The tiny 24 square mile country that’s Europe’s oldest

San Marino: the microstate found inside Italy. It may not be as well known as the country it borders, but travel bloggers say that it’s just as beautiful and not as overrun with tourists as some neighbouring areas.

The tiny mountainous republic is the oldest country in Europe, and came into being in 301 CE according to World Population Review. That makes it over 2000 years old.

It’s also the fifth smallest country in the world and the third smallest country in Europe; it is just 24 square miles in size and has a population of just 33,000 people. To give some comparison, that’s less than Burgess Hill on the outskirts of Brighton.

But there’s still plenty to do according to travel bloggers. Combine stunning vistas, fairytale castles and, of course, food to die for, and you’ve got a trip to remember.

Travel blogger Jurga, who runs website Full Suitcase, said it’s the “real hidden gem of Europe”.

She said: “San Marino exceeded all my expectations! Lively during the day, fairytale-like and mysterious in the evening, and simply unforgettable while exploring the castles completely on my own early in the morning…

“Those who like to count countries or collect passport stamps will love San Marino as well. If interested, you can get a really nice passport stamp at the tourist office that is located near the San Marino cable car.”

According to Tripadvisor, the top rated activity in the country is to visit Centro Storico di San Marino – the historic centre of San Marino – which has been a UNESCO heritage site for some time.

One tourist said: “The old town in San Marino is definitely worth a visit if you like shopping, food and drink.

“We came at Easter expecting it to be empty but it was buzzing and full of tourists.

“The lovely old streets and buildings are beautiful and any view from anywhere on the summit is just stunning.”