CoffeeWalk: San Marino

July 19, 2025 · City of San Marino, San Marino

Greetings from the 5th smallest country in the world, The Republic of San Marino. Can you name the other 4? The capital city, also called San Marino, sits atop a mountain, and this small country is surrounded on all sides by Italy. There are sweeping views from nearly every angle. It’s a small town and a peaceful overnight visit. Pro tip: When ordering a liter of sparkling water be sure to clarify if the “frizzante” you want is water or wine. To quote painter Bob Ross, "There are no mistakes, just happy accidents."

We are on a mini road trip as we make our way to join friends for a week in the Italian countryside. We arrived yesterday morning after taking the overnight ferry from Croatia to Italy, which I enjoyed immensely for the beautiful unobstructed sunset that seemed to last for hours. We booked a cabin, but many others slept on the floor, under staircases, in the cafeteria, just about anywhere. That, I don’t recommend. I am arriving fully rested, so CoffeeWalk with me through the streets of San Marino.

Stacy smiling in a ferry cabin with the sunset and sea visible through the window — Enjoying the sunset from our ferry cabin.

A vivid orange sunset above dark water and a distant island

A hand holding a cappuccino on the ferry deck with sunrise over the sea — Starting the day with the sunrise and an Italian cappuccino from the deck.

The hilly Italian coastline seen across the water from the ferry — Buongiorno, Italy.

A San Marino tower above stone fortifications, rocky cliffs, and green trees — Once in San Marino, I hiked up the hill to the towers, fortifications, and various lookout spots for views, and wandered the streets of the village.

Stacy smiling beside a stone tower along a wooded path in San Marino

A stone bell tower rising above tiled roofs with hills in the distance

A sunlit stone street in San Marino with café terraces and historic buildings

A blue and white train crossing a small viaduct in the valley below San Marino — This looks totally unreal to me, like a set on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

A pale house surrounded by fields and rocky hills below San Marino

Stacy smiling at a high viewpoint over the countryside toward the Adriatic coast — Sweeping views in every direction. That’s the Adriatic and Italian coast way off in the background.

A sweeping view across San Marino and the Italian countryside to the Adriatic coast

A woman standing in front of the camera in a sunny stone square in San Marino — This lady. I was standing here first, trying to take a photo. She walked over and stood right in front of me. It looked so intentional but I think she was just clueless. Nevertheless, she annoyed me with her choice of where to stand in an empty square.

A human face carved into a pale rock wall near a village parking lot — A face carved in the rock, at one of the village parking lots. Many of the old towns of Europe have limited car access so there are parking lots on the perimeter. It makes for a much more pleasant and walkable town and a much less stressful driving situation on super narrow roads filled with people.

Aaron smiling at a restaurant table beside a wine glass and a carafe of sparkling wine — After a day wandering the town, it was time for dinner and Aaron’s happy accident. I ordered a glass of red wine, and he ordered a liter of “frizzante” thinking it was sparkling water. Chug-a-lug, Donna. I might have helped him out with that.

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