San Marino, known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is the third smallest state in Europe (after the Vatican and Monaco) e the oldest republic in the world. Completely surrounded, visiting San Marino is for sure one of the most beautiful travel experiences that can be done "inside" our beautiful country.
Just 10 km from Rimini, arriving and entering San Marino is very simple and practical. Although it is not officially part of the Schengen area, there are no border controls between Italy and San Marino, and to visit the country you just need one of the documents such as an identity card.
Visiting this historic republic is highly recommended. It can be done in one day or several days, it can be combined with a weekend at any time of the year or a summer holiday on the Romagna Riviera. In short, every moment is right to visit that beautiful country.
Most of the cultural attractions are located in the capital, also called San Marino. Located at 657 meters above sea level, it offers beautiful views of the nearby towns and surrounding countryside. The city of San Marino is full of historic buildings, small museums, quaint restaurants and shops where you can buy a bit of everything.
Il historic center of San Marino, surrounded by a wall and the Mount Titano with a maximum altitude of 755 meters and on whose peaks the three towers of San Marino are located since 2008 they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
When to visit San Marino
San Marino has a typical Mediterranean climate, however given the altitude it has a cooler climate than the coast Romagna. In summer the temperature fluctuates between 20 ° and 30 ° C, while in winter between -5 ° and 10 ° C.
The best time to visit San Marino goes from early spring to mid-autumn. In addition to being a good period, summer is also a very pleasant choice when the days are very hot and you go in search of less hot temperatures. Winter can be a very characteristic period, especially when the Monte Titano area is covered with snow.
How to get to San Marino
By car
If you arrive by car, from Rimini or from the Rimini motorway exit, it is advisable to take the San Marino state road 72 (SS 72), a two-lane road in each direction.
There are no border controls. We recommend that you park your car in the nearby Borgo Maggiore and take the cable car to the city of San Marino. There is a large car park near the cable car station.
By train
San Marino has no train connections. The closest railway station is that of Rimini. From the square in front of the railway station during the day a bus leaves about every hour for San Marino.
By bus
If you want to arrive directly by bus in San Marino, you can find out if there are direct buses from your city or organized by transport companies. Otherwise you can take a bus to Rimini and then one of the buses departing from the square in front of the Rimini railway station.
By plane
San Marino has no airports, the closest airport is the Federico Fellini airport of Rimini which also serves as the international airport of the Republic of San Marino. From the airport you can reach San Marino by renting a car, taking a taxi or by bus to the Rimini train station and then taking a bus to San Marino.
You could also use the airports of Bologna or Ancona, but the distance would be greater, about 100 km to do with a rental car.
What to see in San Marino
Visiting San Marino is quite simple, most of the most interesting places in this tiny state are located in historical area of ​​the city of San Marino, the capital of the same name.
San Marino City
The historic center is in a spectacular location on the Mount Titano, at 756 meters above sea level. The main attractions of San Marino are the three towers, which appear on the national flag. Located on top of Mount Titano, these towers are gods small castles where you can enjoy splendid views on San Marino, on Italy, as well as on the Adriatic Sea.
Two of these towers, Torre Guaita and La Torre Cesta, are open to the public, while the third tower, Torre Montale (the smallest of the three towers), cannot be visited and was once used as a prison. The cost of the ticket to visit a single tower is € 4,5 (reduced € 3,5), while to visit two towers the cost of the ticket is € 6,5.
Basket Tower, also known as the Second Tower, is located on the highest of the peaks of Mount Titano. It is the largest of the towers and inside is the Museum of Ancient Weapons of San Marino which exhibits over 1.500 weapons and armor from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century.
La Guaita Tower, also called Prima Torre, is the oldest of the three towers and the most famous. It was built in the 9th century and was used briefly as a prison. The visit of the two towers can be done every day from 30:23 to 00:XNUMX. The two towers are connected by a path that follows the walls that run along the cliff.
La Basilica of San Marino, located in Piazzale Domus Plebis, is the main church of the City of San Marino. This neoclassical Catholic church is dedicated to the founder and patron saint of San Marino, San Marino from which the republic took its name.
Piazza della LibertĂ it is the main square of the city of San Marino, as well as being the most beautiful and evocative. The square is flanked on both sides by government buildings, including the Palazzo Pubblico (also known as the Government Palace) and the town hall famous for its frescoes in the council rooms. At the center of the square is the Statue of Liberty. The square offers splendid views of the surrounding area and in the evening it enjoys a characteristic atmosphere, thanks also to the right lighting of monuments and buildings.
State Museum of San Marino - A museum of art, architecture and archeology. The museum is open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. The cost of the ticket to visit the museum is € 4,5 (reduced € 3,5).
San Francesco Pinacoteca Museum of San Marino - A beautiful art collection located in a centenary cloister. The museum is open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. The cost of the ticket to visit the museum is € 4,5 (reduced € 3,5).
Torture Museum - A small museum that traces the sad and cruel custom of torture throughout history. Open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day during the summer and with reduced hours during the winter.
Wax Museum - Inside it is possible to admire and photograph over 100 famous people in period environments and costumes and about 40 scenes from the history of San Marino and Romagna. The museum is open every day. The opening is at 9:00 while the closing time varies according to the time of year.
As the city of San Marino is quite small, the best way to visit the city is on foot. Some streets and alleys have a considerable slope, and in some cases they have a pavement made of pebbles. To make it easier for those with mobility problems to see, various elevators there are shots all over the city.
Other locations
From Rimini, after entering the Republic of San Marino they meet Serravalle e Domagnano, two interesting places for those who want to go shopping.
Borgo maggiore, located directly under Mount Titano, is the second most touristic place after San Marino City. This characteristic village can be an interesting alternative destination to the historic center of San Marino, furthermore by taking the cable car you can easily reach the historic center of San Marino.
The localities of Phaetano, Montegiardino, Fiorentino, Chiesanuova e Living Water they are smaller and less visited municipalities.
What to do in San Marino
One of the most beautiful and enjoyable things to do in San Marino is it Shopping. There are many shops in the historic center of San Marino, where you can buy a bit of everything: medieval objects, watches, stamps, coins, leather goods, souvenirs, liqueurs, tobaccos,…. Purchases are cheaper than spain because in San Marino the 22% VAT is not paid. San Marino uses the euro as its currency.
San Marino Adventures: A adventure Park with various activities, including paths suspended in height among the trees, rock climbing and ziplining.
Eat in one of the many characteristic restaurants in the historic area of ​​San Marino. Many offer splendid panoramic views of the Romagna Riviera or the surrounding area.
Climb in funivia from Borgo Maggiore to San Marino. The length of this funicular is 338 meters and covers an elevation gain of 166 meters. The cost of the ticket is € 2,80 for one way and € 4,50 for return. There's a ample parking near the cable car station.
To stroll for the small cobbled streets of the historic center of San Marino, along which there are all kinds of shops, bars and restaurants, it is very pleasant. You breathe amedieval atmosphere, especially in the evening when there are fewer tourists and the atmosphere becomes even more peaceful and charming.
Il Monte Titano Natural Park offers many hiking trails. The best starting point for starting any of these sentieri it is located near the Cesta Tower, to the right of the entrance to the museum.
In addition to hiking, they can also be made pleasant bike rides. The less trained can rent an electric bike. You can too to fish at the Lake of San Marino in Faetano
Where to sleep in San Marino
Staying in San Marino as well as allowing you to visit the town comfortably and quietly, offers the opportunity to enjoy the evening quiet and the characteristic medieval atmosphere in the streets of the historic center.
Search and book a hotel in San MarinoBest hotels in San Marino
Grand Hotel San Marino - The Grand Hotel San Marino, located on the summit of Mount Titano, close to the Rocche and the historic center, is one of the best hotels to sleep in in San Marino.
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Hotel La Grotta - Located in an excellent position for visiting San Marino, this 3-star hotel is one of the most comfortable places to stay.
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hotel Rosa - This 3-star hotel is one of the best solutions for value for money. The nearly 2.000 reviews with an average score of over 9 out of 10 prove this.
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Hotel Titano - This 4-star hotel is one of the historic hotels in San Marino. It offers one of the best locations to visit the historic center and enjoy beautiful views.
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Cesare Hotel - A wonderful 4-star hotel located within the ancient city walls of San Marino, in the pedestrian area.
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hotel Rosa - This 3 star hotel is one of the best solutions to stay in San Marino. It offers good rates and a good location for visiting the historic area.
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Hotel Rossi - Located along the main road leading above the city of San Marino, this 3-star hotel is one of the cheapest hotels to sleep in in San Marino.
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Garden Village San Marino - This 3-star residence is the ideal situation to spend several days of vacation in San Marino. Among the many services offered, there is also a beautiful swimming pool much appreciated by couples and families with children.
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Dogana Hotel - Located practically a little beyond the state border, this hotel is the perfect solution to easily reach the historic center of San Marino and also be close to Rimini, the wide beaches and attractions along the coast.
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Hostaria da Lino - This 3-star hotel is the perfect solution for those who park their car in Borgo Maggiore and then reach the historic center of San Marino by cable car. The hotel also has a restaurant.
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B&B Balsimelli 12 - A well-kept bed and breakfast located in the upper part of the historic center, with a breathtaking view over the rooftops and the surrounding area.
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Hostel San Marino - Located in Borgo Maggiore, this hostel with shared rooms is the cheapest solution to sleep in the Republic of San Marino.
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San Marino has few hotels, so a good choice where to sleep in the area could certainly be the tourist resort of Rimini. This historic and very famous holiday resort has avery wide hotel offer and you can find both luxurious and affordable accommodations.
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