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San Marino is landlocked by ItalyCredit: Getty
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The tiny country has just 34,000 locals – but triple the number of touristsCredit: Getty
It is entirely enclosed by Italy – similar to Vatican City in Italy and Lsotho in South Africa – and while in Europe, is not an EU member.
The microstate is also the fifth-smallest country in the world, being beaten by places like Monaco and Vatican City.
Around 34,000 people live there, but this is outnumbered by tourists with around 80,000-90,000 visiting a year.
It doesn’t even have its own airport – the best way to get there is to fly to Rimini and then drive 20 minutes.
Read more on European towns
Or from Bologna, it is around a two-hour drive.
Most people head straight to the UNESCO city centre, which has stunning buildings as well as Liberty Square.
There are also the Three Towers with the Disney-esque Torre Guaita, dating back to the 11th century being the most popular, along with Torre Cesta and Torre Montale, which is closed to the public.
And if you fancy a museum, there are lots to choose from, including the Vintage Car Museum, the Museo Della Tortua (full of torture devices) and the kid-friendly Titanus Museum.
One woman praised San Marino for being like “Tuscany without the crowds”.
Don’t worry if you are feeling tired – you can get a cable car to the highest part of the country, which takes just two minutes but has amazing views.
Heavily inspired by Italian culture – with lots of wine and cheese – its famous dishes include the Sammarinese piada, a stuffed flatbread which you can try at Il Matterello.
For something sweeter, there is the Torta Tre Monti, a hazelnut and chocolate cake.
Forget getting a McDonald’s when there though – the fast food chain was forced to close back in 2019.
While Italian is the common language, there is also the Sammarinese language often used by older locals.
It’s other claim to fame? Having what is often called the “worst football team in the world”.
Being ranked 210th out of 210 in the Fifa rankings, last year they celebrated after scoring their only goal – their sixth in six years.
San Marino also has its own unique stamp, although you should avoid getting it in your passport.
Some novelty stamps can cause problems at the airport – here’s what you need to know.
The award for the smallest country in the world is Vatican City, which is surrounded by the city of Rome.
And just off the coast of Suffolk is a tiny “country” – the micronation of Sealand which is half the size of a football pitch.
Despite its size, it has its own government, passport and international sport team.
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It isn’t easy to get to – you have to drive over the border from ItalyCredit: Getty
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But the city is worth a visit for an Italian-style break without the crowdsCredit: Getty
Source link : https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/24353931/tiny-country-no-airport-mcdonalds-europe/
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Publish date : 2023-10-28 07:00:00
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