An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in San Marino
Last Updated on 16th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Nestled in the heart of the Italian Peninsula, San Marino is one of the oldest and smallest nations worldwide. It is an ideal destination to reach from the nearby Emilia-Romagna region in Italy as well as a fantastic day trip from the lively holiday resort of Rimini. If you’re thinking about visiting soon, read on and check out the best things to do in San Marino, as well as what to know before visiting this micro-state!
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Where is San Marino?
San Marino is a small micro-state nestled within Italy, close to the Italian city of Rimini. The pint-sized country lies in the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains and borders the Italian regions of Emilia Romagna and Marche.
Curious Facts about San Marino
Unknown European gem, San Marino is a very small independent republic in Europe. The country is about 60 square kilometers big, which makes it the fifth smallest republic in the world.
Furthermore, despite being on such a small territory, the country is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The country is a landlocked state, surrounded by Italy.
However, it has its government, laws, flag, and customs. Even though San Marino does not belong to the EU, its official currency is the Euro, making it easy enough to pay for things during your visit.
The state is located on hilly terrain while the capital city of San Marino is located on Mount Titano, the highest point in the country.
San Marino is also the oldest sovereign state in the world, founded in the fourth century AD. Therefore, faithful to its Medieval origins, the state’s capital city is surrounded by impressive stone walls and defensive fortresses dating back to the Middle Ages.
What is the capital of San Marino?
The capital of the country is the City of San Marino, which is known as the Città di San Marino or Città for short.
How to Get to San Marino
The country does not have an airport, for that reason, to reach San Marino, it’s necessary to travel to Italy first and then head to the tiny state by land.
San Marino’s nearest airport is the Italian Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini. From here, there are buses connecting Rimini train station to San Marino. Alternatively, you can drive from Rimini, the trip is less than 20 minutes.
It is also possible to get to San Marino from other close-by regions in Italy, including Bologna and the port city of Ancona.
Where to Stay in San Marino
To explore San Marino, enjoy its gastronomy, and join organized tours, but also for more convenience, the best thing to do is to stay in the City of San Marino. These are the places we recommend:
- La Grotta Hotel: Offering family rooms and a convenient shuttle service to Rimini, this hotel is centrally located in the center, only meters from the city’s main square. Check prices and availability here.
- Garden Village San Marino: This is a pet-friendly property located amidst a green garden, featuring a pool area and offering sports and activities to guests. It’s close to bus stops offering easy access to the center of the city and Rimini. Check prices and availability here.
- Titano Suites: Featuring a restaurant and a wellness center, this hotel is in the City of San Marino, only meters from San Marino’s Basilica. It’s only 25 km from the beach of Rimini. Check prices and availability here.
How long do you need in San Marino?
Thanks to its status as one of the smallest countries in the world, you don’t need a great deal of time to explore San Marino and can easily see all of the major attractions over the course of a day.
With this being said, you’ll want to schedule an overnight stay so as to enjoy the micro-state in the early evening and early morning before the day trippers arrive (most visitors to the country only stay during the daytime).
Best Things to Do in San Marino
Are you ready to explore the best of this small country? Let’s dive into the most amazing things to do and places to discover in San Marino!
Walk Around the Capital
Since the City of San Marino is mostly a pedestrian area, the best way to be surprised by sights, admire the local architecture, go souvenir-hunting, and soak in the atmosphere of the country is by walking.
You can easily enjoy a self-made walking tour of San Marino’s capital starting on the main street, to soon reach Liberty Square, the most popular meeting point, also home to some of the most important buildings in the city.
During your stroll around San Marino, you’ll be often surprised by the amazing views that, from atop the mountain, overlook the green Italian landscape, reaching as far as the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
Discover the Three Towers
The old state of San Marino is not only very small but also surrounded by foreign land, therefore, protecting its independence from foreign invaders has always been of utmost importance.
For that reason, the country is surrounded by massive stone defensive walls and ancient protective watchtowers.
Also known as the three fortresses of San Marino, these three towers spread across the three peaks of Mount Titano where also the capital is located.
These three towers can be seen on the flag of the country, they are not just important landmarks but three beloved national symbols. Unfortunately, not all of them are open to the public.
The oldest of the three towers is Torre Guaita, also known as Rocca Guaita this is also the most visited of the three as it is impressively beautiful and has unique views of the surrounding countryside landscape.
Torre Guaita dated back to the eleventh century, and during its long life it also served as a prison for a short time and today it is possible to visit.
The second tower, also open to the public, is Torre Cesta, standing on the highest summit of Mount Titano. The tower is slightly newer than Torre Guaita and it houses a weapon and armor museum with exhibits from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Torre Montale (which is closed to the public) is the smallest and newest of the three. Built in the fourteenth century, this tower was also used as a prison during a period in history.
Access hours to the two main towers vary according to the season and time of the year. Since climbing up to the summit can take a while and might require some effort, do check at the tourist office in the center of town before attempting the climb.
A mountain path known as the Passo delle Streghe (or Witches’ Passage) connects the three towers. The path runs along the top of Mount Titano and offers breathtaking views.
Both the historic center of San Marino as well as the complex of towers are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This interactive tour of San Marino is conveniently affordable, you can download it to your phone and use it any time during the trip also includes a stop and more information about the three towers.
If you choose a private tour instead, you will visit with a local guide that will answer all your questions and give you every curious detail you are eager to know about the towers and other ancient sights in the historic center of San Marino, this option also includes a cable car ride to avoid some of the most difficult climbs.
Important tip: Although the way up to the summit is not very tiring and the vistas are worth the effort, climbing along the old stone paths would certainly require comfy shoes. Don’t forget to pack them, they will be super useful for exploring the whole Republic of San Marino, which is quite hilly in general.
Visit the Palazzo Publico
Known as Palazzo Publico, the government seat of San Marino is in Freedom Square (or Piazza della Libertà). It is one of the most important places in the country and features a magnificent square tower made with stones from Mount Titano itself.
The Neo-Gothic palace is next to the defensive walls and its watchtowers were also part of the defensive system that sued to protect the republic.
You can see the picturesque ceremony of the change of the guard in the palace every half an hour every day of the week.
Hang Out in Piazza della Libertà
Right next to the Palazzo Publico, Liberty Square is another great spot to witness the change of the guard performed by the Guardie di Rocca, the fortress guard corps.
At the center of the square, you can easily spot the Statue of Liberty, which adorns a fountain. Around the square, there are souvenir shops and cafés where you can sit for a while and engage in some people-watching moments.
Explore the National Museum
Although there are several museums to visit (which you can check down below), we’ve given a special place to San Marino’s national museum for its impressive collection.
Known as Museo di Stato, the national museum of San Marino is worth a few hours of your itinerary. Loaded in the small Piazzetta del Titano Square, the beautiful historic palace hosting the museum is the first reason to visit.
Inside the venue, different exhibitions portray archaeological finds from the Neolithic and the mysterious Etruscan civilization.
There is also an area devoted to ancient art that includes a curious Egyptian collection, but also paintings, coins, and icons from the Byzantine school.
San Marino Basilica
The most important church in the city (and the country) is the Neoclassical basilica in Domus Plebis Square.
Although the building is relatively new if compared to other landmarks in San Marino, the nineteenth-century basilica stands on top of a more ancient Romanesque church.
The basilica presents seven impressive altars. The main one is dedicated to Saint Marinus whose relics are also guarded in the sanctuary.
Check out the Cable Car
San Marino’s funivia (cable car) is an easy way to reach the highest point in the country, the capital city and historic center traveling from Borgo Maggiore, a lower district also known as Borgo Basso or Campo della Fiera.
However, the best reason to jump on the cable car is the fantastic opportunity to snap the best panoramic shots of the Adriatic coast and the rolling hills of the Italian countryside.
The ride is short (about two minutes only!), but gives you plenty of time to admire the surrounding panoramas.
A simple ride costs €3, while a return ticket is €5. There are also discounts for groups and special categories of travelers. You can check these details and the opening hours on the official website.
Get your passport stamped
While you won’t have to get your passport stamped upon entering San Marino, many visitors choose to get their passport stamped at the local tourist office, which makes for a unique and unusual souvenir from the small state.
Pick and Visit One of the Many Museums in San Marino
Despite being a micro-state with limited territory, it’s nothing short of surprising to discover that there are a lot of interesting exhibitions scattered throughout San Marino.
These are some of the museums we recommend checking out in San Marino:
Museum of Agricultural Culture and Traditions
Located in the City of San Marino, this is a farmhouse museum that honors the rich agricultural heritage of the country. The museum is in an ancient patronal house built in the 1700s.
The visit, which can last about an hour, takes participants into the heart of a restored farm and farmhouse that portrays the way of life and rural customs as well as ancient tools and rudimentary instruments used to work the land back in time.
Museum of Curiosities: Perfect to visit with kids as well as to keep your inner child happy and entertained, this quirk exhibition is also in San Marino City.
This fascinating place features curious objects, strange world records, and weird inventions that will surprise you with their unicity and creativity. Get ready to be amazed and learn about the exhibits through very informative signs.
Ferrari Museum
Also known as the Vintage Car Museum, this is another collection that attracts the attention of visitors of all ages, as long as they share a passion for vintage cars.
The exhibition includes an ancient car collection, several Ferraris, Formula 1 vehicles, and the first Spyder Ferrari that belonged to Marilyn Monroe!
Wax and Torture Instruments Museum
Although small and easy to visit, this museum is a fascinating place to spend time in San Marino, mostly if you travel with the family.
Located in the City of San Marino, inside this place, you will be amazed at over a hundred wax figures of different historical characters like former European rulers, Popes, famous artists, scientists, and inventors.
The best part of the exhibition is a curious section of the museum devoted to ancient instruments of torture used with people suspected of crimes, witchcraft, or conspiracy.
Coin and Stamp Museum
Visited by stamp collectors from all over the world, this gorgeous stamp and coin collection is in the main church of Borgo Maggiore, the main settlement at the foot of Mount Titano.
Inside the venue, it is possible to learn all about the gold coins that San Marino mints still to this day.
These can only be used in San Marino but are a rare attraction to coin collectors from every corner of the planet.
Embark on a Day Trip
San Marino is close to many seaside towns on the Riviera Romagnola, which gives you endless day trip opportunities in the area.
The first and most obvious visit would take you to the sea. Located under 30 minutes from the Italian coast, it’s easy to spend a beach day on the Adriatic coastline.
Some of these include the coastal towns of Rimini, Riccione, and Cattolica, arguably the most popular towns in Italy for summer among locals. They have gorgeous sandy beaches and tons of nightlife entertainment. In fact, both Riccione and Cattolica host some of the best discos and clubs in the country.
Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy bucolic landscapes and tranquil experiences, head to the nearby castle towns surrounding the capital of the micro-country.
These tiny villages located on relatively low peaks feature a castle or fortress, a picturesque old center, and ancient cobblestoned alleys. If this kind of day trip sounds interesting, renting a car is a must. Check car rental comparison prices here.
In the area, it is possible to visit the Fortress of Montelupo, the Castle of Malatesta in Fiorentino castle town, and the small settlement of Montegiardino.
A final note on planning a trip to San Marino
As you can see, San Marino can be an excellent short break if you’re spending a vacation in Italy (ideally near Rimini), but also a fascinating destination on its own, with incredible landscapes, captivating history, and stunning ancient fortresses, this fantastic little country has a lot more to offer than you would have imagined.
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.