Borders usually mean the end of one nation and the beginning of another. But a few rare places flip that logic, existing entirely inside another country’s borders, known affectionately as “enclaves.”
These enclaves are political oddities, cultural gems, and travel curiosities. They can be as grand as a mountain kingdom or as small as a single town, yet all share the same quirk: you have to cross a border just to leave.
What is an Enclave?
Enclaves are more common than you might think. Depending on how strictly you define them, there are around 200 in the world today, ranging from vast, mountainous kingdoms to single villages where the national boundary runs through someone’s kitchen. They can be political accidents, remnants of old treaties, or deliberate carve-outs for cultural or strategic reasons.
Lesotho: The Kingdom in the Sky
If South Africa is the frame, Lesotho is the jewel in the middle. This high-altitude kingdom is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation, and its landscapes reflect this elevation. Rugged peaks, icy rivers, and endless views make it a dream for hikers. In winter, snow dusts the mountains, a sight that surprises many who think of Africa as nothing but sun and savannah.
Life here feels traditional and slow-paced. You’ll see herders wrapped in Basotho blankets, and horses are still a common way to get around. When you leave Lesotho and step back into South Africa, you’re only hours away from famous landmarks that draw travelers from across the globe.
San Marino: A Medieval Stage Set in Italy
Perched on Mount Titano, San Marino feels like a living museum. Three fortress towers stand guard over the Italian countryside, their stone walls and winding streets straight out of a historical drama.
Despite being surrounded by Italy, San Marino has its own government, coins, and stamps. It’s a country proud of its independence, and its old-world charm is the main attraction for visitors.
Vatican City: The World’s Smallest Country
Another shout for a day trip in Italy, with the Vatican bringing in a three-for-one deal here. Less than half a square kilometer in size, Vatican City manages to hold some of the most visited landmarks in the world. Inside Rome’s embrace, it is the spiritual home of the Catholic Church, with treasures like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Pope is both head of state and religious leader, making this the only country where politics and faith are so deeply intertwined.
Monaco: Glamour in a French Envelope
Monaco is barely two square kilometers, yet it’s a household name and easily accessible from France. Wedged between France and the Mediterranean, it is famous for its Grand Prix, luxury yachts, and casino nights. The border with France is so close you can walk across it in minutes, but the atmosphere is distinct: Monaco runs on glitz, speed, and a constant sense of spectacle.
The Gambia: A River Nation in Senegal
Unlike the others on this list, The Gambia isn’t tiny. This narrow strip of land follows the Gambia River, completely surrounded by Senegal except for a sliver of Atlantic coast. Lush mangroves, bustling markets, and an impressive variety of birdlife make it a great stop for eco-tourism. The river shapes life here, both culturally and economically.
Honorable Mentions
Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau: The Puzzle-Piece Town
On the Belgium–Netherlands border lies a town where the two countries are stitched together in the strangest way. Baarle-Hertog is Belgian territory scattered within the Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau. The result is a patchwork of enclaves where a single street can swap nationality multiple times. Some homes have a Belgian front door and a Dutch back door, complete with two different postal codes.
Campione d’Italia: Italy in Switzerland
Campione d’Italia is Italian soil completely surrounded by Switzerland. Locals use Swiss francs, drive cars with Swiss plates, and are closer to Swiss cities than Italian ones. Yet they remain Italian in spirit, with espresso bars, piazzas, and lively conversation spilling out into the streets. It’s a cultural blend you can taste and hear in a single afternoon.
Llivia: A Spanish Town in France
Llivia sits in the French Pyrenees, but it’s proudly Spanish. This odd arrangement came from a 17th-century treaty that gave France the surrounding villages but left Llivia to Spain because it was classified as a “town,” not a “village.” The result is a small pocket of Spanish life, complete with tapas bars and Catalan flags, surrounded by French countryside.
Same Same, but Different
One of the joys of visiting enclaves is noticing their similarities with the surrounding country and their quirks that set them apart. Lesotho loves rugby, just like South Africa, but at altitudes where the air is thinner. Monaco and France share Mediterranean cuisine, yet Monaco leans heavily on Monegasque seafood dishes. San Marino’s pasta is rustic and gamey compared to Italy’s more familiar fare, and Llivia celebrates Spanish fiestas while the neighboring French towns observe different holidays.