VISIT SAN MARINO
Perched on a hilltop within Italy, tiny San Marino claims to be the world’s oldest republic. With stunning views, a proud heritage, and fairy-tale towers, it’s a unique stop for curious travellers.
Currency
€ - Euro (1€ ≃ 1,05$ ≃0,86£)
POPULATION
34 000
MAIN LANGUAGE
Italian
AREA
61 km²
TIME ZONE
UTC+1 / UTC+2
FLAG
🇸🇲
VISIT THE BASILICA DI SAN MARINO
This neoclassical church dedicated to the republic’s founder is a serene and striking landmark.
WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTER
The UNESCO-listed old town is filled with stone streets, panoramic terraces, and tiny museums, perfect for a half-day stroll.
CLIMB TO THE THREE TOWERS
These medieval fortresses on Mount Titano offer epic views and a sense of stepping back in time.
Prepare your trip to San Marino
💡 Why visit San Marino?
San Marino, one of the world’s smallest and oldest republics, offers breathtaking hilltop views, medieval towers, and a unique sense of history. Nestled entirely within Italy, this microstate boasts cobblestone streets, panoramic hiking trails, and a tax-free shopping experience. It’s perfect for a memorable day trip or a peaceful overnight escape from the crowds of nearby cities.
🪪 Do I need a visa to visit San Marino?
San Marino has no border controls with Italy. If you are permitted to enter Italy under Schengen visa rules, you can enter San Marino without any additional visa. Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Italy (and thus San Marino) visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, some nationalities do require a visa for the Schengen Area.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information below is provided merely as an indication and applies for short-term tourism visa purposes only. Before your trip to San Marino, or if you are planning to come for another purpose (work, studies, …), check the official information via the San Marino Foreign Affairs portal.
⛅ When is the best time to visit San Marino?
❄️ December – February: Winter is quiet and chilly, with the potential for snow creating a magical atmosphere atop Mount Titano. Shops and museums are open, but fewer tourists are around.
🌱 March – May: Spring is ideal, with mild weather and blooming flowers. It’s a wonderful time for walking the fortress walls and enjoying views without summer crowds.
☀️ June – August: Summer is warm and lively, with festivals like the Medieval Days and daily flag ceremonies. Expect higher tourist numbers, especially during weekends.
🍂 September – November: Autumn brings cooler air, fewer visitors, and beautiful colors along the hills. A great time for photographers and history lovers alike.
🚉 How to get around San Marino?
As a very small country, San Marino is easy to explore:
🚌 Buses: A regular bus service connects San Marino City with Rimini (Italy), the nearest city with a train station. Buses run several times daily and are the main public transport option.
🚂 Trains: There is no train station in San Marino. The nearest major railway hub is Rimini, from which you can reach San Marino by bus or taxi.
🚗 Car Rental: If you’re visiting as part of a road trip through Italy, driving to San Marino is very easy. The roads are well maintained, and traffic drives on the right-hand side. Parking lots are available at the base of the hill.
💳 Can I use bank cards or cash for payments in San Marino?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels in San Marino. However, carrying some cash is useful for small purchases or bus tickets.
🔌 What type of plugs and voltage does San Marino use?
San Marino uses three plug types: C, F, and L. They both have two grounding holes. San Marino operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.
If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.
🪙 Is tipping customary in San Marino?
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is a nice gesture. Service charges are sometimes included in the bill.
🥛 Is it safe to drink tap water in San Marino?
Tap water is considered safe to drink in San Marino.
📅 When are public holidays and store closing days in San Marino?
Sunday is a closing day for many stores in San Marino. National public holidays in San Marino include:
- New Year’s Day (January 01)
- Anniversary of the Milia Foundation (March 25)
- Labour Day (May 01)
- Feast of Saint Marinus and Republic Day (September 03)
- All Saints’ Day (November 01)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
On these days, many businesses and offices will be closed, and some attractions may have reduced hours.
🚦 What are the speed limits in San Marino?
In San Marino, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The general speed limits are as follows:
- 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
- 90 kph / 56 mph in rural roads
- There are no motorways within San Marino
During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.
💬 What are some basic Italian words I should know?
Italian is the official language in San Marino. Here are some useful words:
- Hello (informal) = Ciao
- Good day = Buongiorno
- Goodbye = Arrivederci
- Yes = Sì
- No = No
- Thank you = Grazie
- Please = Per favore
- You’re welcome = Prego
- Excuse me = Mi scusi
- Day = Giorno
- Night = Notte
- Good evening = Buonasera
- Goodnight = Buonanotte
- Mister = Signore
- Ma’am = Signora
- Street = Strada
- Road = Via
💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Italian language to use it even offline!
🛡️ Is it safe to travel in San Marino?
San Marino is extremely safe and peaceful. Crime is rare, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Still, it’s wise to take normal precautions:
Secure Your Belongings: Especially in busy areas or during festivals.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
Temperatures in San Marino
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Rainfall in San Marino
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