Content
Top 5 Incredible Things to Do in San Marino (2026 Guide)
San Marino is a small independent republic surrounded by Italy, best known for its medieval historic centre and the three towers on Monte Titano. Its narrow streets, stone buildings and hilltop views make it very different from the larger Italian cities nearby.
Most visitors come for the historic centre and the views, but there is more to see beyond the towers. You can walk along the ridge, visit museums, take the cable car from Borgo Maggiore, try local food and see traditional crossbow events when they are taking place.
You can book flights and hotels through Epic at up to 30% less than Booking.com, with payment options including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay and 200+ cryptocurrencies. New users also get $25 off their first booking.
Here are the five best things to do in San Marino in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- San Marino is the world's oldest surviving republic and the fifth-smallest country in the world. Its historic centre sits on Monte Titano and is surrounded by Italy.
- San Marino has no airport. Most visitors arrive from Rimini by bus, which takes around 50 minutes, or drive and park below the historic centre.
- The Three Towers are the country's main landmark. Guaita and Cesta are open to visitors, while Montale can only be viewed from outside.
- A two-tower ticket costs €9, while the cable car costs €4 one-way or €7 return in 2026.
Top 5 Incredible Things to Do
in San Marino
1. Climb the Three Towers
The Three Towers are San Marino's most recognisable landmarks. Guaita, Cesta and Montale sit along the ridge of Monte Titano and are also featured on the country's national flag.
Guaita is the oldest of the three. Dating back to the 11th century, it was also used as a prison and sits directly on the rocky ridge. Cesta stands at the highest point of Monte Titano and contains a collection of historic weapons.
Both Guaita and Cesta are open to visitors. The third tower, Montale, is closed to the public, but you can see it from the surrounding paths.
A two-tower ticket costs €9, while the wider National Museums pass costs €11. Opening hours vary by season, so check the latest ticket information before visiting.
The towers are the main highlight of San Marino, so they are worth making time for. The two-tower ticket is enough for most visitors, while the museum pass makes more sense if you want to visit several museums. Keep in mind that some sections of the towers are steep, so comfortable shoes are important.
Book your next hotel for up to 30% less
2. Walk the Witches' Path
The Passo delle Streghe, or Witches' Path, is a short trail connecting Guaita and Cesta along the ridge of Monte Titano.
There is no entrance fee for the path, so you can walk it even if you do not want to enter the towers. Along the route, you get views of Guaita, the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, towards the Adriatic coast.
The path is relatively short but includes uneven sections, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It is also a good option if you want to see the Three Towers without spending much on entrance tickets.
The Witches' Path is an easy way to get some of the best views without paying for another attraction. It follows the ridge between the towers, so you can take your time and stop for photos along the way. Early morning or late afternoon is a good time to walk when it is cooler and quieter.
3. Explore the Old Town and Piazza della Libertà
San Marino's historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Its narrow stone streets lead to small squares, viewpoints, shops and historic buildings.
Start at Piazza della Libertà, the main square and location of the Palazzo Pubblico, where the country's government is based. The square is also used for official ceremonies and events.
Give yourself some time to wander around the old town rather than sticking only to the main square. Piazza della Libertà and Palazzo Pubblico are the obvious stops, but some of the smaller streets and viewpoints are just as enjoyable. If you're visiting in summer, check the schedule for the changing of the guard.
4. Ride the Cable Car from Borgo Maggiore
The cable car connects Borgo Maggiore with the historic centre on Monte Titano and takes only a few minutes. It is a convenient alternative to driving up the mountain, particularly if you are visiting San Marino by car.
In 2026, the fare is €4 for a single journey, €7 for a return ticket and €10 for a day ticket, with reduced fares also available. The cable car does not take you directly to the Three Towers. Once you reach the upper station, the main sights are reached on foot.
There is more to San Marino than the historic centre. The Walk of the Titano gives you a chance to see some of the surrounding countryside, while traditional crossbow events offer something you won't get from the usual sightseeing route. Check the event calendar before your trip if you'd like to see one.
Do you want same view?
Click here →5. Walk the Trails and See Traditional Crossbow Events
There is more to San Marino than the historic centre. The official tourism board promotes the Walk of the Titano, a network of trails covering around 43 km through different parts of the country. There are also options for cycling, e-biking and climbing.
If you visit during a weekend or public holiday, check whether a traditional crossbow event is taking place at Cava dei Balestrieri. The Federazione Balestrieri Sammarinesi holds events there on selected dates.
San Marino also has several unusual museums, including collections covering torture, curiosities, wax figures and other niche subjects. These can be a good option if you have extra time or want something different from the historic sights.
There is more to San Marino than the historic centre. The Walk of the Titano gives you a chance to see some of the surrounding countryside, while traditional crossbow events offer something you won't get from the usual sightseeing route. Check the event calendar before your trip if you'd like to see one.
How Do You Get to San Marino in 2026?
San Marino has no airport, so most visitors travel through Italy. Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini is the closest airport, around 40 minutes away by car. Bologna is a larger international option and is roughly two hours away.
From Rimini, you can take a bus to San Marino. The journey takes around 50 minutes, and services operate daily, including weekends and public holidays. Tickets can be purchased according to the current service arrangements.
If you are driving, park outside the historic centre rather than trying to drive through the narrow streets. From Borgo Maggiore, you can take the cable car up to the historic centre.
Most visitors reach San Marino from Rimini, and the bus is a simple option if you don't have a car. Driving gives you more freedom if you want to explore beyond the historic centre, but parking in Borgo Maggiore can be easier than taking the car up into the old town.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit San Marino in 2026?
San Marino is relatively affordable for sightseeing. A two-tower ticket costs €9, while the National Museums pass costs €11. The cable car costs €4 one-way or €7 return.
You can also explore several parts of the city for free, including the historic streets, Piazza della Libertà and the Witches' Path.
Food prices vary depending on where you eat. A simple piadina can cost around €5, while restaurants in the historic centre can be considerably more expensive.
Accommodation is the main additional cost if you decide to stay overnight. Prices vary by season and location, so it is worth comparing options before booking.
You can see many of San Marino's main sights without spending much, as walking around the old town and visiting several viewpoints is free.
Your biggest expenses are likely to be accommodation and food. If you're visiting on a budget, staying outside the historic centre and eating away from the main tourist streets can help keep costs down.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
A few practical points will make your visit easier:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The historic centre has cobbled streets, slopes and uneven steps, while the tower routes include steep sections.
- Carry some euros: San Marino uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for smaller purchases and local transport.
- Allow a full day: You can see the main sights in one day, but staying overnight gives you more time to visit the towers, walk the ridge and explore the old town at a quieter time.
- Check event dates: Traditional events and festivals take place on specific dates, so check the current calendar if you want to see crossbow competitions or other local events.
Comfortable shoes will make a big difference here. The old town has plenty of slopes, cobbled streets and steep steps, particularly around the towers. Most places accept cards, but carrying a little cash is still useful for buses, smaller shops and cafés.
What Is the Best Time to Visit San Marino?
The best time to visit San Marino is April to June and September to October, when the weather is comfortable for walking and the historic centre is generally less crowded. July and August are warmer and busier.
November to March is quieter but can bring cooler weather and shorter opening hours. If you want to attend a traditional festival or crossbow event, check the event calendar before your trip.
May, June, September and October are good months if you want comfortable weather for walking without the busiest summer crowds. July and August are warmer and usually busier, while the quieter months can be cooler. If you're visiting for a festival or crossbow event, check the dates first and plan the rest of the trip around them.
Plan Your San Marino Trip
A full day is enough to visit the Three Towers, explore the historic centre, walk the Witches' Path and take the cable car. If you have more time, add a museum, try some local food or explore one of the walking trails.
If you are staying overnight, book your accommodation in advance during the busier summer months. You can book flights and hotels through Epic at up to 30% less than Booking.com, with payment options including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay and 200+ cryptocurrencies. New users can claim $25 off their first booking.
If you already use cryptocurrency, Epic gives you the option to book your San Marino trip using crypto instead of converting it first. You can book hotels in and around San Marino, with up to 30% less than Booking.com. Epic also accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay and 200+ cryptocurrencies, with $25 off your first booking for new users.
Sources
- Business Wire, Epic Transitions into the Travel Layer for Crypto, Bringing Real-World Utility to the Web3 Space
- Binance Academy. What Is Epic Chain (EPIC)
- Visit San Marino (official tourism board) — Useful Information: getting there and cable car fares — https://www.visitsanmarino.com/pub1/VisitSM/en/contenuto/Pianifica-il-viaggio/INFORMAZIONI-UTILI.html
- Visit San Marino (official tourism board) — The Walk of the Titano (43 km trail network) — https://www.visitsanmarino.com/pub2/VisitSM/en/luogo/ITINERARI-NATURALISTICI/Il-cammino-del-Titano.html
- San Marino Site / AASS — Cableway times, fares and stations — https://www.sanmarinosite.com/en/how-to-reach/ropeway/
.png)
Adrian Baschuk is the chief executive officer of Epic. Adrian has spent two decades in media as a producer, journalist, and founder, and has worked in crypto since 2017. He was a founding partner at Crypto Banter, worked on CNBC's Crypto Trader, and has produced and reported for CNN, Current TV, and Discovery.
His television production credits include Disengagement, South Beach Tow, and Kart Life. He became CEO of Epic in 2025 and leads the company's move into travel, building the first travel layer for crypto.
Based in Miami, Adrian earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from Tufts University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plenty for one day: climb the Three Towers, walk the free clifftop Witches' Path between them, wander the medieval old town and Piazza della Libertà, ride the cable car up from Borgo Maggiore, get the novelty passport stamp, browse the tax-free shops, and soak up the sweeping views over the Italian countryside toward the Adriatic coast.
No. There's no border control between Italy and San Marino, so no one checks your passport when you cross in. That said, bring it anyway—you'll need it to fly into Italy, and you can get a fun (optional, paid) souvenir San Marino stamp at the tourist office in the capital as a keepsake.
San Marino shares the hearty cuisine of Italy's Romagna region. Try the piadina (a warm flatbread wrap), pasta dishes like nidi di rondine, and cured meats and local cheeses. Save room for Torta Tre Monti, the signature layered wafer-and-chocolate cake named after the Three Towers, and pair your meal with local Sangiovese or Biancale wine.
Not really it's one of Europe's more affordable stops. Most attractions, including the towers and museums, cost under €11, the cable car is just €4–7, and the bus from Rimini is cheap. Food ranges from a few euros for a piadina to fine-dining splurges. Accommodation is moderate, so both budget day trips and overnights work comfortably.
San Marino has been independent since AD 301 and simply never gave that up. It predates a unified Italy by over 1,500 years, and when Italy unified in the 1800s, San Marino was left sovereign partly as thanks for sheltering Giuseppe Garibaldi. Today it remains a fully independent republic with its own government, surrounded entirely by Italian territory.
Found a hotel you like? Book it for up to 30% less
Found a hotel you like? Book it for up to 30% less
