In our size-obsessed world, it can be easy to equate bigger with better. But there are endless benefits to discovering the breathtaking landscapes and architecture that small countries have to offer.
Big nations often steal the limelight on the world stage. But visiting a small country can give you the chance to discover cultures you may know less about. And there’s often much to learn, as many tiny nations have huge diplomatic, political, or cultural signficance, often due to their strategic locations or rich history.
A trip to a small country can also be a pragmatic travel choice: a few days spent exploring one of these destinations can be a fantastic add-on to a longer holiday. Or, if you’re strapped for time, a long weekend in a small country can be the perfect escape. It can save you the stress of travelling long distances between interesting sites or feeling like there’s too much to see and do.
Plus, as it turns out, many of the world’s smallest nations are also some of the most spectacular – and the diversity among these little gems is staggering.
With this in mind, here are eight of the world’s most beautiful small countries to inspire your next trip.
1. Singapore
There’s nothing quite like the view of the dazzling lights of Singapore’s skyscrapers reflected in its glittering marina. And, despite being the smallest country in Southeast Asia, this city-state is an absolute marvel of human ingenuity and diversity.
The huge, well-lit, and alluring promenades that surround Singapore’s waterways are only a few of the beautiful sites to behold here. For example, in Chinatown, you can enjoy colourful shop-fronts, laden with Peranekan history – and the city’s famous gardens are some of the world’s most impressive.
Although awe-inspiring urban architecture is where Singapore shines, the country is far from just a concrete jungle. Singapore’s forward thinking leaders have ensured that environmentalism and sustainability are top priorities, making Singapore one of the greenest cities in the world.
Although accommodation in Singapore is on the more expensive side (there’s not much space after all!), you won’t lack affordable eating spots. Hawker centres all across the city offer a mouthwatering range of delicious street foods that won’t break the bank.
2. The Maldives
If you were asked to picture paradise, you’d likely think of palm tree-lined sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious villas. Given the sublime beauty of the Maldives, it’s not surprising that this Indian Ocean island nation is considered heaven-on-earth. Known as the perfect place for a romantic getaway, the Maldives is an excellent destination if you’re looking to reconnect with your partner, or relax after a more adventurous trip to India or Sri Lanka.
Having said that, don’t let dreamy stories of sipping endless cocktails in luxury resorts give you the impression that’s not plenty to do here. For example, the islands of the Maldives are surrounded by coral reefs – home to manta-rays, sharks, turtles and colourful tropical fish – making this one of the most attractive diving and snorkelling destinations in the world.
While the Maldives makes the list of the world’s top 10 smallest countries, it also happens to be the lowest lying nation on earth. Because of this, some islands have been abandoned due to rising waters, locals are partiualrly clued up on the risks of climate change, and most resorts have sustainability initiatives that visitors can get involved with. For more on sustainable living, check out our guide to living a more eco-friendly life.
3. Barbados
The beauty of Barbados lies in its powdery-white sand beaches and glass-clear waters, which look as though they’ve been coloured by just the smallest drop of the light blue ink. And this stunning scenery carries over into its luscious, green rolling hills.
But the real charm of Barbados is in its vibrant culture and friendly, joyful people. What this nation lacks in size it makes up for with its larger than life festivals! Feathers, jewels, and bright colours abound at the many extravagant street parties held throughout the year.
Crop Over Festival – the island’s biggest celebration – starts in June and culminates in the Grand Kadooment parade at the beginning of August. If you’re looking for music, dancing and fun, this is the time to go, but Barbados won’t disappoint at any time of the year.
The laid back island atmosphere and warm hospitality will rub off on even the most reserved travellers. Some punch might help you get into the festival spirit too and you’ll certainly find it here in Barbados – the birthplace of rum!
4. Vatican City
Vatican City is a country so small – the smallest in the world in fact – that it fits in the city of Rome, and is the residence of the Pope and the heart of Roman Catholicism. Although visiting is a deeply spiritual experience for many of the Vatican’s visitors, you don’t have to be a Catholic to bask in its glory.
Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci are just a few of the maestros who contributed to the Vatican’s beauty, reflecting humanist ideals that spurred Europe’s artistic rebirth. And art enthusiasts can marvel at the Renaissance architecture, painting, and sculptures on show. St. Peter’s Basilica, for example, will humble as much as it uplifts – its large dome is considered a miracle of engineering.
A stop at the Sistine Chapel is also a must. Painted by Michelangelo, the walls and ceilings are covered in intricate depictions of the divine creation of the world. It’s, here, that new Popes are selected to be the head of the Vatican state and the spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide.
A trip to the Vatican is best paired with a stay in Rome and a day or two exploring the microstate should be enough to soak in its beauty.
5. Brunei
Brunei is a wealthy sultanate found on the verdant island of Borneo. Here, the wonders of dense jungle meet breathtaking Islamic architecture and peaceful beaches. While the surrounding Malaysian states of Sarawak and Saba attract crowds of adventurers every year, Brunei’s slower pace and exquisite wealth make it no less worth a stop-off.
The country has one of the oldest monarchies in the world, meaning Brunei has no lack of opulent royal ceremonies and rich traditions – and the many mosques of the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan are a sight to behold. These are perhaps most beautiful at dusk, when their golden domes shine against the pink of the setting equatorial sun. And the sounds of calls to prayer ringing out across the city only add to the ethereal atmosphere.
Plus, while the island of Borneo is known for its rainforests, Brunei is no outlier. Much of this small nation is covered in pristine jungle but only a fraction is open for visitors in an effort to protect the habitats of rare flora and fauna. Guided tours are offered at Ulu Temburong National Park, which is only reachable by boat. Here, you can walk atop the forest canopy, suspended amid rising clouds of mist.
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6. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a landlocked country in central Europe with beautiful hilly regions for hiking and scenic riverside valleys that invite carefree cyclists. Natural beauty abounds in this most-European of countries, and despite its small size, there’s ample diversity to be found here.
The hiking trails of the Müllerthal Region will lead you through dense forests and picturesque rock formations to secluded waterfalls, where the scenery rivals Switzerland – particularly when the autumn weather sets the forests ablaze with colour.
Mediaeval history has adorned Luxembourg with fortified castles and quaint Romanesque churches, while Luxembourg’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town sits atop of a sheer cliff with exquisite views.
But the best part is that Luxembourg is sorely overlooked, so you’re not likely to see crowds of tourists and the inflated prices that come with them. And Luxembourg’s compact size means you can drive across the country in less than two hours.
7. Malta
Malta’s beauty lies in its blend of historical architecture and rich landscapes, made all the more stunning by the Mediterranean sea, which surrounds this archipelago nation.
The complexity and depth of Malta’s past is difficult to overstate and this is reflected in the charming streets of its historic cities. The country has had many different rulers over the centuries and influences from North African, Byzantine, Roman and Arab cultures have all made their mark.
The three main historical cities will keep you busy visiting their many baroque churches and navigating narrow, cobbled streets, where every turn feels like stumbling upon a glimmer of the past. Panoramic views from the capital, Valletta, reveal the grand harbour and the three cities from across the water. The rich colour of the buildings will appear almost blushed in the Mediterranean sun.
Though, it’s not just man-made wonders that astound the senses. Taking a winding car ride along Malta’s rugged coast will spoil you with views of colourful fishing villages and sensuous hills that roll into fertile valleys. But the best part is that the short distances mean it’s easy to get from city to beach without wasting too much of your precious holiday time!
For more tips on visitings Malta, check out our travel guide.
8. San Marino
San Marino is a micronation engulfed by North-central Italy. It has a curious history as the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state and has managed to retain independence from its neighbours despite centuries of conflict between European powers.
San Marino’s position in the Apennine mountain range means you’ll be spoiled for stunning panoramic views when visiting the country’s namesake capital – which is also a UNESCO world-heritage site with charming mediaeval architecture.
The unmissable three towers of San Marino are also situated on the peaks of Monte Titano. The oldest of these towers was constructed in the 11th century, making San Marino a fantastic stop-off for history enthusiasts.
If you have longer to explore, it’s also worth visiting the countryside, which is scattered with charming towns and villages. Here, you can get a better sense of the laid-back local lifestyle and customs.
Final thoughts…
Small countries really have so much more to offer than they’re given credit for – from rich cultural experiences to stunning natural landscapes. Visiting a microstate can really show off the diversity of the world, all condensed into a small space.
Human ingenuity truly shines in small countries, their residents taking great pride in their homes and creating marvellous spectacles. Many also fight to save their unique culture, lifestyles, and nature, meaning small countries are some of the most sustainability-minded on earth.
But small nations provide travellers with plenty of pragmatic benefits too. It’s great when you can check off a bucket-list country in just a weekend, or combine travel to multiple places during a longer adventure.
In the end, it’s clear that small countries have so much to offer – from rich cultural experiences to stunning natural landscapes.
Have you visited any of these tiny wonders? Or are you adding any to your travel list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.