn’t hurt, either. 😎
Visitors can explore Valletta’s main historical sites, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace.
HISTORY BUFFS SHOULD HEAD FURTHER AFIELD, THOUGH, TO DISCOVER THE ANCIENT MEGALITHIC TEMPLES OF MALTA.
The oldest of these is Ġgantija, on the island of Gozo.
It dates back to approximately 3600–3200 BCE, making it one of the earliest free-standing stone structures in the world.
If the beach is more your speed, take a boat trip to Comino Island and swim in the stunning Blue Lagoon.
San Marino
San Marino, situated on the border of Italy’s Emilia Romagna and Marche regions, is often mistaken for a part of Italy.
But actually, San Marino is an enclaved microstate which is entirely surrounded by Italy.
Nevertheless, it has maintained its independence for centuries: San Marino even claims to be the world’s oldest republic, founded in A.D. 301.
THE COUNTRY SITS ATOP MOUNT TITANO, A PERCH THAT PROVIDES PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE SURROUNDING REGIONS.
The Fortress of Guaita the oldest of the three towers constructed on Mount Titano.
The capital, San Marino City, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Its long history makes San Marino a magnet for history buffs seeking a deep dive into medieval history and governance.
One of the most popular things to do is to climb the Three Towers of San Marino, three iconic medieval towers with spectacular views.
Exploring the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of San Marino’s government, is also the best way to take in its beautiful architecture.
A stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town is another popular thing to do in San Marino.
Vatican City
At the end of our list is the ultimate superlative, Vatican City, which is the smallest independent state in the world by both area and population.
Something that sets Vatican City apart is that it’s the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. (Yep, it’s where the Pope lives.)
BECAUSE OF THIS RICH HISTORY OF THE HOLY SEE, THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
Vatican City is a popular destination for those visiting Rome.
Vatican City is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics from around the world.
Its churches and cathedrals house a treasure trove of art and history, while its museum boasts some of the world’s most famous artworks and religious relics.
One of its most popular attractions is St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world.
(Seeing Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Canopy were two highlights for me personally.)
The Sistine Chapel is another must-see in the Vatican City, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes attracting close to six million visitors a year.
That’s all for now!
Until next time,
Angela