Tourist Havens Sans Airports: The Quirky Charm of Travel Destinations
While it may seem improbable, some countries boast thriving tourism without a single airport. Despite this, these nations, often featured on avid travelers’ bucket lists, continue to welcome visitors from around the globe. Let’s explore five such countries that captivate tourists despite lacking an airport.
San Marino: Nestled close to the Vatican City, San Marino is one of the world’s oldest countries, residing within Italy’s borders. Lacking a coastline and a dedicated airport, San Marino relies on an extensive road network. Its flat geography facilitates travel to various parts of Italy. The nearest airports in Rimini, Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Pisa serve as vital transit points for both locals and tourists.
Vatican City: As the world’s smallest country with a population of under a thousand, Vatican City’s compact size precludes the need for an airport. Easily explored on foot, the city-state is conveniently connected to nearby airports at Fiumicino and Ciampino, a mere thirty minutes away by train.
Andorra: Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra boasts picturesque landscapes surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains, making it unsuitable for airports due to high altitudes. Travelers typically utilize airports in Lleida, Barcelona, and Girona, approximately two hundred kilometers away, for international flights.
Monaco: Ranking as the second smallest country globally, Monaco’s limited land area doesn’t accommodate an airport. Visitors keen on experiencing Monaco can fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France and subsequently reach Monaco via road or boat.
Liechtenstein: Adorned with beautiful hills and valleys, Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries, lacks the space for an airport. Zurich Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away, stands as the nearest aviation hub for those seeking to explore this enchanting destination.
These countries, though airport-free, showcase the unique charm and allure that continue to draw tourists seeking unconventional travel experiences.
