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There are so many places in Europe currently rising in popularity that some travelers are starting to look beyond the household names in search of something new and less crowded.
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets is super convenient for American travelers right now, as Italy tops the list of their favorite European vacation destinations.
While popular destinations like Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast certainly top the list within the borders of Italy, there is actually a separate country within their borders as well.
A small, landlocked country only accessible through Italy, it rivals in beauty, culture and food. And even though there is no airport, it is easier to get to than you might think.
No, we are not talking about Vatican City, as phenomenal as this city is to visit. We’re talking about the fifth smallest country in the world – San Marino.
Don’t sleep on San Marino
When you look at a map of Italy, your eyes are drawn to the names we all know. But if you look closer, you’ll see that the landlocked country of San Marino looks like it’s in Italy.
San Marino is recognized by the United Nations as its own self-governing republic, but given its location many travelers are sleeping rough on it instead of sleeping in It.
And there are indeed some fantastic places to stay, such as the four-star Titan Suites Hotel San Marino with breathtaking views or the Grand Hotel San Marino, set in beautiful mountains – both less than $100 per night.
This country, although small with a total population of only 33,000, is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Italy.
Instead of pushing into another city you already know, why not try something new and avoid the busy streets of Rome and the tourist taxes of Venice?
Charming streets and storybook castles
There is a certain vision that we often keep in mind before setting foot in many European destinations.
We see cobbled streets, lovely terraces and dazzling historic architecture.
San Marino ticks these boxes and more with breathtaking nature in a mountainous setting, earning a place at the table with the most relaxing, peaceful European destinations imaginable.
What’s even better is that the country is very reminiscent of Italy. Shocking, right?
The charming streets and scents will immediately take you back to whatever Italian city you arrived in and you will ask yourself: “Why doesn’t anyone know this place?!”.
Those who have discovered this hidden gem have left rave reviews, with one of the highlights being the UNESCO-protected area Centro Storico di San Marino for shopping and divine food and drink.
Moreover, San Marino is a very old country and even claims to be the oldest republic in the world.
San Marino’s vast history is reflected in the best way, especially when you visit the fairytale castles dating back to the 11th century.
This small country may seem like a country far, far awaybut don’t worry: you won’t see Lord Faarquad barking orders at any of the 3 indispensable towers of Guita, Cesta and Montale.
It is Guita who is the most famous and the most visited of the bunch. 0
Once you reach the top of Monte Titano, you’ll immediately see why it’s considered one of the most majestic castles in all of Europe.
How to reach San Marino
Travelers will have to drive or buy a bus or train ticket to enter San Marino. Italy does require Americans to have one International driver’s licensewhich many travelers do not possess.
That leaves bus and train options. There is not necessarily a train to San Marino, but there are trains to the nearby Italian coastal city of Rimini.
Reaching Rimini is the first step before reaching San Marino, as this city is the only gateway to the country by bus.
If you reach Rimini by bus or train, you can still buy a bus ticket to San Marino for about $13 round trip, or a taxi for about $40.
Once here, the ‘country desks’ at the official tourism office can take away a rare San Marino passport stamp, as there is no proper passport control upon entry.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
