Most of us dream of seeing the world, but traveling feels like it takes forever. Airports, long drives, days just getting from one place to another. What if you could step into an entirely different country (complete with centuries of history and culture) and take it all in within a single day?
It sounds like a travel fantasy. But it’s completely real. These six countries are so small that you can walk across them in a day. Each one packs a remarkable amount of history, beauty, and character into a very tiny footprint.
Liechtenstein
Tucked between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein covers just 62 square miles. That makes it Europe’s fourth smallest country. About 40,000 people live there, and German is the language of daily life.
The Alps run right through it (specifically the Rhätikon Mountains), making Liechtenstein a wonderful spot for hiking and skiing. The castles and cathedrals look like something straight out of a storybook. Vaduz Castle is the real deal, too. It’s the actual home of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
San Marino
San Marino has been fighting for its independence since the 4th century. Italy finally recognized it as an independent republic in 1862, though Napoleon had acknowledged it long before. Today, about 33,000 people call this 24-square-mile microstate home.
It holds the title of the world’s oldest republic, with 17 centuries of history in a country smaller than many American suburbs. You’ll need to choose your adventure wisely on a day trip. Medieval towers and fortresses compete for your time with San Marino Adventures, described as the largest adventure park in Italy.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu sits in the Pacific Ocean, north of Fiji. It’s a chain of nine coral islands, not the lush tropical kind, but atolls with poor soil and no natural freshwater sources. The roughly 11,400 residents rely on imports and rain-catching systems to get by.
The entire island chain covers about 10 square miles. Its capital island, Funafuti, is just 0.9 square miles. Tuvalu faces a heartbreaking future. Rising sea levels are shrinking it every year, and by the end of this century, it is expected to be completely submerged.
Nauru
Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world and the smallest island nation on Earth. At just 8.5 square miles, it sits northwest of Tuvalu and about 25 miles south of the Equator. It’s so small it doesn’t even have an official capital city.
Nauru gained independence from Australia in 1968 and remains one of the most Westernized countries in the South Pacific. Residents speak both English and Nauruan, and 90 percent of their food and other imports come from Australia. Like Tuvalu, Nauru’s future is threatened by rising seas.
Monaco
If luxury is your idea of a perfect day, Monaco delivers. This tiny sovereign principality on the French Riviera is bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. About 31,800 people live in just 0.77 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth.
You can pack a lot into one day here. The famous Monte Carlo Casino, the yachts bobbing in Port Hercule, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing Circuit are all within easy reach. Just know going in, Monaco is not cheap.
Vatican City
The smallest country in the world sits right inside the city of Rome. Vatican City is just 0.27 square miles and has between 500 and 1,000 permanent residents. It is the heart of the Catholic faith and the home of the Pope.
Italy and the Vatican had a long, complicated relationship before Italy officially recognized Vatican City’s sovereignty in 1929. Today, visitors can take in the breathtaking art and architecture of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in just a few hours. For anyone who grew up Catholic (or simply loves great art), it is a profound and unforgettable experience.
Six countries. All of them small enough to explore in a single day. Any one of them would make a trip worth remembering for the rest of your life.