San Marino travel guide
San Marino is a tiny independent republic surrounded by Italy, perched on the slopes of Monte Titano between Emilia-Romagna and Marche. It claims to be the oldest surviving republic in the world, and its medieval towers, walls and lanes look out over the Adriatic coast. Most visitors come for a day from Rimini, but staying overnight lets you see it without the crowds.
Places worth the trip
The Three Towers
Guaita, Cesta and Montale stand along the ridge of Monte Titano and appear on the national flag and coat of arms. Guaita and Cesta can be visited, with steep steps and views over the hills to the sea, and a path links all three.
Historic centre of San Marino
The walled old town, listed by UNESCO together with Monte Titano, has narrow streets, gates and squares, including Piazza della Libertà with the Statue of Liberty in front of the government building.
Palazzo Pubblico and the changing of the guard
The town hall and seat of government, rebuilt in the late nineteenth century in neo-Gothic style. The changing of the guard takes place in front of it at set times during the warmer months.
Basilica di San Marino
A neoclassical church dedicated to the republic's founder, Saint Marinus, whose relics are kept inside.
Borgo Maggiore and the cable car
A cable car links the old town with Borgo Maggiore, the lower town, which has a weekly market tradition dating back centuries.
State Museum and the stamp tradition
The State Museum covers archaeology and art from the region. San Marino is also known for its stamps and coins, and the tourist office will stamp your passport as a souvenir for a small fee.
Medieval Days
Each summer the old town hosts a medieval festival with crossbow contests, costumed parades, music and food. The crossbow tradition is maintained by the Federation of Crossbowmen throughout the year.
Interesting facts about San Marino
- According to tradition, San Marino was founded in 301 AD by Marinus, a stonemason from the island of Rab, making it the world's oldest surviving republic.
- San Marino has two heads of state, the Captains Regent, who are elected for six-month terms starting on 1 April and 1 October.
- San Marino is not in the European Union but uses the euro under an agreement with the EU and mints its own euro coins.
- With an area of around 61 square kilometres, San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world.
- The San Marino Grand Prix, a former Formula 1 race, was actually held at Imola in Italy, not in San Marino itself.
Best time to visit San Marino
Spring and early autumn, from April to June and September to October, are the best times, with mild weather and fewer coach tours. July and August are warm and busy, with the Medieval Days festival in summer. Winter can be cold, windy and occasionally snowy at the top of Monte Titano, but the views can be clear, and Christmas brings a seasonal market.
Getting around
San Marino has no airport or railway. The usual route is by bus from Rimini, whose railway station has regular services up to the old town; the nearest airport is in Rimini, with Bologna further away. Driving is easy from the Italian motorway, with car parks below the old town connected by lifts and steps. The historic centre is compact but steep and best explored on foot. The cable car links the old town with Borgo Maggiore.
Practical details
- Capital
- City of San Marino
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Italian
- Plug types
- C, F, L
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 112 (also 113 police, 118 ambulance, 115 fire)
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- As in Italy, not expected. A cover charge (coperto) may appear on restaurant bills; rounding up for good service is appreciated.
Staying online in San Marino
Mobile coverage is good across San Marino, and phones may also connect to Italian networks near the border, often without you noticing. San Marino is not in the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply automatically, and some EU plans charge extra; check with your provider. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, many cafés and some public areas. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land in Italy, so you have data for the journey up the mountain.
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Walking routes through the steep old town and directions from Rimini.
- Trenitalia: Train tickets to Rimini, the nearest railway station.
- Google Translate: Italian translation for menus and signs.
San Marino travel FAQs
A day is enough to see the towers and old town, but staying a night means you can enjoy the views in the evening and early morning, after the day visitors have left.
Only in name. There are no border checks on the roads into San Marino, and a sign welcomes you to the 'Ancient Land of Liberty'. The tourist office can stamp your passport as a souvenir.
Yes. Because San Marino is outside the EU, some EU plans charge roaming fees there, and your phone may switch between Sammarinese and Italian networks. A travel eSIM covering both gives you predictable data.
The local cuisine is similar to that of Romagna: piadina flatbreads, fresh pasta, and the Torta Tre Monti, a layered wafer cake named after the three towers.