Share the article
Last updated
Whether you’re a history buff or only mildly interested in geography, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if we told you that there is an independent country inside Italy: we’ve all heard of the Vaticanseat of the Holy See, and the world’s smallest sovereign state.
HoweverUnless you’ve been studying the map of the Italian peninsula for a while, you may not have noticed that the Vatican isn’t the only country stuck within Italy’s national borders – yes, there is one second Anexcept that it is miles away from Rome and its religious pilgrims.
Located on a hill in the north of Italy, San Marino is the fifth smallest country in the world and also a world-class autumn destination (especially if you want to beat the crowds):
What makes San Marino special?
We understand that you may be surprised at the thought out there yet another country in the middle of Italy, so be here some fun facts about San Marino before we can continue:
- It’s the oldest country in the world, which has remained virtually unchanged for seventeen centuries
- It is the oldest constitutional republic in Europe
- The official language is Italian
- The currency used is the euro, just like in neighboring Italy
- The republic itself is completely surrounded by the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna
- The area of the country is 61.2 square miles, one-third of the area of Washington DC
- The highest peak, Monte Titano, rises 750 meters above sea level
- The population consists of only 33,660 peopleaccording to last count
Now that you know that San Marino is probably smaller than the sprawling suburb you live in, and that it’s essentially a castle on a hill, why even entertain the idea of visiting?
Of course we are joking: we will repeat that it is not only a full-fledged country, but… a fairy tale castle on a hill?
The land that could belong in a Disney Princess movie
At the highest point of San Marino, near Monte Titano, you will find the idyllic town of San Marino, a citadel that serves as the capital and administrative center of the microstate.
It may have the status of a city, but that’s what it really is a compact city with 4,061 inhabitants, characterized by largely car-free, cobbled alleys, medieval dwellings and flanked by three imposing towering peaks, of which Guaita is the best known:
This lookout tower was built in the 11th century and is the most easily recognizable postcard in San Marino, etched on a vertiginous cliff overlooking Italy’s verdant north.
It is joined by Cesta, the most advantageous viewpoint in both the capital and the country as a whole, as well as a national museum with a rich collection of medieval weapons, and the least visited Montale, which is currently not open to the public.
Why autumn is the perfect time to visit San Marino
With its hilly nature, high altitude and absence of rivers and sea to cool off from the stifling heat, San Marino is not the place you want to visit in high season, when thermometers can reach a scorching 90 degrees.
It is much better to climb San Marino in the fall, when the average daily temperature is there a much more pleasant 68 degreesIn the evening the temperature drops to a breezy temperature, and the unforgiving sun – and inhospitable humidity – don’t hold you back.
Again, everywhere in San Marino is an uphill road and water sources are limited if not non-existent: even out of season, keep a bottle of water with you and take a few snacks with you before you set out to climb the peaks.
How affordable is San Marino to visit?
San Marino is also significant more affordable as a destination in the fall, with the start of three-star hotels from just $83 and a meal at a cheap restaurant that he said cost only $16.76 Numbeo estimates.
Among the best cheap eats is Strapizzati, a local pizzeria just a 4-minute walk from the capital’s Palazzo Pubblico della Repubblica, where you can get square pizza slices less than $5and Bar Ristorante Marico, where you order a pasta dish, some of which will cost you $17.
What is there to see outside the capital?
Outside the capital, tourists visit Dogana, the main entry point into the country, where you can buy souvenirs at lower rates and dine cheaply – just look for the restaurant-lined Via della Repubblica.
Borgo Maggiore, host to San Marino’s largest open market, is also not to be missed.
If you can’t get enough of it medieval flair yet the historic town of Serravalle is home to both a monumental castle and charming squares that are largely open to the public this fall.
Only 300,000 international tourists per year
In fact, San Marino as a whole continues to exist largely undiscovered by a majority of tourists flying to Italy from across the pond: an estimated 85% of the country’s 2 million annual visitors are Italian nationals.
Considering that Italians are still effectively ‘at home’ in San Marino – there are no borders, language barriers or currency exchanges – only 300,000 factual foreigners reach the country every year despite its accessibility:
It’s just one A 50-minute bus ride from the up-and-coming Adriatic resort of Rimini, except in October, you’ll feel it a lot of more peaceful.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
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.
