Positioned on a cliff top in the heart of Italy, the tiny enclave of San Marino offers an alternative to the tourist trail as Europe’s least visited country.
Officially, the Republic of San Marino is the oldest representative republic and the smallest European state by population, not including the clerical Vatican city.
It is the fifth-smallest country in the world, along with Monaco and Tuvalu, at just 23.6 square miles and has a population of around 33,600 as of 2023.
It is located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains and is completely surrounded by Italy. Italy receives an average of 60 million tourists per year, a world away from the just two million who head to San Marino.
Home to stunning landscapes, it is a wonder why more people don’t make the crossing from Italy.
Those keen to immerse themselves in some of San Marino’s history can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which boasts three imposing fortresses positioned on towering peaks.
Mount Titano dominates the republic’s skyline, offering clear views all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Benches dot the mountain, and walkers can sit and gaze at the scenery.
A cable car connects Borgo Maggiore to the historic centre, offering sweeping views over Italy in all directions.
Sammarinese cuisine consists of generous pasta and meat dishes. Locals have a particular fondness for filled flatbread called piada. The country also has a strong cheese-making tradition, influenced by northern Italian cooking with local ingredients.
Wine production has also been an industry in the country for nearly 2,000 years, and local practices involve bottles being aged in caves at optimal temperatures.
As an added bonus, tourists can shop at much cheaper prices than in Italy, even in the old centre, thanks to San Marino’s tax-free policy to entice visitors.
While not a member of the European Union, San Marino enjoys open borders with Italy.
Top Italian tourist towns like Florence and Bologna are around three hours from the republic by public transport. Their respective airports connect these towns to London in just two hours or four hours and 20 minutes from Manchester.
It is worth getting ahead of the game and visiting the hidden gem of San Marino – before everyone else in Europe does.
