San Marino
San Marino claims to be the world's oldest surviving republic, founded according to tradition in AD 301, and it is still governed from a walled town on the cliffs of Mount Titano. The Three Towers look out over Romagna's hills to the Adriatic. Most visitors come on a half-day trip from Rimini, but evenings here are far quieter.
Overview
San Marino covers just 61 square kilometres, entirely surrounded by Italy, and its nine castelli spill down the slopes of Mount Titano from the walled capital on the summit ridge. A visit centres on the City of San Marino itself: the Three Towers strung along the cliff edge, the Palazzo Pubblico and the Basilica, steep lanes of shops, and views east to the Adriatic coast. Most people arrive by bus from Rimini, spend half a day and leave; staying overnight, riding the cable car down to Borgo Maggiore and walking the wooded slopes makes the trip feel far less rushed.
Prices are similar to central Italy's, and lower taxes draw shoppers to San Marino's perfume, leather and electronics shops, though bargains are not guaranteed. Summer weekends bring coach parties and the old town's lanes can be shoulder to shoulder at midday, while winter is cold and often misty on the ridge. It works best as a day trip from the Emilia-Romagna coast or a stop on a road trip between Bologna and Urbino. Visitors are often surprised by how seriously the Sammarinese take their independence, with their own stamps, euro coins, crossbowmen and ceremonial guard.
Map of San Marino
Top 5 highlights
- 1Architecture
Three Towers of Mount Titano
Guaita, Cesta and Montale crown the ridge's three peaks and appear on the national flag's coat of arms. Guaita, the oldest, dates from the 11th century; climb its walls and Cesta's tower for views stretching to the Adriatic.
- 2Nature
Passo delle Streghe
The 'Witches' Pass', a cliff-edge path linking the First and Second Towers, with a sheer drop on one side and views over the Romagna hills. Walk it towards sunset, then continue through the woods to Montale.
- 3History
Palazzo Pubblico
The neo-Gothic town hall, rebuilt in the 1880s and 1890s, where the two Captains Regent are invested. In summer the Guardia di Rocca changes guard in Piazza della Libertà outside, and the council chamber can be visited.
- 4Sacred site
Basilica di San Marino
A neoclassical basilica completed in 1838 on the site of a much older church, with a portico of Corinthian columns and the relics of St Marinus, the stonemason who founded the republic.
- 5City
Cable car to Borgo Maggiore
The funivia drops from the old town to Borgo Maggiore in a couple of minutes, with views over the plain to Rimini and the sea. Ride down for the market-town piazza and a quieter lunch, then back up.
Biggest cities
Serravalle
The most populous castello, including Dogana on the Italian border; mainly offices, shops and the national football stadium, with little for visitors beyond its small castle.
Borgo Maggiore
The market town below the summit, linked to the capital by a short cable car; its piazza hosts a weekly market and is a pleasant, less crowded place to eat.
City of San Marino
The walled capital on Mount Titano's ridge holds nearly all the sights: the Three Towers, Palazzo Pubblico, Basilica and museums. Busiest at midday, far calmer once the coaches leave.
San Marino is divided into nine castelli (municipalities) rather than cities; populations are for each castello, and Serravalle includes Dogana, the largest built-up area.
When to go to San Marino
Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep.
Average climate in City of San Marino
Festivals & events
- Apr, OctInvestiture of the Captains Regent
Every 1 April and 1 October the two new heads of state are sworn in, with a procession of guards in full dress uniform, a Mass and ceremonies at the Palazzo Pubblico.
- JulMedieval Days
For several days in late July the Giornate Medioevali fill the old town with costumed parades, crossbow and flag-throwing displays, medieval food stalls and music.
- SepFeast of San Marino
On 3 September the republic celebrates its founder and its foundation with a crossbow contest, processions and festivities in the old town's squares.
How much does San Marino cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Nidi di rondine
'Swallows' nests': sheets of fresh pasta rolled around ham and cheese, sliced into spirals and baked under béchamel and tomato until bubbling.
Torta Tre Monti
The national cake: thin wafer layers sandwiched with hazelnut and chocolate cream, coated in chocolate, named after the three towers and sold in tins all over town.
Piadina
Romagna's griddled flatbread, folded around prosciutto, soft squacquerone cheese and rocket; the cheapest good lunch on the ridge.
Getting around
San Marino has no airport or railway. Regular buses run from outside Rimini station to the City of San Marino in under an hour, and drivers park in the numbered car parks below the walls, as the old town is largely closed to traffic. A cable car links Borgo Maggiore with the capital; otherwise expect to walk on steep, cobbled lanes.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CFL230V — bring a UK-to-C/F/L adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +378
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- As in Italy, a cover charge (coperto) may appear on the bill; tipping is optional, so round up or leave a euro or two for good service.
- Etiquette
- The Sammarinese are proud of their independence, so don't call it part of Italy. Cover shoulders and knees in the Basilica and churches, and keep your voice down near the guards.
- Main airports
- Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), Rimini — across the border; Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), Bologna — across the border
Visas & entry for San Marino
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area and San Marino for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in San Marino are different. Contact the San Marino Consulate in the UK for more information.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in San Marino
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Mon 2 Nov 2026 | Commemoration of the Dead |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Saint Stephen's Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Fri 5 Feb 2027 | Anniversary of the Liberation of the Republic and Feast of Saint Agatha |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Anniversary of the Arengo |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Thu 1 Apr 2027 | Investiture of Captains Regent |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Workers' Day |
| Thu 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi |
| Wed 28 Jul 2027 | Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism and Freedom Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Fri 3 Sep 2027 | Saint Marinus' Day, Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic |
| Fri 1 Oct 2027 | Investiture of Captains Regent |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Italian
| English | Italian | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Buongiorno | bwon-JOR-noh |
| Thank you | Grazie | GRAHT-see-eh |
| Please | Per favore | pair fah-VOR-eh |
| Excuse me | Mi scusi | mee SKOO-zee |
| How much is this? | Quanto costa? | KWAN-toh KOS-tah |
Know before you go
- Stay the night if you can: day-trippers and coach groups leave by late afternoon, and the floodlit towers and empty lanes make the evening the best time on the ridge.
- Wear shoes with good grip. The old town is all steep, polished cobbles and stairways, and the paths to the Second and Third Towers include uneven, exposed sections.
- The tourist office in the old town will stamp your passport as a souvenir for a small fee; it is purely decorative and has no official status at any border.
San Marino travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit San Marino?
The best time to visit San Marino is generally Apr–Jun, Sep. Peak months are April, May, June and September. Average highs in City of San Marino range from 6°C to 27°C across the year.
How much does a trip to San Marino cost per day?
Roughly £60 a day on a tight budget, £130 mid-range and £250+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in San Marino?
Euro (EUR).
What plug type does San Marino use?
Type C, F and L sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in San Marino?
Traffic drives on the right in San Marino, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in San Marino?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for San Marino?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area and San Marino for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for San Marino before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/san-marino/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for San Marino?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Bat Lyssavirus sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
