Nestled in rocky hills and overlooking the splendid Adriatic coast, San Marino is one of the smallest European countries. Its rocky territory is part of the Apennine mountain range, and Italy surrounds the tiny landlocked country. However, while it’s pretty easy to visit San Marino, most travelers tend to ignore it.
Despite its small size, there are many things to do in San Marino. People on a road trip to Italy usually spend just a couple of hours there. However, San Marino is charming, and it’s a pity not to give it a proper chance and spend at least one night there. After all, how often can you see a whole country in just two days?
Therefore, in this travel guide to San Marino, you will find everything you need to know before visiting the Most Serene Republic. Specifically, you will read how to reach San Marino, several things to do, and the best hotels for your stay. Moreover, I’ll share my photos and a 4K video, and you’ll also find a separate FAQ section full of San Marino travel tips.
So, let’s start with the travel guide and what you need to know for your San Marino visit.
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Visit San Marino: A Travel Guide
In the first section of this San Marino travel guide, I will show you how to reach the tiny European country. There are various ways to do so, and most of them include a stopover in Italy.
Let’s break down your options.
How to get to San Marino
It doesn’t come as a surprise that San Marino doesn’t have an airport. Don’t forget that this is a microstate, in other words, a country with a small population (33,000 inhabitants) and an equally small territory (61,2 sq. km/23,1 sq. miles).
That said, the easiest way to visit San Marino as an international traveler is to fly to one of the nearby airports. The closest airport to San Marino is the Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini. It is just 22 km away, and you won’t need more than half an hour to reach the small republic. However, the Rimini Airport is small, and just a few seasonal flights are landing on its airstrip.
A better alternative for your upcoming San Marino visit is definitely the Bologna International Airport (BLQ) in the Emilia Romagna region. Many international flights are landing daily on BLQ, even though it takes a bit longer to reach San Marino. The airport is 135 km away, and you’ll need a bit more than 90 minutes by car to San Marino.
No matter what, make sure to book your tickets in advance. You can find the best flight deals here.
Visit San Marino by car
The closest Italian city to San Marino is Rimini. If you happen to be on this side of Italy and would love to step foot in the small country, it won’t take more than 30 minutes to reach it. All you have to do is follow the A14/E45 motorway, take a turn before entering Rimini (there are plenty of street signs), and drive the SS72 road uphill. The route is really scenic, and it goes through some smaller settlements of the country.
You can prebook a car and pick it up at the airport upon your arrival.
Visit San Marino by bus
A company called Bonelli operates the bus service between Rimini and San Marino. The buses run daily all year long, even though you can expect fewer itineraries during the winter. You can buy the ticket from the bus driver, and the journey won’t take more than 50 minutes. You can find the bus schedule here.
To San Marino by train
There’s no rail network in San Marino. However, if you land in Bologna, you can take the train to Rimini and, from there, hop on the bus to San Marino.
The best things to do in San Marino
Apart from strolling around the picturesque (and steep) streets of San Marino, there are plenty of other things to do in the tiny republic. Even though it remains undiscovered and most of its visitors come from Italy, San Marino hosts some unique attractions that deserve a visit. And while you can see every single attraction on a day trip to San Marino, I recommend spending at least one night there.
Also, if you’d like someone to show you around, there’s an excellent guided tour that will take you to all the places of interest in San Marino. You can find more info about the guided tour here.
So, here are the must-sees for your San Marino visit:
Palazzo Pubblico & Piazza della Libertà
The Town Hall, known as Palazzo Publico, is located at the Piazza della Libertà, the most famous square in the whole country. It actually stands at the same spot where the Old Town Hall once was. However, after consecutive restorations throughout the centuries, the old building was demolished in 1884, and a decade later, the new Town Hall was erected.
Francesco Azzurri, the architect of Palazzo Publico, designed the new Town Hall to resemble the austere style of 14th-century municipal halls. Today, the Palazzo Publico hosts the Parliament of San Marino and several governmental offices.
As for the Piazza della Libertà, it took its name from the Liberty Statue that stands at the square’s center. Several cafes and restaurants occupy one side of the piazza, and the views from the square over San Marin0’s rocky landscape are breathtaking. No matter how much you walk around the compact city center of La Citta (the city of San Marino), you’ll cross this spot several times.
Visit the Three Towers of San Marino (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale)
The entire historic center of San Marino is built on Mount Titano. That’s the oldest part of the republic, dating back to the 13th century, and showcasing an impressive number of towers, gates, and medieval walls. In the 55 hectares of Monte Titano, one can see three medieval towers on three peaks: Guiata, Cesta, and Montale.
These towers are the most iconic landmarks of the Republic of San Marino, and each one has its remarkable history. Make sure to walk the beautiful Passo Delle Streghe (Witches Path), which connects the first two towers. It’ll be one of the highlights of your San Marino visit.
So, here’s what makes each of these must-see towers unique.
Guaita – The First Tower
The so-called first tower is also the most famous. Constructed almost a thousand years ago, in the 11th century, the Guaita served for a short period as a prison. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 2008, the Guaita is also presented on both San Marino’s flag and its coat of arms.
In the local dialect, the word “Guaita” means “to guard,” and since the restoration in 1930, it’s been open to the public. One remarkable thing is that the Tower has no base and is built straight on the rock. Last but not least, the tower is also known as La Rocca, and a small chapel on the southern part is dedicated to Santa Barbara.
Cesta – The Second Tower
The name of the second tower is Cesta or de la Fretta. Cesta Tower lies on the highest peak of Monte Titano (755 meters) and hosts a museum honoring Saint Marinus, the republic’s founder (more facts on the FAQ section). The museum presents more than 1,500 weapons dating back to the Middle Ages, but you can also see some contemporary ones. In addition, the tower served as an observatory, and as is the case with the other two towers, Cesta is also on the country’s flag.
Montale – The Third Tower
Montale is the third tower of San Marino. It’s built on the lowest peak, and it’s the only tower that is not open to the public. According to historians, the Montale Tower was built to protect the locals from the increasing power of the Malatesta family, which ruled for centuries the area.
Apart from that, Montale also served as a prison, hence its bizarre architecture: it has only one entrance, which lies seven meters from ground level, a common architectural concept for prisons of this time. Nevertheless, even though it remains closed to the public, Montale contributes to the magnificent skyline of San Marino, and you can enjoy a walk towards it.
Try the Torta tre Monti
While this is not strictly part of the sightseeing, it’s one of the best things to do in San Marino. Although I could save it for later, I thought of adding it here since it directly connects with the Three Towers of San Marino.
The Three Towers have their own sweet called Torta Tre Monti, which stands for “the three mountains cake.” That’s a traditional Sammarinese cake made of multiple layers of wafers cemented with chocolate (or hazelnut) creme. The cake is covered in chocolate. Don’t miss the chance to taste it while strolling around the medieval streets of the city of San Marino.
Visit the Basilica di San Marino
Located in the Piazzale Domus Plebis, the Basilica is the city’s main church. It is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the country’s founder, and his relics are enshrined in it. While a Basilica has existed in the same spot since the 7th century, the current one dates back to 1836. It has a Neoclassical style, featuring eight Corinthian columns.
Museo di Stato
If you’d like to see how the history of San Marino developed through the centuries, the Museo di Stato offers a unique view. The state museum of the country showcases a collection including archaeological artifacts and works of art. The museum is located at the iconic Palazzo Pergami-Beluzzi, which has four floors. Every year, several temporary exhibitions present stories from the country’s past.
Take a ride with the San Marino cable car
If cable cars fascinate you, then one of the best things to do in San Marino is ride the one starting from Borgo Maggiore. It is a short 2-minute ride to the City of San Marino, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the country. Locals say that you can see more than 200 km of the Adriatic coast on a clear day.
Visit (at least) one of the 4 bizarre museums in San Marino
For a country that is compact in size, the existence of four unconventional museums is definitely an oddity. While I don’t think they are representative of the Sammarinese mentality (the locals are extremely friendly), you should consider visiting at least one of them. These museums are:
The museum of torture. Knee-breaker or Guillotine? This quirky museum in San Marino features more than 100 devices dedicated, well, to torture. So if you think that humanity didn’t advance that much, well, you’d better think about it twice. You can find more info on the Torture Museum website.
The Museum of Curiosities. This is a more easygoing museum that showcases oddities from around the world. You can see the tallest man who ever walked on Earth or even the fattest.
The museum of vampires. The museum “exhibits” werewolves and vampires made of wax. If it sounds good to you, make sure to stop by.
The Ferrari Museum. Last but not least, if you’re a die-hard fan of the famous automobile company, here’s your chance to see some classic models up close. The small Ferrari museum of San Marino hosts 25 cars and presents the evolution of the iconic car company.
Where to stay in San Marino
While most people spend just a couple of hours in the country, I strongly recommend staying at least one night. When the daytrippers leave, you’ll discover another side of San Marino—quiet, beautiful, and with a strong local color. Therefore, I added this section to this San Marino travel guide to help you find the best hotel for your stay.
Before writing down the best hotels in San Marino, I must tell you that you should only consider staying in La Citta. The so-called City of San Marino is the country’s capital and main settlement. While there are some places outside of it for your stay, like Borgo Maggiore, the Citta is where all the things to see are. At night, walking around the medieval buildings is quite an experience. Plus, it’s the most lively area in the country.
Let’s start.
Where I stayed in San Marino
I chose to stay at Hotel Joli, which is just two minutes from the city walls. Since there aren’t many hotels in the City of San Marino, I thought of keeping an eye on the budget and the services offered. As you can see from the photo above, the Hotel enjoys fantastic views of the Sammarinese landscape, and that’s a big plus for every traveler.
Moreover, the rooms were clean and the prices reasonable. A breakfast buffet is included in the price, and the front desk will answer every question you have. If you don’t expect a luxurious stay but you’re after a clean room as close to the city center as possible, look no further. You can book your room at Hotel Joli here.
The best hotels in San Marino
Apart from the Hotel Joli mentioned above, there are a few more options for your stay in San Marino. These are:
Hotel Rosa. Located in the heart of San Marino, Hotel Rosa is a great place to stay. It’s just 200 meters away from the Guaita Tower. Its rooms are relatively simple but clean, and they enjoy fantastic views of the countryside. It’s a reasonably priced hotel. Book your room at Hotel Rosa.
Grand Hotel San Marino. That’s probably one of the really few hotels in San Marino that you can splurge. While the standard rooms are normally priced and nothing spectacular in terms of design, the suites of the Grand Hotel are exquisite. If you want a stylish stay in the city’s heart and great views of the Montefeltro Valley, then that’s your best option. Book your room at the Grand Hotel.
Hotel Titano. One more hotel in the heart of San Marino. The Hotel Titano offers typical Sammarinese rooms, but it has one big plus. It’s also where the La Terrazza restaurant is located, which is assumed as one the best (if not the best) in the country. Its nicest room is the maisonette, but it comes at a cost. The rest of the rooms are priced reasonably. Book your room at Hotel Titano here.
Hotel La Grotta. At a short distance from the Piazza della Liberta, you’ll also find the easygoing Hotel La Grotta. Don’t expect something very fancy, but the hotel is nice and clean, and you’ll be close to every sightseeing spot in San Marino. Book your room at Hotel La Grotta.
Last but not least, if staying in the city’s heart is nothing for you, there’s a great hotel a few kilometers away. Therefore, if you have a car and don’t mind driving a bit, the Grand Hotel Primavera is worth mentioning. Check it out too.
Please use the interactive map below for all other San Marino accommodation options.
Where to eat in San Marino
Despite being a small country, the eating options are more than you’d probably expect. While San Marino cuisine is more or less Italian, you should also try a couple of local dishes. Moreover, you should also taste its local wine when you visit San Marino. Therefore, make sure to order a bottle of Sammarinese wine, and if you’re into red wine, make sure to try a Brugneto.
Now, assuming that you won’t stay that long in San Marino, I’d give you just three food options. Although I didn’t exhaust the country’s eateries, I believe that they are great places to have some local food.
La Terrazza. As I wrote above, it belongs to Hotel Titano, and it’s a great dining option. If you visit San Marino during the summertime, it’s almost a must: as its name betrays, it has a fantastic terrace. Book a table and enjoy a spectacular sunset accompanied by delicious food. See La Terrazza here.
Agli Antichi Orti. That’s the place I enjoyed the most when I traveled to San Marino. The food is delicious, and so is the homemade wine. Of all the places I visited, this had the more local atmosphere and charm. The owners might seem rough at first, but they are polite and funny. If there’s only one place you can eat when you visit San Marino, this should be it. Go for the handmade pasta and/or pizza. See Agli Antichi Orti on Facebook.
Ristorante Righi. I didn’t visit Righi, but some of you might want to. Located straight at Piazza Liberta, Righi is the only restaurant in San Marino with a Michelin Star. So if you enjoy fine dining and can afford it, that’s probably the place to eat in San Marino. The 4-course menus start from 40-60 euros (no wine included, the bottles start from ~25 euros). See the Ristorante Righi here.
The best activities in San Marino
San Marino is an excellent addition to your Italian trip. Apart from the beautiful scenery, there are some unique activities to enjoy while visiting this landlocked country. Below, you will find a few selected activities to elevate your San Marino experience.
An E-Bike excursion in the San Marino Castles. In this 2-hour tour, you will ride an e-bike and see the castles of San Marino. Of course, you will have a professional guide with you, and they’ll also provide you with a helmet for your safety. Check the e-bike tour here.
A cooking class at a San Marino farmhouse. I guess it doesn’t get more unique than this. Participate in a small cooking class in one of the smallest countries in the world. You’ll learn how to make regional specialties like tagliatelle or strozzapreti pasta. At the course’s end, you’ll eat some Sammarinese food created by you. See the cooking class here.
Guided tours in San Marino. Last but not least, if you’d like to have a professional guide to show you around, there are a couple of great tours. There’s a big price range, which usually depends on the group’s size. So, you can see here a great tour around the historical center, but if you’re on a tight budget this one here is probably more suitable.
FAQ about San Marino
Here you can find answers to some of the most common questions about San Marino. Moreover, you’ll also read some fun facts about San Marino that will help you get a better overview of this small landlocked republic. So, here’s what you need to know before visiting San Marino.
Do I need a visa to visit San Marino?
No. You should only check if you need a visa to visit Italy. There’s no border control in San Marino. In fact, you won’t probably notice that you entered the country.
What’s the currency of San Marino?
San Marino has used the euro since 2002. It replaced the Sammarinese lira. However, San Marino is not a member of the European Union.
Is San Marino safe?
San Marino is one of the safest places in Europe. Of course, as is the case with every place attracting tourists, pickpocketing exists here, too.
Why is San Marino called “the Most Serene Republic”?
That’s actually a title with a historical background. In former times, republics that wanted to highlight their sovereignty added the phrase “Most Serene” in front of the word “Republic” to emphasize their independent status. The term is no longer in use in other states, and only San Marino sometimes uses it.
Who was its founder?
The founder of San Marino was Saint Marinus. He established a monastery on Mount Titan, where San Marino is today back in 301 AD. It was around this monastery that the state started to grow.
Fun fact: Saint Marinus lived in Rab, a small island that today belongs to Croatia; however, it was a Roman territory back then.
Is it really the oldest republic in the world?
Since Saint Martinus founded this monastic community in 301 AD, San Marino claims they are the oldest surviving republic in the world. The country’s constitution dates back to 1600, and it’s indeed the oldest constitution in the world. All that said, it’s more accurate to call San Marino the oldest constitutional republic in the world.
How much time do you need in San Marino?
You can visit San Marino on a day trip from several nearby Italian cities. However, although it’s easy to see everything on a day trip, I recommend spending at least one night there.
When it’s the best time to visit San Marino?
Any time between April and September will be pleasant. I visited San Marino in late October, and apart from the shorter days, the weather was pleasant. However, during the wintertime, San Marino can be really cold.
Is San Marino expensive?
You should more or less expect European-level prices in San Marino. However, the country feels slightly cheaper than Italy.
San Marino Travel Guide: Final Thoughts
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and the fifth smallest in the world. As you can imagine, it doesn’t get that much attention, and most people aren’t even aware of its existence. However, its compact size doesn’t mean that it has no interest. On the contrary, a mixture of medieval architecture and fantastic landscape makes a visit to San Marino a must, especially if you happen to be on this side of Italy.
As I wrote several times in this travel guide to San Marino, try to spend at least one night there if you decide to visit it. Honestly, the next time I’m in the region, I’ll consider having it as a base for my trip. After all, you won’t have that often the opportunity to spend a night in one of the world’s smallest countries and have its streets at night for yourself.
More Italy: San Gimignano, Pienza, Taormina, Catania, Florence, Siena Wine Tours, Arezzo
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Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos