Just because they are small, it doesn’t mean they are any less charming.  

Some of the world’s tiniest states have mighty characters. For them, being less means holding more unique adventures per square mile. 

Vatican City, Monaco, Malta, Andorra, or Liechtenstein—ready to go big on these little gems? Trainline’s got your ticket to the tour of Europe’s smallest countries. 

Let’s embark on a train journey where less is more, and every stop is a grand story in a petite package! 

Image Credit: Getty Images, martinhosmart. Image Location: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

1. Vatican City: the world’s smallest sovereign state

  • Location and size. Situated within Rome, Vatican City holds the title of the smallest country in the world. Can you believe it’s just 0.189 mi²? 
  • What to see in the Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums are all must-visits. 
  • Train travel to Vatican City. The Vatican doesn’t have its own train station, but you can easily get there by using Rome’s extensive rail network. The nearest stop is Roma San Pietro, just outside the Vatican walls. 

2. Monaco: glamor on the Mediterranean Coast

  • Location and size. Situated on the French Riviera, Monaco is famed for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning coastline. The country’s area is about 0.772 mi². 
  • What to see in Monaco. Explore the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the Oceanographic Museum. 
  • Train travel to Monaco. Monaco—Monte-Carlo station, served by SNCF (French National Railway Company), connects the principality with various French and Italian cities. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, traumlichtfabrik. Image Location: Guaita Tower, San Marino

3. San Marino: a mountainous microstate

  • Location and size. The third smallest country in Europe with a total area of 23.55 mi², San Marino is perched atop Mount Titano in Northern Italy. 
  • What to see in San Marino. Enjoy panoramic views from the Three Towers, visit the State Museum, and wander through the historic center. 
  • Train travel to San Marino. There’s no direct train service. Reach Rimini (Italy) by train, and then take a bus to San Marino. The journey offers scenic views of the Apennines Mountains. 

4. Liechtenstein: between Austria and Switzerland

  • Location and size. This doubly landlocked country that covers the area of 61.78 mi² is known for its medieval castles and Alpine landscapes. 
  • What to see in Liechtenstein. Visit Vaduz Castle, hike along the Liechtenstein Trail, and explore the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. 
  • Train travel to Liechtenstein. Although Liechtenstein doesn’t have its own train network, the nearby stations in Switzerland (Buchs or Sargans) and Austria (Feldkirch) provide easy access. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Paul Biris. Image Location: Ghar Lapsi, Malta

5. Malta: a Mediterranean archipelago

  • Location and size. South of Sicily, Malta is a sunny, historical archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea spanning 122.01 mi². 
  • What to see in Malta. Discover the ancient Megalithic Temples, the medieval Mdina, and the stunning Blue Lagoon. 
  • Train travel to Malta. Malta is an island, so you can take a train to Sicily and then a ferry to Malta, but there is no direct train connection to Malta itself. The journey is an adventure, offering beautiful sea views. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Gonzalo Azumendi. Image Location: Grandvalira Ski Resort, El Tarter, Andorra

6. Andorra: the Pyrenean gem

  • Location and size. Tucked away in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is known for its ski resorts and tax-free shopping. The country encompasses an area of 180.70 mi². 
  • What to see in Andorra. Ski in Grandvalira, hike in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, and relax in the Caldea Spa. 
  • Train travel to Andorra. Take a train to either L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre (France) or Puigcerdà (Spain), and then continue by bus to Andorra. 

7. Luxembourg: a blend of tradition and modernity

  • Location and size. Luxembourg is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. Though significantly larger than the other countries on this list with its area of 998.46 mi², it’s still one of Europe’s smallest nations. 
  • What to see in Luxembourg. Explore the Bock Casemates, roam through the Old Town of Luxembourg City, and visit the National Museum of History and Art. 
  • Train travel to Luxembourg. Luxembourg has its own railway station, making it easily accessible from neighboring countries like Belgium, France, and Germany. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Xantana. Image Location: Prince's Palace, Monaco

The smallest countries in Europe: FAQs 

What are the 5 smallest countries in Europe? 

  1. Vatican City: 0.189 mi² 
  2. Monaco: 0.772 mi² 
  3. San Marino: 23.55 mi² 
  4. Liechtenstein: 61.78 mi² 
  5. Malta: 122.01 mi² 

What is the smallest country in Europe? 

Vatican City takes the cake (or should we say the cupcake?) as the smallest country in Europe, with an area of only 0.189 mi². It’s about one-eighth the size of Central Park in New York City! 

Which is the richest country in Europe? 

When it comes to wealth, Luxembourg sits atop Europe’s financial throne with a GDP per capita of $142,490, making it the continent’s richest country​​. 

Why are European countries so small? 

Europe’s puzzle of tiny countries stems from a complex history of feudal territories, royal families, and shifting borders. Played Tetris? Well, it’s a similar story here, only every piece ended up being its own little nation. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, OlyaSolodenko. Image Location: Vaduz, Liechtenstein 

What is a small landlocked country in Central Europe? 

Say hello to Liechtenstein, a pint-sized powerhouse in Central Europe. But don’t let its size fool you: this country, hidden between Switzerland and Austria, is big on charm. 

Which of the smallest European countries don’t have railway systems? 

Some of Europe’s tiniest countries like Andorra, Liechtenstein, and San Marino don’t have their own railway systems. Andorra, tucked between France and Spain, uses buses that connect to France’s closest train station. Liechtenstein, despite its small size, has a well-developed road network and bus services connecting to neighboring countries’ train stations. And San Marino, known as one of the world’s oldest republics, also gets by just fine without trains. It relies on its network of automobile roads. 

As you explore Europe’s smallest countries, you’ll see for yourself that each one has a story that’s much bigger than its size suggests. 

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Allard Schager. Image Location: Malta

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