Discovering San Marino: Italy’s Best Kept Secret

Italy’s best kept secret isn’t a city or a beach; it’s a country. San Marino is one of the oldest and smallest independent republics in the world and its packed with jaw dropping views, rolling countrysides and amazing food. if you’re a first timer heading to Europe check out 10 things you need to know before traveling to Europe.

getting there

We recommend to stay in San Marino for 2-3 days and take day trips to nearby beach towns like Rimini and Richonne.

To reach San Marino, your best starting point is Bologna (you can also access from Florence) You can easily fly into Bologna International Airport and then take a car, bus or taxi to San Marino. The journey from Bologna to San Marino is approximately one hour and thirty minutes, allowing you to witness the picturesque Italian countryside as you approach this extraordinary destination.

a scenic view of one of the Tre Monti

where to stay

During your stay in San Marino, I recommend to stay up in Citta (the top of the city center). This is most centrally located and the views are unparalleled. Two noteworthy accommodations stand out: Hotel Cesare and Grand Hotel. Both offer comfortable and luxurious options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Hotel Cesare’s charming atmosphere and convenient location within the historical center make it a favorite among visitors. On the other hand, the elegant Grand Hotel boasts stunning panoramic views and top-notch amenities, ensuring a memorable experience.

Hotel Cesare room interiors capturing italian countryside elegance

what to do while you’re there

  1. Urban Hiking: San Marino’s captivating views can be best appreciated by embarking on an urban hiking adventure. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding streets, alleys, and stairways, and be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The city’s elevated position provides an unparalleled panorama, allowing you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the countryside.
  2. Luxury Outlet and Boutique Shopping: San Marino is renowned for its unique boutiques, and one such gem is Deli, a haven for women’s clothing. Explore this boutique’s curated collection, and you might stumble upon stylish and exclusive fashion pieces to add to your wardrobe. They also recently opened an amazing luxury discount shopping mall called San Marino Luxury Outlet Experience with stores like Prada, Twinset and other big brands. I have a whole blog on SHOPPING IN ITALY – BRANDS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT!
  3. Città to Borgo Maggiore: Hop on the Funivia, a cable car that connects the historic center of San Marino, known as Città, to the charming town of Borgo Maggiore. Thursdays come alive with a bustling street market where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, find traditional crafts, and indulge in culinary delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some of the freshest and most delicious calamari in the region.
  4. Spend the day at the beach in Rimini or Richonne: take the bus or if you have a car you can drive about 30 minutes to the lively beach town of Rimini. This spot has great nightlife into the late hours of the evening. My favorite beach is Bagno 41 sud Lucio.

what/where to eat

eating crostata with fruit. A must try when visiting San Marino.
  1. La Capanna: For a truly enchanting dining experience, visit La Capanna, offering sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Savor delectable seafood delicacies while enjoying the breathtaking coastal scenery. They have phenomenal Piadina (think of it like an italian quesadilla or flatbread) that is famed in this region.
  2. Ristorante Spingarda: Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the San Marino countryside, Ristorante Spingarda presents an idyllic setting to indulge in local cuisine. Relish traditional dishes while immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the picturesque surroundings. The pizza is my go-to here!
  3. La Terrazza: If you’re in the mood for a romantic evening with spectacular views, make a reservation at La Terrazza. This white-tablecloth restaurant offers refined dining and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a sunset dinner. My go to is any of the homemade pasta (tip: when traveling in Italy ask if the pasta is fatta en casa or fatta a Mano – this means made in house or made by hand)
  4. Hotel Bellavista: This is one of my favorite cafes in all of San Marino. It has the most beautiful golden hour views that give sweeping views of the rolling hills in San Marino and where we had our first large family dinner in RSM!

Want more recs for San Marino? Drop your questions below!

By Bucketlist Experience, Europe Travel