Europe's microstates

[dimitri84]

I'm planning a trip around European microstates, so far I have only been in Luxembourg, and I'm looking for recommendations - hotels, sightseeing etc.


luxcity.net

[LL_Travelfan]

The European microstates are a handful of very small sovereign states on the European continent and the surrounding islands. Most of them are in Latin Europe, except for Liechtenstein. Many of these countries are excellent for shopping, as they are tax havens. These microstates and its websites are:

Andorra — small mountainous country located between France and Spain - About Andorra - The oficial site for Andorra Tourism

Liechtenstein — German-speaking country located between Switzerland and Austria - Liechtenstein

Malta — island in the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Tunisia - Visitmalta - The Official Malta Tourism Website. Information on Malta, Gozo, Comino

Monaco — surrounded by or considered a part of the French Riviera - Monaco - Monaco Official Site

San Marino — completely surrounded by Italy - http://www.sanmarinosite.com/eng/index.php

Vatican City — small state that is totally surrounded by the city of Rome - Vatican City Travel Guide - What to See and Do in Vatican City

Depending which of these microstates you would like to visit, you can probably combine them with a number of other countries. The websites given here should probably give you a good starting point of what you would like to see.

[copahc]

If you go to Monaco I recommend hotel Vista Palace. It's not actually in Monaco however.. It's really up on a cliff over looking the sea and Monte Carlo. The views are fantastic! It also has one of the nicest hotel pools in my opinion. Since its on a cliff the pool terrace actually feels as if it's suspended out over the sea When I stayed there they also offered a free shuttle service to Monte Carlo. Not sure if they still have this however.

If you go to Monaco, take a trip to visit the nearby mountain village of Eze. It's really beautiful.

[LL_Travelfan]

I know the Vista Palace and its vie is outstanding, although, it is a little off the beaten path. It's a long way down to Monaco, if the shuttle isn't running. You really need a car, but then, you might want a car any way. In Eze I can recommend the Relays&Chateau Hotel Chevre d'Or (www.chevredor.com) or Chateau Eza (Hotels French Riviera, Cote d'Azur, 5 Star Hotel, Hotel Chateau Eza Official Website). Both hotels are true luxury hotels with impeccable food. Beside the georgeous view there is also a tropical cactus garden there, well worth a visit.