Did you know there are five countries without airports? While some specific destinations are known to be remote, such as Machu Picchu, the Australian Outback, or Easter Island, they still have airports within their country.
Here is a short list that includes five countries without airports. The other three are red herrings. Can you pick the correct five? The answers are below, along with tips of how to get there!
- Andorra
- Antarctica
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Nauru
- San Morino
- Tuvalu
- Vatican City
A small, land-locked principality in the Pyrenes mountains and sandwiched between France and Spain, Andorra is known for beautiful hiking trails and vistas in the summer and is a favorite spot for snow skiing in winter. Fly into Barcelona or Toulouse (each about 125 miles distance) and take the train or rent a car.
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world. Situated on the banks of the Rhine, between Austria and Switzerland, it is a favorite Alpine ski destination in winter. Hiking and mountain-biking are popular summer activities. Small, charming Vaduz, its capital, is a lovely place to relax at a café or enjoy some shopping. While small, Liechtenstein is an economic powerhouse due to it’s banking industry. Liechtenstein is approximately one hour from Zurich by train or car and 2-1/2 hours from Innsbruck.
You probably guessed this one. More high profile than a couple of others on the list, Monaco is well-known for its glitz and glamour. Located on the French Riviera, high-toned Monte-Carlo is home to glamorous casinos, beautiful beaches, and high-profile jet-setters. Great restaurants, high-end shopping, and the Monaco Grand Prix are a few of its attractions. Nice is the closest airport with regular bus and train service to the small principality.
The sole survivor of the former Italian city-state system, San Morino Republic is land-locked within Italy. It’s clifftop castles provide stunning views of the Italian countryside, as well as the Adriatic Sea, approximately 15 kms to the east. It claims to be the world’s oldest republic and dates to 301AD. The closest airport is Rimini, an Italian coastal city, with regular bus service to San Morino. The closest major airport is Bologna.
Officially called, Vatican City State, it has its own mint, post office, and diplomatic corp. The country is the smallest in the world and is contained within the city of Rome – making it the most accessible of our five countries! The sixth most visited art museum in the world, the Vatican Museums house an immense collection acquired over the centuries by the Popes of the Catholic Church, as well as home to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
And, if you were wondering:
Antarctica isn’t a country – it’s governed internationally by the Antarctic Treaty. Bonus points to you, if you knew that. But, even if it were a sovereign country, it does have a few airstrips. So, while most visitors arrive by boat, you can get there by air during certain times of the year.
Nauru and Tuvula are two countries smaller than all but Vatican City and Monaco. They are both independent island nations located in the Pacific east of the Solomon Islands and very popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach going. They may be small, but they do have airports! In fact, Nauru has its own airline.
How did you do? Were you able to guess all five? Are any of these on your bucket list? Wherever you’re headed next, I’d love to help you plan that next, great adventure – and make sure you get there from here!
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