Holidays in San Marino

Understanding San Marino

San Marino is the world's oldest republic and Europe's third smallest state It lies 657m above sea level with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic coast, and is situated only 10km from Rimini Legend has it that the founder of San Marino, a stonemason arrived from the island of Arbe in Dalmatia, climbed Mt Titano to found a small community of Christians, persecuted for their faith by the Emperor Diocletian

San Marino is made up of a few towns dotted around the mountain sides The capital of San Marino is itself called 'San Marino' and is situated high up on a mountain top The capital is surrounded by a wall and three distinct towers overlook the rest of the country The site "San Marino: Historic Centre and Mount Titano" has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008

The towns surrounding the capital are more industrial and generally not as attractive as the main city San Marino is 20 times bigger than Monaco and half the size of Liechtenstein

Talking in San Marino

The people in San Marino speak a very clear Italian

What to see in San Marino

You can see two of the three towers as seen on the flag of San Marino by purchasing the "Red Card" for €450 The "yellow card" €3 only allows you to see one of the towers You cannot enter the third tower since there does not seem to be an entrance!

Simply walk around the city The narrow streets are full of surprises The walkways wind up and down the hillside in an interesting way, inviting exploration TheSan Marino lake in Faetano where fish can be caught

What to do in San Marino

Get your passports stamped at the tourist information centre This is an excellent souvenir as they stick a postage stamp and then an official ink stamp over the top, €5

Buying stuff in San Marino

• A lot of the souvenir shops sell weapons, from swords to B-B guns

• Like other states which have the Euro as their currency, San Marino has its own patterns on the back of the Euro coins You can try to obtain these coins by simply going around buying things and collecting the coins that way, but a quicker solution is to buy the set in a souvenir shop Unfortunately, these sets seem to lack the € 1 and € 2 coins

Prices for items such as disposable cameras and batteries are cheaper in San Marino than they are in Italy This is partly because in San Marino you don't have to pay the 20% IVA sales tax that you have to pay in Italy

Food and eating in San Marino

Obviously Italian dishes, like lasagne, spaghetti alla bolognese, gelato italian ice-cream, and whatever you eat in Italy

Supermarkets in San Marino are few and far-between, although the following can help in this area:

• Conad Azzurro Shopping Center, V M Moretti 23, Serravalle SM 03508
• Sma Supermercati Via del Passetto 113, Fiorentino SM

Drinking in San Marino

• The local beer is very tasty
• Spirits are also very commonly found, especially Limoncello, a lemon liquor
• Try the locally produced wine
• The coffee, like in its Italian neighbour, is superb

Accommodation in San Marino

Although San Marino has a few hotels, the seaside resort of Rimini has a lot more and is probably a cheaper option

• Sunflower Beach Backpackers Hostels via Dardanelli 102 & via Siracusa 25, Rimini Beach +39 0541373432 http://wwwsunflowerhostelcom/ from 14 € per person info@sunflowerhostelcomA Beach Youth hostels within walking ditance from the beach, train/bus station,Pubs and Discos and local attractions Situated in the Beach Side Center Free breakfast Internet and WiFi, laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchen, 24hr security, Bycicles, Bar open 24H, Parties and Concerts Open all year Your Youth Hostels in Rimini Riccione and San Marino Repubblic

• Grand Hotel San Marino, The Grand Hotel San Marino rises on the peak of Monte Titano, close to the Rocche and the Old Town Center With a few minutes stroll you will find yourself immersed in the rich culture and history of this city

Cities in San Marino