{"id":120322,"date":"2023-10-19T12:40:47","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/?p=120322"},"modified":"2023-10-19T12:40:47","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:40:47","slug":"europes-least-visited-country-is-just-a-dot-on-the-map-at-23-6-square-miles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/world-news\/europes-least-visited-country-is-just-a-dot-on-the-map-at-23-6-square-miles\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe’s least visited country is just a dot on the map at 23.6 square miles"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Nestled on a cliff top in the heart of Italy, the tiny enclave of San Marino offers an alternative to the tourist trail as Europe’s least visited country.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nearly 600 million tourists flocked to Europe last year and those visitors are spoilt for choice. A relatively small two million made it to San Marino, mostly from other European countries.<\/p>\n

One of the world\u2019s smallest countries, the San Marino Apennine range features prominently in the microstate\u2019s stunning panoramas. The tiny country of just 23.6 square miles offers a bit of everything.<\/p>\n

History buffs can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts no less than three imposing fortresses positioned on towering peaks. San Marino is also one of the world\u2019s oldest republics surviving from a time when city-states spread across Europe.<\/p>\n

Mount Titano dominates San Marino\u2019s skyline offering clear views all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Benches line the slopes of the mount offering walkers a place to sit among the greenery.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Europe\u2019s best island destination is \u2018incredible\u2019 with \u2018spectacular views\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A cable car connects Borgo Maggiore to the historic centre offering sweeping views over Italy in every direction.<\/p>\n

San Marino has a strong cheese-making tradition – its cuisine has been influenced by northern Italian cooking rich with local ingredients.<\/p>\n

Sammarinese cuisine features hearty pasta and meat dishes. Locals have a particular fondness for filled flatbread called piada.<\/p>\n

Wine has been produced in the country for nearly 2,000 years and local production sees bottles aged in caves with optimal temperatures.<\/p>\n

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