Thinking of stopping in San Marino 2nights (either by car or train & bus). Have not seen much on this site about this separate country within Italy. Have any of the posters been there? Enough to see & do for 1.5 days?
Appreciate comments and suggestions as to where to stay as well.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11847 posts
We have not been. It appealed to me and was on my list until friends -- multiple friends from the U.S. embassy in Rome -- went and said don't bother. One said that two nights was two nights too many. If you must go, it seems it is best to perhaps stay in Rimini and just go to SM for a day.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
We happen to like San Marino and have stayed there twice. After the first time we returned and spent three nights at the terrific Hotel Ristorante Cesare. On the second visit we had a room with a balcony and the evening view was absolutely stunning.
I've read many negative posts concerning this town, but we found it to be very interesting and not so touristy. Visiting the three towers was interesting. The first two towers have museums and the third one is a nice walk, but is closed. We recommend buying the pass than enables you to visit everything for one price.
We took a road trip to Maranella to visit the Ferrari Museum, which was very cool. You can also view the Adriatic Sea from San Marino and would make a nice day trip.
At night the town is very empty and peaceful for the evening passeggiata. After dinner we would walk down to a gelatoria for our daily goodies.
Buon viaggio,
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16230 posts
Been there many times. I had a SanMarinese girlfriend there in youth (always liked exotic foreign girls :)
You can see everything there is to see in half a day. But there are several other places to see in the area and the views are outstanding. I like it.
If you stay in the Rimini/San Marino area for two nights, I would couple that visit with a visit to San Leo and, if you were into the Borgias' TV series, the Castle of Gradara.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You can see some highlights in Rick's Little Europe TV show. He's not trying to convince you to go.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
I have been there. In addition to it being a very pretty place it is another country to cross off the travel list. I really enjoyed the towers, the town, and the ambiance. We visited for just about a day and I think that was enough. However, Roberto makes a good point. You really should go see San Leo, it is an amazing location and the cliff on the east and north sides is something to see. It really is incredible.