There are many remote areas in the world that can only be reached by plane. It’s impossible to imagine holidaying in every one of these places, like Macquarie Island, halfway between Antarctica and New Zealand, where penguins are more numerous than humans.
You might not be aware, however, that there are five countries in mainland Europe you cannot reach by plane.
Here are the details on how you can travel to them.
1. Vatican City: The religious center of Italy
The Vatican City, located in Rome’s heart, is the world’s smallest nation. It would be difficult to fit an airport on this sacred site, which covers only 44 hectares. The microstate can be reached in 35 minutes from Roma Termini (the largest station train station in Rome).
You can travel from Spain to Rome in 24 hours by ferry and connecting train. If you drive, you can go along the French Riviera to reach Vatican City in 13 hours.
You should also visit St Peter’s Basilica (a beautiful domed structure from the Renaissance period that is the world’s biggest church).
2. Monaco: The playground of the famous and wealthy
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located along from the coast of Nice, South France. It is also the second-smallest country in the world. Although the French Riviera is famous for its luxurious casinos, fast cars, and wealthy inhabitants, it does not have an airport due to its small size.
Many of the residents of Nice Cote d’Azur, including many Formula One drivers, might arrive in private jets, but they must fly to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport which is located just 30km along the coast.
3. Andorra, a tiny country at the heart of Pyrenees
Andorra, a tiny landlocked state located in the Pyrenees Mountains, is nestled between France and Spain. It is known for its ski resorts. There are plenty of things to do in the summer, with 90 percent of Andorra being green space. It boasts the longest alpine run in the world, and a variety of horseback trails.
Although Andorra is the sixth-smallest country in Europe, it doesn’t have an airport. However, it is easy to reach from France or Spain. You can drive or take the train from Paris to Andorra in just eight hours.
There is a bus that will take you from Barcelona to the airport in just over three hours.
4. Liechtenstein: A peaceful place to escape it all
The fourth-smallest country in Europe is Liechtenstein, a German-speaking country that lies between Austria and Switzerland in the Alps. This tiny state is home to some of Europe’s most remote areas, making it a great place to relax in the mountains.
It doesn’t have an airport so it is best to travel by train. You can travel from Berlin to Vienna in just over ten hours. From Vienna, it will take seven hours and you don’t need to change trains.
Enjoy some ribel, Liechtenstein’s national dish, while you’re there. It is made from cornmeal and semolina.
5. San Marino: A microstate at the foot of a mountain
San Marino, a tiny country located in the north-east region of Italy is the fifth-smallest and oldest republic in the world. The microstate, which is located on Mount Titano’s slope, measures just 13km long at its longest point. Its historic centre has been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can travel to the microstate by train or bus from Rome, which takes just over five hours. You’re sure to see stunning scenery, no matter what you do.
Visit the three fortresses on the mountain that protect it, including Rocca Guaita (built in the 11th Century).
