Ever tried naming European countries that start with A during a pub quiz? You probably nailed Austria. Maybe you remembered Albania if you’ve been scrolling through travel TikTok lately. But then things usually get fuzzy.
People start shouting out "Armenia" or "Azerbaijan," and suddenly the table is arguing about where Europe actually ends and Asia begins. It’s a mess. Honestly, the "A" list is short, but it’s packed with weird contradictions. You have one of the world’s richest nations, a former "hermit kingdom," and a tiny mountain spot ruled by a French President and a Spanish Bishop.
Let’s skip the dry textbook definitions and look at what’s actually happening in these places right now.
Albania: The "New Greece" That Isn’t New At All
For decades, Albania was the North Korea of Europe. Under the dictator Enver Hoxha, the country was basically locked shut. He was so paranoid about invasions that he built over 170,000 concrete bunkers across the landscape. You’ll still see them today—sitting in people's backyards, sprouting like mushrooms on beaches, or even turned into trendy tattoo parlors and cafes in Tirana.
If you’re looking for European countries that start with A to visit on a budget, this is the one. The "Albanian Riviera" is currently exploding on social media because places like Ksamil look exactly like the Maldives but cost a fraction of the price.
What’s the vibe?
It’s chaotic in a fun way. In the capital, Tirana, the buildings are painted neon colors because a former mayor (who is now the Prime Minister, Edi Rama) decided the city was too gray and depressing.
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Pro tip for travelers: If an Albanian nods their head, they might be saying "no." If they shake it, they might mean "yes." It’s a classic Balkan head-swapping trick that has led to a thousand confused dinner orders. Also, look out for dordolecs—stuffed animals or scarecrows hanging from half-finished houses. They aren't there for decoration; they're meant to ward off the "evil eye" and jealousy from neighbors.
Andorra: The Country With Two Princes (And No Airport)
Andorra is weird. It’s tucked away in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, and it’s tiny. You can drive across the whole country in about 40 minutes.
What most people get wrong is thinking it’s just a ski resort. While 80% of their GDP comes from tourism (mostly skiing and duty-free shopping), it has a bizarre political setup. It’s a co-principality. This means the heads of state are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain.
Basically, the French President is technically a "prince" of a country he doesn't live in.
Why you should care:
- Tax Haven: People flock here for cheap cigarettes, alcohol, and electronics.
- The Highest Capital: Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe.
- Catalan Only: It’s the only country in the world where Catalan is the sole official language.
There is no airport. If you want to get there, you have to fly into Toulouse or Barcelona and catch a bus. It’s a trek, but the mountain air is some of the cleanest you’ll ever breathe.
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Austria: More Than Just The Sound of Music
Austria is the heavyweight of the European countries that start with A. But don’t go there expecting everyone to be singing in the mountains like Julie Andrews. In fact, most Austrians have never even seen The Sound of Music.
Vienna is consistently ranked as the "most livable city" in the world, and for good reason. The coffee house culture is serious business. You don't just "grab a coffee" in Vienna; you sit for three hours with a single espresso and a newspaper, and the waiter won't dare ask you to leave.
The Real Austria
While the world thinks of Mozart and waltzes, modern Austria is an industrial powerhouse. They are obsessed with recycling and green energy. If you’re hiking in the Alps, you’ll notice the trails are impeccably marked.
One thing to watch out for: Don’t call them Germans. Just... don't. It’s a quick way to end a conversation. Austrians have a very distinct identity, often described as Gemütlichkeit—a specific kind of cozy, cheerful soulfulness that’s hard to translate but easy to feel when you’re in a wood-paneled tavern eating Schnitzel.
The "Are They Actually in Europe?" Debate
This is where the Google searches get tricky. If you look at a list of European countries that start with A, you will often see Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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Geographically, they sit in the Caucasus Mountains. Are they Europe? Are they Asia? It depends on who you ask.
- The Council of Europe includes both.
- Eurovision (the ultimate test of "European-ness") includes both.
- Geographers often draw the line at the watershed of the Caucasus Mountains, which puts parts of them in Europe and parts in Asia.
Armenia, for instance, is culturally and historically tied to Europe but sits firmly in the East. Azerbaijan is the same. If you're counting strictly by the "mainland" continental shelf, they are often excluded, but in modern geopolitics, they're usually in the club.
What You Should Do Next
If you're planning a trip or just researching, don't just stick to the famous spots.
- Look into the Valbona to Theth hike in Albania if you want world-class mountain views without the Swiss prices.
- Check out Caldea in Andorra, which is one of Europe's largest thermal spas. It looks like a giant glass spaceship landed in the mountains.
- Book a "Heuriger" in Austria. These are wine taverns run by local winemakers. They only serve their own new wine and cold food, and they’re only open a few weeks a year.
The "A" countries are a perfect cross-section of Europe: the grit and growth of the Balkans, the quirky independence of a microstate, and the refined, old-world luxury of the Habsburgs.
Skip the tourist traps in Paris or London for a bit. The real stories are usually found where the alphabet starts.