San Marino

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco) also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus of Arba in 301 A.D. That would be before the fall of the Roman Empire, so pretty early by all accounts.

It is also the only country with more vehicles than people according to Wikipedia, and they should know. Totally enclosed by Italy, its economy and politics are closely aligned to its neighbour. San Marino has, as you would expect, a Mediterranean climate, though located in the hills at it is, there is always a cool breeze if thing should heat up.

Being the third smallest state, you might want to consider circumnavigating it, other activities would be taking the aerial tramway from Borgo Maggiore to the City of San Marino, or simply walking the ramparts of the Castello della Cesta on top of Mount Titano with its superb views.

Curiously the City of San Marino is not the biggest town in the country that honour goes to Dogana in the north of this tiny republic, however nobody really cares.

Time to find out what the world’s oldest republic has to offer…