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Already in Italy and want to check one more country off the bucket list? At least that's what I wanted to do. However, San Marino is more than an additional stamp to your passport, it's a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and easy to do in one day.
The microstate is similar to Vatican City in that it lives within Italy, but what makes it unique is that it is known as the oldest republic in the world! It is easily accessible from Rimini, a small town without much to see but known for its beach parties and historic town.
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Weather and best time to visit
San Marino experiences significant seasonal variation throughout the year. The clearer part of the year is from June - September, with the rest of the year showing a 50-50 chance of experiencing cloud cover. I arrived on May 30 with my camera ready, but I was unlucky as the sky was completely covered with clouds, making it difficult to justify the trip.
Unless you really want to check off this microstate from your bucket list, I would build in a flex day into your itinerary in case the weather is bad, preferably from the closest tourist city of Bologna, but also from the farther towns of Venice, Rome, or Florence. Book free cancellation accommodation for your flex town location and the town of Rimini/San Marino. Then, check the weather a week or two before your trip. If high visibility is predicted, go ahead and cancel your flex day reservation and stay a night in Rimini or San Marino to do this day trip. Otherwise, cancel your booking and enjoy one more day in Italy.
Getting there
Of course, arriving by rental car would be easiest. You can take a funicular to the top from the parking lot for €6.50 round trip. However, I took a train in from Rome and slept the night at Rimini. Then I traveled by bus from Rimini, which was quite straightforward. You can buy tickets online, from a shop near the station, or from the driver. I opted for the second option and headed to a nearby tobacco store as I waited for the bus. The cost oneway is only €1.3, and if you'd like to purchase a valid ticket for the whole day it will be €3. The bus ride is 90 minutes one way and will drop you right next to the Old Town.
Accommodation
I stayed at the Sunflower City Student Hotel & Hostel in Rimini and enjoyed it. It was a very social vibe with all the things you would expect from a top-rated hostel. They also have a nearby sister hostel called Sunflower Beach Backpacker Hostel which is rated very well.
For mid-range price points in Rimini, try Hotel Baltic, Ambienthotels Panoramic, or Hotel Stressa. For higher price points, try i-SUITE Design Hotel or Grand Hotel Rimini.
If you want to stay within San Marino, all hotel prices are roughly similar, so pick what works best for you!
Other information
San Marino accepts the euro, so no need to exchange currency. Also, while you could spend your whole day here, most people spend 4-6 hours. This gives you more than enough time to head to your next location in the evening without feeling rushed.
Things to do
Old Town
Old Town will be a bit busy as the entire town is catered to tourists. Many of the shops are duty-free, and it's a great place to walk around if you have extra time at the end of the day. I saw lots of stores selling random collectibles and Italian leather, and I'm sure you can find some hidden gems.
Palazzo Pubblico Have a bite at one of the Basilica del Santo Marino many restaurants
Visit the towers and walk the walls
There are three towers in San Marino, but only the first two (Guaita and Cesta) are accessible. I didn't go into either as there was no view due to cloud cover, but I would definitely go if the skies were clear. It's a good idea to get a combination ticket for entry to both towers, up to four public museums, and the Public Palace. Even if you don't visit all the attractions, the flexibility it allows is worth the 8ish euros, and it allows you to fill up most of the day.
The first tower includes a steep ladder that goes through a small hole, which is fun for the non-claustrophobic. The second allows you to see as far as the Apennine Mountains on a clear day and includes a traditional weaponry museum. You can walk the walls all the way to the third tower, but remember that you can't go inside. The walk between the first two towers is called the Witches Path and can be one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the view. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, not only on this path but for the whole day!
Though the path was cloudy, My sad face as the view was A moment of clarity: it added an extra layer fully obstructed by clouds :( San Marino flag giving way
of mysticism to the scene below
Get your passport stamped
The tourist information center allows you to buy a passport stamp for €5. I'm not big into collecting them, but if you are, why not!
Visit the eccentric private museums
San Marino has 12 museums, many of which are a bit odd. While I enjoyed the quirky museums of Zagreb, most of these felt like they only exist because tourists will visit them. I would recommend leaving a bit early instead of visiting the Museum of Curiosity or the Wax Museum, especially as they are not rated very well. However, if you have a particular interest in the Titanus multimedia experience or the Museum of Torture Instruments, you might believe they are worth the €8 entrance fee.
Visit during a festival
36 festivals happen year-round in San Marino. If you're in the area, the following are probably worth your time, all of which are free:
May 18: San Marino Crossbow Shooting Championship
Each year, professionals shoot in medieval costumes reminiscent of the 1400s and fight for the silver cup.
Similarly, June 1-2 will host the Torneo Della Liberta, a free archery championship
July 26-28: Medieval Days
Of all the festivals to see, this is the one I would like to attend the most. Locals do historic reenactments of medieval life in full costumes for tourists to enjoy.
April 1, October 1: Investiture Ceremony of the Most Excellent Captains Regent
Enjoy a morning filled with parades to celebrate the Captains Regent, two officials acting jointly to head San Marino in order to ensure power is never in the hands of one man. Check out the full description on the San Marino website at the link above.
*None of the links on this post are sponsored
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