Visiting the 3rd Smallest Country in the World

When 2015 approached I decided that I was hoping to travel to five new countries during the year.

Egypt was #1 in February.

That was a BIG trip.

So for spring break, I thought I'd go a little easier on my wallet and stay within an area I could easily travel by train.

Landlocked within Italy is a small republic, the 3rd smallest in the world, known as San Marino. It claims to be the oldest republic, founded in 301.

WOW!

Travel to San Marino is easily done by car or bus from neighboring coastal town, Rimini.

With this is mind I arrived in Rimini Monday afternoon, with plans on exploring Rimini and spending Tuesday in San Marino.

Looking down the beach.

Rimini, a beach town still facing off-season, felt a bit deserted, but also somewhat cheap and seedy. I was suprised to find Paganello, World Beach Ultimate Cup, taking place on the beach just down from my hotel. A team from San Franscisco was playing the men's final while I was on the beach.

San Francisco Revolver playing in the ultimate frisbee tournament

While Rimini is fairly unimpressive, reminding me of what I envision the Jersey Shore or Myrtle Beach to be comparatively, San Marino was quaint and had beautiful panoramic vistas.

I spent several hours wandering about the historic center of San Marino, tackling country #2 for the year and #27 overall. (Though I never counted Vatican City before...and maybe I should have!)

The section of San Marino is perched high on a hill, making certain the you can see the Adriatic off to the East and the Italian countryside in all directions.

Walls and towers surround the city. Stone streets lined with shops weave up and down the city.

My overall opinion: San Marino is cute, but tiny, and there's not a lot to do. So, go, get your passport visa stamp, have lunch, and then be on your way...to Ravenna (post to come!)

my new passport stamp! #happygirl

Can you see the sea?

Have you been to one of the world's smallest countries?