Visiting San Marino in a day from Rimini

Surrounded by Italy, San Marino covers 61 km² around Mount Titano: a fortified town on top of cliffs, three towers linked by a ridge path and a view that stretches to the Adriatic on clear days.

Why visit San Marino?

San Marino claims to have been founded in 301, making it the oldest republic still in existence. Its historic centre and Mount Titano have been UNESCO World Heritage since 2008, and the country, entirely surrounded by Italy, is easy to add to a stay on the Adriatic riviera.

What to discover in San Marino?

The old town on top of Titano

The historic centre, at around 650 metres, can be explored on foot in three to four hours. Its sloping lanes lead to Piazza della Libertà, the neo-Gothic Public Palace where the two Captains Regent sit, and the basilica dedicated to the founding saint. From there, a path follows the ridge to the towers, with views of the Rimini coast and, on clear days, the Apennines. The town empties after 6 pm: staying overnight lets you see it without the tour groups, numerous in July and August.

Borgo Maggiore and the cable car

Below the old town, Borgo Maggiore is the former market village where a market is still held on Thursdays. A cable car links its square to the capital in about two minutes, with frequent departures during the day: the easiest option if you park at the bottom, as the car parks at the top fill up quickly in summer. The ride offers an aerial view of the cliffs. In the other direction, walking down through the wooded paths takes around forty minutes.

The castelli and the countryside

The country is divided into nine municipalities called castelli, including Serravalle, the most populated, Domagnano and Montegiardino, the smallest. Hills, olive trees and quiet roads there show a calmer side than Titano, to explore by bike or car in half a day. To extend a trip through Europe's microstates, Vatican City is about four hours away by train via Rimini and Bologna, and Monaco shares the same taste for ramparts above the sea.

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Not to miss in San Marino

Three stops are enough to sum up the republic of Titano.

Guaita and Cesta towers

The first two of the three ridge towers, open to visitors, with steep stairs, a sentry walk and panoramic views over the plain to the Adriatic.

Changing of the guard

The ceremony of the Rocca guard in front of the Public Palace, held at set times in summer, to check on site at the tourist office.

State Museum

Collections of archaeology, art and coins tracing the history of the republic, housed in Palazzo Pergami-Belluzzi in the historic centre.

Frequently asked questions

Is San Marino part of the European Union?
No. San Marino is not an EU member, but it uses the euro under a monetary agreement and has no controlled border with Italy. In practice, travellers enter as they would Italy: a valid ID card or passport for European nationals.
How much time should you allow for San Marino?
One day is enough for the old town, the towers and the cable car. A night on site lets you enjoy Titano in the evening and early morning, without the day trips from the coast, and add the castelli or a hike on the mountain's trails.
Can you drive up to the old town?
The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone, but several numbered paid car parks are terraced on the slopes of Titano, linked to the centre by stairs or lifts. In summer they fill up by late morning: park in Borgo Maggiore and take the cable car.
Can you visit the third tower, Montale?
No, Montale tower, the smallest and furthest away, cannot be visited inside. You can, however, walk up to it along the ridge path from Cesta tower, a short wooded walk with fine views of the other two towers.
Is shopping cheaper in San Marino?
San Marino applies its own tax system, different from Italian VAT, which can make some products such as perfume, alcohol or electronics cheaper. The difference is not systematic: compare before buying, and respect customs allowances on your way home.
What are San Marino's Medieval Days?
In late July, the old town hosts several days of costumed parades, crossbowmen, musicians and taverns. It is one of the liveliest times of the year, but also one of the busiest: book accommodation early if you want to stay on Titano.

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