European Nations Without Airport Infrastructure: A Surprising Fact
In the heart of Europe, several small countries have managed to establish themselves as popular tourist destinations, despite lacking their own airports. These microstates - Vatican City, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein, and Monaco - have found unique ways to connect with the world, relying on neighbouring countries' airports and ground transportation to bring visitors to their shores.
Vatican City, the world's smallest country, is a mere 0.49 square kilometres and is entirely surrounded by Rome. Its proximity to Leonardo da Vinci Airport and space constraints make an airport unnecessary. Access to Vatican City can be made through Rome's airport, or by walking or using local transport within Rome to reach the Vatican. The country, famous for St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and Papal audiences, offers visitors a chance to explore its cultural and religious sites before enjoying the Italian culture nearby.
San Marino, a small medieval republic perched on a mountaintop within Italy, is another country without an airport. Its mountainous terrain and close proximity to Italian airports make an airport impractical. Visitors typically fly into Rimini Airport (Italy) and then take a bus or drive to San Marino. The country is known for its medieval architecture, historic sites, and being one of the world’s oldest republics.
Andorra, nestled high in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, is another country without an airport due to its mountainous terrain and very small size. Served by three private heliports, access to Andorra is usually via airports in Barcelona (Spain) or Toulouse (France), followed by a road journey. Andorra is popular for ski resorts, hiking trails, tax-free shopping, and its unique co-principality governance.
Liechtenstein, a small mountainous microstate between Switzerland and Austria, has not developed an airport due to its size and proximity to major airports nearby. The closest major airport is Zurich Airport in Switzerland, about an hour's drive away. Liechtenstein is known for its alpine scenery, outdoor activities, and finance sector, attracting visitors for hiking, cultural tourism, and business opportunities.
Monaco, a tiny principality located along the French Riviera, lacks an airport due to space constraints and its close proximity to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Served by Nice Airport in France with helicopter connections (Monaco Heliport), Monaco is also connected by French rail (SNCF) and local buses. The country is renowned for luxury tourism, casinos, the Grand Prix, yachts, high-end shopping, and cultural events.
These countries have found creative ways to overcome their lack of airports, relying on neighbouring countries' airports and ground transportation to connect with the world. Heliports supplement transportation in some cases, notably in Monaco and Andorra. Despite their small size, these countries have carved out a niche for themselves as popular tourist destinations, offering unique cultural heritage, luxury offerings, and natural beauty. Andorra, in particular, is known for its rich culture, which is a mix of French, Spanish, and Catalan influences, and a high quality of life with a low crime rate.
These microstates' unique setup demonstrates how small countries can thrive as tourist destinations without the need for their own airports, leveraging their proximity to major international transport hubs.
Travelers to Vatican City, the world's smallest country, typically access it through Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome, or by using local transport within Rome, given its proximity to the airport and space constraints. San Marino, another country without an airport, is often reached by flying into Rimini Airport (Italy) and then taking a bus or driving to the small medieval republic.
Andorra, nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, is usually accessed via airports in Barcelona (Spain) or Toulouse (France), followed by a road journey, due to its mountainous terrain and small size. Monaco, a tiny principality along the French Riviera, is served by Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France, with helicopter connections (Monaco Heliport) and French rail (SNCF) also available for transport.
