7 European Countries That Are Small Enough To See inwards ane Day
Despite the existence of the Eurozone, every country is different, and the to a greater extent than countries that you can visit, the to a greater extent than different cultures that you’ll have the chance to interact with. But if you only have your two-week holiday abroad during the year, it can be difficult non to try to cram too much inwards.
#7. San Marino
San Marino is another picturesque place to visit. inwards fact, with its three fortresses sprouting from Mount Titano—and the views from the fortress’ spectacular towers—you’re hard-pressed to find a to a greater extent than impressive place to visit inwards all of Europe. As with the Vatican, San Marino is entirely surrounded by Italy, so it makes an easy day-trip. Have a wander around the narrow, twisting streets, and don’t forget that you can even get your passport stamped at the border, which is something that you’ll miss out on inwards most of the rest of Europe when you’re border-hopping!
#6. Liechtenstein
As you mightiness expect from this small country nestled between Austria and Switzerland, you’ll find some incredible alpine panoramas. And if you’re looking for a winter ski destination, Liechtenstein is definitely the ane: it’s a lot less expensive than either of these neighboring countries, for similar terrain (although costs for accommodation and other living expenses can be pretty similar)! inwards the summer, you have plenty of options for biking, hiking, and to a greater extent than. Don’t miss taking a drive through the mountains: even if that’s all that you do inwards a day there, you’re sure to be impressed!
#5. Malta
Malta is an oft-overlooked gem of European history, architecture, and culture. The megalithic temples are considered to be some of the oldest inwards the world. If you’re looking for museums, coffeeshops, nightlife, or anything else, you’re sure to find it—or if you just want to relax on a beach for the entirety of your vacation, you’re spoiled for choice as well. Definitely create sure to check out the views from the fortress of Mdina no thing what you choose to do, but other than that, the day’s up to you!
#4. Andorra
ane of the main things that Andorra is known for is it’s ski resorts and trekking opportunities, as it’s nestled deep inwards the heart of the Pyrenees. And that’s non a bad thing! The country can be a little cheaper than its larger European counterparts, which makes it the perfect place to take that dream vacation. As an added bonus: Andorra is duty-free, so even if you’re vacationing inwards Spain or France, it may be worth hopping over the border to do a little shopping during your trip.
#3. Luxembourg
The city of Luxembourg has been known to steal the hearts of many a traveler—and with good reason! The old town is incredibly charming, with a number of pedestrianized streets for you to wander through. But you’ll especially want to get out to Vianden Castle, which may remind you of Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle, and you could easily give time sipping at the country’s local wines, which definitely aren’t to be forgotten amongst the others that Europe has to offering.
Although country-counting can often have the best of us running around similar a chicken with our heads cut off, if done right, these seven destinations inwards Europe can definitely be included inwards your itinerary as simple day-trips, rather than multi-day excursions. Do your best ot engulf yourself inwards the local culture no thing how much time you really have there, but you’re sure to have a blast. And hey, knock enough of these off your listing and you’ll have plenty to brag about when you encounter up with your friends again!
#2. Monaco
Monaco is the second-smallest country inwards the world, and it can be a delightful place to visit on a vacation. If you’ve got a little money to splash around, the Grand Sanmarino Casino can be a great place to while away a few hours—even if you don’t win anything, you’ll have ample chance to people-watch, and even if you’re non the gambling type, you’ll find that the opulent surroundings are incredible. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to take a stroll through the beautiful, historical streets of Monaco-ville. Or you could head out to the free Larvotto Beach close Monte Carlo.
#1. Vatican City
inwards terms of location, the Vatican is probably the easiest day-trip on this listing. It’s of import historically and culturally as the center of the Catholic Church, and you’ll find museums galore to hold you busy all day. Actually, although the Vatican is technically the smallest country inwards the world, you could easily spend a ton of time here, especially ane time you factor inwards ticket queues and dejeuner time. My recommendation? If you’ve only got a day at the Vatican, you’ll really want to narrow down your listing and also may want to prebook tickets for popular attractions. But although your head may be reeling by the end of the day, you should leave of absence the country feeling accomplished.