Europe is home to five of the top-ten smallest countries in the world, and if you want to explore these micro-nations, then camping could be the perfect way to visit. Here we explore Europe's seven smallest countries, from the tiny Vatican City to the positively massive Luxembourg.
Scroll to the bottom for a map of campsites in tiny European countries.
Also known simply as the Vatican, this tiny city-state is an enclave within the Italian capital, Rome. Home to the Pope and governed by the Holy See, Vatican City is the smallest state in the world by population and by area.
Of course, the land is at a premium within the Vatican, so campers must find alternatives in greater Rome. A trip to the Vatican wouldn't be complete without a visit to St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Included in our guides:
2019
Perched high on a hilltop on the edge of Rome, the site is owned by the Cardini/Vanucchi family, who have other quality city sites in...
Included in our guides:
2022
Flaminio Village Camping Bungalow Park is a high quality campsite near Rome, with many flowers, shrubs and trees giving some shade. Being 400 metres from...
Though Monaco is not a member of the European Union, its close customs links with France make the Euro the de-facto currency. Monaco has the highest GDP per capita in the world and very low unemployment.
Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally, motorsport is a popular pastime. The surrounding French countryside and mountainous terrain make Monaco a popular base for many professional cyclists.
Attractions include the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Prince's Palace and the harbour for a bit of celeb spotting.
Included in our guides:
2019
La Ferme Riola is a very small site with just 50 pitches for touring and six gîtes attractively dispersed amongst olive trees around the four-hectare...
Domaine Sainte Madeleine is an attractive, peaceful site with a swimming pool amongst spectacular mountain scenery. It is about 20 km. inland from Menton and...
Landlocked San Marino is the fifth smallest country in the world; covering just over 61km2; Founded in 301 AD, it is the world's oldest sovereign state. Like the other countries on this list, the economy is based on finance and banking, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Europe.
The historic centre of the City of San Marino and Mount Titano was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. Until 2007, The San Marino Grand Prix was held at the Imola Circuit despite the circuit being over 100km away from the micro-state.
Included in our guides:
2023, 2018
Centro Vacanze San Marino, at 400 m. above sea level and positioned on an attractive hillside, has lovely views of the Adriatic. You'll arrive via...
Romagna Family Village is a busy holiday site on the Adriatic coast with direct access to the beach via a short underpass below the promenade...
Headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein, this alpine microstate is found between Switzerland and Austria. It is the sixth smallest country in the world; one of only two doubly landlocked countries (the other being Uzbekistan.) With low unemployment and a customs union with Switzerland, financial services form an important part of the country's economy.
Attractions include the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, an international quality museum of contemporary and modern art. Vaduz Castle is the home of Hans-Adam II, the Prince of Liechtenstein, so tours are unavailable, but the castle can be viewed from the capital.
Included in our guides:
2023
Camping Mittagsspitze is attractively and quietly situated for visiting Liechtenstein. Set on a hillside, it has all the scenic mountain views one could wish for...
Wohnmobilstellplatz Malbun is located in the Malbun recreation area, in attractive surroundings. The site is open all year and consists of twelve 5x8m hardstanding pitches...
The Republic of Malta is the tenth smallest country in the world and the fifth smallest in Europe. Gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, Malta became a republic in 1974. Since 2008 Malta has used the Euro as its currency; before 2008, they used the Maltese Lira (1972-2008), Maltese Pounds (1825-1972) and the Maltese Scudo (Pre-1825.)
Malta consists of 3 large, inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, and about 20 uninhabited minor islands. Historically shipping and trade contributed to the economy. Today, tourism is a major financial contributor; Valletta's St. Johns' Cathedral and the Grandmaster's Palace are key attractions, along with the archaeological sites of Hal Saflieni, Rabat and Mdina.
The recommended campsite is just outside the village of Manikata on Malta's west coast. Ghajn Tuffieha, is run by the Scout Association but is also open to the public. This 16-acre site has 24 vast pitches, all with electricity and water, along with two good sanitary blocks.
Wild camping takes place on the L-Ahrax peninsula overlooking Mellieħa Bay. Camping at the simply named "Campsite 1" (Ahrax tal-Madonna), "Campsite 2" (Ahrax tat-Tunnara) and "Campsite 3" (Ahrax tar-Ramel) is subject to permission in advance from the Mellieħa Council. There are no services or facilities available at any of these camping areas.
MaltaCampsite at the main island's northern tip gets very busy and can be overcrowded. This is the island's main commercial campsite and mainly caters to backpacker-style travellers in static accommodation. They may be able to accommodate a limited number of tourers if space is available, but be aware that the site is a long way from any public transport.
The tiny Principality of Andorra is a Pyrenean microstate located between France and Spain. It is the sixteenth smallest country in the world. At over 1000m above sea level, the capital Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe (It's only the 36th highest in the world.)
Tourism is the main industry, but the country is also well known as a tax haven, so foreign income plays a large part in the country's economy. The mountainous terrain makes Andorra a popular destination for cyclists in summer and winter sports enthusiasts in winter.
Andorra is a country of narrow valleys with pine and birch forested mountains. Xixerella is attractively situated in just such a small valley below towering...
This compact, terraced site is named after the river in the town of Andorra-la-Vella. It has a steep curving entrance directly off the N145, which...
Vast in comparison to the other countries on this list, Luxembourg is still one of the least populated countries in Europe with just over 645,000 residents (The combined total of residents in Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican is under 200,000)
Sandwiched between France, Germany and Belgium, Luxembourg is the world's only sovereign grand duchy, led by Grand Duke Henri. Other famous Luxembourgers include EC President Jean-Claude Juncker and the cycling Schleck Brothers, Andy and Fränk.
With over 40 Alan Rogers assessed campsites in Luxembourg, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Included in our guides:
2022, 2018
This is very much a family site with a great range of facilities provided. It is well organised and well laid out, set in an...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2020, 2019, 2018
Situated in the lovely wooded hills of central Luxembourg, this is a top-quality site with fees to match, but it has everything! A large, central...
Included in our guides:
2019
This agreeable, good value municipal site is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town. It is quietly located about 1 km. from the centre of...
Included in our guides:
2019
Plage Beaufort is an all-year-round site run by the Syndicat d’Initiative et du Tourisme. It is a little off the main tourist route but there...
Included in our guides:
2020
Camping Troisvierges (formerly Camping Walensbongert) is just 300 metres from all the facilities of Troisvierges, a large village with pleasant bars, restaurants and shops. The...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2021
Occupying an elevated position on the edge of town, near the French border, this site is run by the local camping and caravan club. It's...
Included in our guides:
2022, 2018
Camping Kockelscheuer is a municipal site owned by the city of Luxembourg and is 4 km. from its centre. It is managed by an enthusiastic...
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Rob Fearn
Editor - Alan Rogers Guides
Rob is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, he is responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and publication of the Alan Rogers Guides.
He has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
