San Marino
San Marino is known to millions the world over as the home of the Imola Formula One Grand Prix.
And while that may be the only racy aspect of this tiny state, landlocked by Italy – its official title is, after all, The Most Serene Republic of San Marino – there are plenty of attractions here to set the pulse racing. As its more than three million visitors every year will attest.
The small 60sq km republic is handily placed for people who own one of the increasingly affordable houses for sale in Marches or Emilia-Romagna, as it sits on the border between the two regions in the west of Italy. It is also readily accessible for people who have snapped up homes for sale in Tuscany, the borders of which are just over an hour away.
The San Marino landscape is dominated by Mount Titano, which forms part of the Appennine mountains, and bestows upon the area a superb panoramic view over Marches, Emilia-Romagna and Italy's Adriatic coast.
Fittingly for such a mountainous terrain, it is also steeped in history. Founded in the fourth century AD, it is the oldest republic still in existence anywhere in the world and is home to some 30,000 inhabitants.
In total San Marino is made up of the capital, which bears its name, and eight other ancient picturesque villages, scattered around the territory. The capital city is overlooked by three fortresses impressively hewn from the slopes of Mount Titano – La Rocca, Montale and Cesta, perched at the summit of the mountain. All three are worth a visit.
The oldest of the trio is the 11th century La Rocca, so secure and effective a fortress that up until 1970 it served as a jail.
The historic centre of San Marino, a warren of narrow, picturesque streets and churches, is perfectly made to be explored on foot as motor vehicles are banned. Be sure to pop into the neo-Gothic Palazzo Publico, which stands where the 14th century Domus Communis Magna once did. It serves as the seat of government and houses tributes to the San Marino's saints, Marino and Leo. A joint ticket will also get you entry into the State Museum.
Most visitors to San Marino take home with them a scudi, one of San Marino's famous gold coins. The church at Borgo Maggiore also houses San Marino's coin and stamp museum.
There is also the rich, surrounding countryside to explore, its meadows and pinewoods making it idyllic terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. And the beaches of Adriatic resorts such as Rimini are also close by.
The best time to go to San Marino is between April and June, when it is warm but without being oppressively hot. If you must visit outside this period, then why not make sure you catch the July boat regatta, 24 Ore di San Marino, or, even more impressively, the 3 September independence day celebrations that feature medieval-style archery contests. The nearest airports are Rimini, some 25km away, and Bologna, a bit further at 125km.