San Marino travel guide
Diminutive San Marino is the world's oldest country, and a surprising pocket of alleyways and villages perched on the picturesque Italian hills
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino might be it’s official name, but serene it aint. In summer in particular, the medieval heart of the capital city, also called San Marino, is overrun with tourists and hawkers trying to cash in on the country's status as Europe’s third-smallest state and, so they say, the world’s oldest republic. Even the border guards are at it – for €5, they’ll grace your passport with an official stamp.
Tacky souvenirs aside, the pedestrianised streets of the capital, with their picturesque arches and ramparts, are fun to explore and because the city is perched on the slopes of Mount Titano, the views are magnificent. Outside the capital, San Marino’s other towns and villages are less touristy and set against a backdrop of pretty woods, streams and lakes. San Marino has a lot to offer. Just don’t visit in high season.
Wanderlust recommends
- Stay overnight in San Marino – preferably outside of peak season – to experience the city minus the day-tripper crowd and witness the sun slink behind the Apennines.
- Cycle the Laila footpath – a 3km route starting from the town of Domagnano. Following an old railway track (disused since 1944), this path weaves through tall pine trees, olive groves and a Roman archaeological site.
- Don’t leave without trying San Marino’s answer to the Kit Kat – the Torta Tre Monti, made with wafers, hazelnut cream and chocolate.
Wanderlust tips
Escape the crush on the funicular running between San Marino city and its neighbour, Borgo Maggiore. Instead take a 20-minute gentle uphill stroll along the Costa dell’Arnella footpath. This evocative stone pathway linking the two towns is lined with trees, so is shaded in summer.