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San Marino is one of the smallest sovereign states in the world. both in terms of area and population. Located within Italy, this country is an often overlooked destination for travelers. However, this small country has a lot to offer, both with its charm and its impressive history. The best way to experience San Marino is via a day trip from Rimini, Italy. Check out this guide to see the top attractions and plan out your perfect San Marino day trip!
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Where is San Marino?
San Marino is an independent city-state enclave situated within the borders of Italy. Located near Italy’s eastern coast, it lies southwest of the city of Rimini.
How to Get to San Marino
The easiest way to get to San Marino is from Rimini, Italy. Luckily, Rimini is well-connected with the rest of the country via train and bus. Once you are in Rimini, there are a few options to get to San Marino.
By Bus
There are a few different bus companies that will take you from Rimini to San Marino. However, I highly recommend taking the F.lli Benedettini bus. If you pay 20 Euros ($21.80 USD), you will get roundtrip bus tickets, a 1.50 Euro ($1.65 USD) cable car ticket to take you to the top of San Marino, and a train ride from the bus station to the cable car.
This train ride provides an audioguide available in different languages that describes the history of San Marino. The train passes through several historical areas, including a tunnel that housed refugees during WWII.
You can buy tickets from this bus company directly across from the Rimini train station.
By Car
I don’t recommend taking a car to San Marino due to the inexpensive and reliable bus options. In addition, it could be difficult to find parking near the center of San Marino. However, it is also possible to drive there. The trip will take about 30-45 minutes from Rimini, and you can easily arrive there via Google Maps or other navigation apps.
What is Special about San Marino?
There are three main reasons why San Marino is worth visiting: its historical legacy, mountaintop setting, and cultural heritage.
Historical legacy
San Marino holds the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest republics, with a history that dates back over 1,700 years! Its enduring sovereignty, preserved through countless generations, is a testament to the spirit of independence and self-governance. Located atop Mount Titano, this microstate provides an inspiring glimpse into the past, offering visitors the chance to explore medieval architecture, centuries-old traditions, and a sense of resilience that has stood the test of time.
Mountaintop setting
The picturesque setting of San Marino adds to its allure. Located high atop Mount Titano, the city-state provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. As visitors ascend the winding paths to the historic center, they are rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding countryside and ocean. The combination of history and natural beauty will leave a strong impression on you as you explore this small country.
Cultural heritage
San Marino may be small in size, but its cultural heritage is very impressive. The city-state is home to a range of museums, art galleries, and cultural landmarks that showcase its rich history and artistic contributions. You can find everything from intricate medieval architecture to charming cobblestone streets here. San Marino fuses ancient traditions with modern luxuries to create an atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery.
Top Attractions in San Marino
While there is plenty to see and do on a San Marino day trip, here are our recommended top 5!
1. Basilica di San Marino
The Basilica di San Marino, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, is a testament to the region’s deep-rooted religious history. The exterior of the basilica showcases Romanesque architecture, while the interior houses intricate frescoes and religious artifacts. Visitors can witness the devotion of the locals as they gather to pay homage to their patron saint. The basilica’s serene atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-visit attraction for both history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.
2. Guaita Tower
The Guaita Tower is one of the most iconic symbols of San Marino. The tower, built in the 11th century, is the oldest of the three fortresses on Mount Titano. Visitors can explore the tower’s battlements, dungeons, and hidden passages, immersing themselves in the rich history of the region. The breathtaking views from the top provide a unique perspective of San Marino’s picturesque landscape.
3. Piazza della Libertà
The Piazza della Libertà, also known as Liberty Square, is an important historical landmark in San Marino. It is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors for a few different reasons.
Palazzo Publico
The Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) stands as an iconic symbol of San Marino’s governance and history. This medieval structure boasts impressive architecture adorned with intricate details and impressive facades. Housing the governmental chambers, including the Grand and General Councils, the Palazzo Pubblico serves as a living testament to San Marino’s centuries-old tradition of democracy. Under certain circumstances, visitors can enter and explore the halls of the Palazzo Pubblico.
Culture and events
The Piazza della Libertà comes alive with a dynamic array of cultural events and celebrations throughout the year. Everything from lively festivals and concerts to traditional markets and parades occurs here. Locals and visitors alike gather here to participate in the events and enjoy the festivities.
Restaurants
Small cafes and restaurants surround the Piazza della Libertà and spill out onto the cobbled streets. While you enjoy your meal, you can enjoy the picturesque views of the square. This is also located next to the cable car, so it’s a great place to stop and eat during your visit.
4. Borgo Maggiore Cable Car
Taking the cable car from Borgo Maggiore to the town of San Marino is one of the best things you can do while in San Marino. The ride only lasts about two minutes, but it allows you to get an amazing glimpse of the surrounding area as you rise to the top of Mount Titano. The main photo of this blog post was taken while riding the cable car.
The cable car costs 1.50 Euro ($1.65 USD) each way.
5. Cesta Tower
The Cesta Tower, also known as the Second Tower, offers a different perspective of San Marino’s medieval heritage. Built on the highest peak of Mount Titano, this tower houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons, showcasing a collection of about 2,000 types of arms, armor, and historical artifacts. You can imagine what the life of a medieval knight would be like as you enjoy the best views of San Marino!
Where to Stay around San Marino
There are options to stay in San Marino, you can also stay nearby in Rimini, Italy. There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay around San Marino. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you are on a budget, I recommend staying in Rimini. This is only a short bus ride away, making it perfect for a San Marino day trip. Hotel Royal Plaza is a highly-rated hotel at a competitive price in Rimini. This hotel offers a pool, a few different bars, and is only about 100 meters from the beach!
Medium budget
If you want to stay in San Marino, I recommend staying in Hotel La Rocca. This hotel is located on Mount Titan in the historic center of San Marino. Its central location makes it a great place to stay to explore this small country. It is also reasonably priced, with a room going for about $50 USD!
High budget
If you want a truly luxurious experience, check out the Grand Hotel San Marino. This 4-star hotel is also located in the historic center of the country and offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside. They also provide different room styles and layouts to ensure that you have the perfect stay!
FAQs about San Marino
1. What language is spoken in San Marino?
The official language of San Marino is Italian.
2. Do I need a passport to go to San Marino?
Once you are in Italy, you do not need a passport to get into San Marino.
3. How long do you need at San Marino?
At a minimum, I recommend spending 3-4 hours at San Marino. This gives you enough time to explore San Marino’s main attractions.
4. Can you enter San Marino for free?
Yes, you can enter San Marino for free. When I visited, nobody was checking passports or IDs, although it’s a good idea to bring them just in case.
5. Is San Marino expensive?
While the average per capita of San Marino is higher than Italy, it is also less expensive than Italy.
