By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 3rd June 2018 | Updated: 24th December 2024
It may be one of the smallest countries in Europe but San Marino is quite possibly the quaintest country we have had the joy of visiting. Matt and I recently ventured there during a week-long trip to Northern Italy and boy if you ever needed some reasons to visit San Marino, there is an abundance! So here our the top 10 things to do in San Marino:
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide & Viator
Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise
Travel Insurance: World Nomads
Is San Marino worth visiting?
If you like incredible views, historic sights galore, and visiting one of the smallest countries in the world, then yes San Marino is worth visiting. We only visited for the day, but boy did we love it, we’re planning a trip back ASAP! Just be aware that like entering any country you will need to have a valid passport to get into San Marino, it is its own teeny tiny country after all.
Things to do in San Marino Map
Things to do in San Marino
1. Walk the Medieval Town Walls
The walls that surround the capital/country, (it is basically the same thing, to be honest!), are astounding architectural pieces of sculpture as well as building. You can climb up onto them at Portanova Gate, as we did when entering the capital, and walk across the top of them to gain access into the heart of the country. San Marino was once fortified by three enclosing walls like these, however, they have been taken down to allow for the capital to expand.
2. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets
The capital is filled with narrow streets you can just fit people past in, which to me makes it even more unique as a country. They manage to cram every little bit out of every view for both tourists and residents alike with tiny balconies to put a single chair on at sunset to a high wall covered in flowering plants, I could most definitely live there!
3. Wander through the Markets
As with most European countries, San Marino has a number of little market stalls that sit along the edges of the cobbled streets, walkways between the three towers and the main piazza. Mainly leather market stalls but we did come across a few selling various liquors and San Marino goods, of which everything is cheaper than in Italy as there is no tax duty on them!
4. Explore the Three Towers
The three towers of San Marino not only make up the landmark for the country but also the flag and a cake! Guaita Fortress is the first tower you come across and oldest of the three towers. It is also the most famous as it sits directly on top of Monte Titano.
Cesta Tower is the second tower along the ridgeline of the country which is now being used to house the Museum of Archaic Arms. The third and final tower not many venture too as it is a trek through the woodlands. Don’t let that put you off finding Montale Tower though as it has the best views out from San Marino as it was once used as a look-out post.
5. Enjoy the Delicious Wine
Now after being in Italy for 4 days previously Matt and I had had our fair share of nice wine, but the wine in San Marino was something else! If you venture there head to the Restaurant Falco across the bridged walkway for great wine and views to die for.
6. Find the beautiful woodland
You could wander away hours in the woodland, filled with birdsong and the views completely hidden from sight, you could be anywhere in the world.
7. Discover the Piazza Della Libertà
The main square in San Marino is a great place to people watch if nothing else. Lined on one side with bars and cafes and amazing views on the other, I recommend you find a spot to sit and watch the world go by without a care in the world. Glass of San Marino wine in hand obviously.
8. Relax in the Liburnian Garden
This hidden away garden is a must find when visiting San Marino. The trickling sound of water will entice you through a gallery space into an open courtyard where no one else dares go. The peaceful nature of the space lets you relax after hiking up and down the hillsides of the country all day!
9. Walk the Via Donna Felicissima
This street is named after the legend of Donna Felicissima, a noblewoman from Rimini who gave Monte Titano to Marino, as a sign of gratitude for having healed the son Verissimo. It is well worth a stroll up and down to soak in the culture of San Marino, with sculptures on one side and beautiful flower beds and distant views on the other.
10. Enjoy the views
Where to stay in San Marino
We didn’t actually stay in San Marino as we visited from Rimini as part of our week-long trip in Emilia Romagna, (check that post out here), but there are numerous options for staying overnight in San Marino. From spa hotels to pizzerias with accommodation, hotels with rooftop bars to bed and breakfasts hidden in the historic centre, there really is something for everyone.
Be sure to check out Booking.com or the below map for the best accommodation rates and options for your trip to San Marino.
Is San Marino Worth Visting FAQs
Where is San Marino?
The third-smallest country in Europe (after Vatican City and Monaco) and the fifth-smallest country in the world, San Marino is a mountainous micro-country surrounded by the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. At only 61.2km², the World Heritage UNESCO Site is one of the world’s oldest republics, with incredible views, (even the winding bus journey up to the capital is stunning), historic architecture, and, as we found out, delicious wine.
📍 San Marino to Rimini – 35 minute, 23km drive or 1 hour and 35 minute bus
📍 San Marino to Bologna – 1 hour 45 minute, 135km drive or 3 hour bus then train
📍 San Marino to Florence – 2 hour 50 minute, 250km drive or 3 hour 50 minute bus then train
📍 San Marino to Venice – 2 hour 50 minute, 280km drive or 4 hour 50 minute bus then train
📍 San Marino to Rome – 4 hour 15 minute, 330km drive or 5 hour 30 minute bus then train
How to get to San Marino:
Which airport should I use for San Marino?
The nearest airport to San Marino is Federico Fellini International Airport at Rimini, (17km away), however if coming from outside of Europe then your best bet is to fly into either Florence, (100km away), Bologna, (113km away) or Pisa, (167km away).
How to get to San Marino by car
You can easily drive to San Marino from surrounding Italy, and even other countries across Europe, but it is the parking in this micro country that may cause you a problem! (There is limited parking here, and due to the nature of the country, you can not drive into the main centre of it due to the narrow historic streets). Rental cars picked up from within Italy allow for driving in San Marino, and as there is no border control you will have no problems entering the country.
How to get to San Marino by public transport – Rimini to San Marino Bus
As San Marino is such a small country, you can forgive it for not having an airport or train station. So, the easiest way to get to San Marino is actually via local buses from Rimini in Italy. Rimini is the closest place you will find an airport or train station, so it makes sense to arrive in San Marino from there.
It takes roughly 1 hour from Rimini Stazione to the bus stop drop off in San Marino via Bonellibus and costs roughly 5 euros each way, but the views are well worth the ride itself! You could always opt to drive or take a taxi instead, but the parking is very limited in San Marino and a taxi can cost between 30 and 50 euros easily.
How to get around San Marino
The easiest way to get around San Marino is on foot. With tiny alleyways, cobbled streets, and lots of footpaths to explore, you wouldn’t want to get around San Marino any other way. Cycling to or from San Marino would be great fun through the surrounding Emilia Romagna scenery but you wouldn’t want to cycle in San Marino itself.
Even though technically there are more cars than people in San Marino, we wouldn’t recommend driving into San Marino yourself either. Not only is it really small so you won’t need a car to get around, but you might struggle to find a parking space in between all the locals’ cars. Plus, you will need an International Driving Permit.
When is the best time to visit San Marino?
The best time to visit San Marino is in the spring or the autumn, avoiding the peak of the tourist season summer holidays, and the heat, (being on a hill it can get quite hot in the middle of the summer). We visited in September and we had the most perfect weather as well as few crowds to contend with.
How long do you need in San Marino?
If you have a chance to visit San Marino for a day trip then you will most definitely get to see some of the most beautiful and best bits of this country. If you have more time then we would suggest three days in San Marino would be plenty.
What is San Marino popular for?
San Marino is not only popular due to its medieval streets and piazzas and historic guard towers that line the country but due to its spectacular location high in the hills of the Italian countryside. It is also the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, being founded in 301.
Is San Marino cheaper than Italy? Is San Marino expensive?
San Marino is in fact cheaper than Italy, even though it is surrounded on all sides by the country. The taxes are low in San Marino and because the country relies on tourism for a lot of its income, this means as a visitor you will get more for your money than if you were in Italy.
Do you need passport to visit San Marino?
You won’t need a passport to enter San Marino as the country has an open border with Italy and to enter Italy as an international tourist you will have already been through passport control. You can however get your passport stamped, for a small fee, at the tourism office.
Can you just walk into San Marino?
In theory, yes you could just walk into San Marino, but you should make sure to have a passport that has a valid ‘entry stamp’, from a different Schengen country i.e. from your arrival into a European country. If you live or have residence in a Europe country then you do not need to show an entry stamp if asked, just your permit / passport.
What is San Marino?
San Marino is a micro country surrounded by Italy.
Why visit San Marino?
Why not visit San Marino! Not only is it one of the smallest countries in Europe, which means you can visit and cover most of the country in a day, but it has some of the most incredible views over neighbouring Italy as well.
Is San Marino tourist friendly?
San Marino is very tourist-friendly, (other than the limited public transport options for reaching the country). It may be small but it packs a lot to see and experience, with historic architecture, including towers and a medieval walled town, quaint cobblestone lanes, beautiful gardens, and of course a good view or two. The locals are also extremely friendly and the food is delicious, with it taking local dishes from nearby Italy, and giving them a San Marino hint.
Is San Marino in Italy?
San Marino is surrounded by Italy but is its own country and one of the world’s oldest republics.
Is San Marino safe?
San Marino is very safe to visit as well as to live in, as with high levels of employment, (mainly through tourism opportunities), there is minimal crime. As with anywhere, it is best to be safe than sorry, so keep an eye on your valuables and avoid any areas where you feel uncomfortable. (We didn’t feel unsafe anywhere we visited).
San Marino Tours
Taking a walking tour in San Marino is a great way to find out more about this micro country. You can also take day trip tours from the nearby towns and cities in Italy so you can experience San Marino firsthand. Check out Get Your Guide for the best tours below:
Conclusion: Is San Marino Worth visiting? Things to do in San Marino
So there are our top things to do in San Marino. This country may be small but it is mighty in terms of its history, beauty and those stunning views.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.
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