Perfectly formed

IDYLLIC Kurumba Maldives is a resort on one of the 26 atolls

HIGH FASHION Guaita fortress is San Marino’s oldest tower visitsanmarino.com

The oldest republic in the world, with a total population of 33,000, is basically a hill near Rimini in Italy.

Officially a mountain, Monte Titano is crowned by 14th century castles, its medieval streets lined with luxury tax-free boutiques – its major source of revenue is the people who flock here for the shopping.

From the top, the stunning views take in the Adriatic, the lights of Venice (on a clear night) and the hills of Emilia-Romagna. Rising out of the morning mist, it doesn’t seem to belong to the real world at all.

GO: A three-night break with flights costs from £529pp. travelrepublic.co.uk