Senior travel: Città di San Marino
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 42 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Basilica di San MarinoStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minA few steps at the door; the street approach is cobbled and slopes gently.
- Santuario della Beata Vergine della ConsolazioneStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minGentle slope from the square; a few steps at the door.
- Palazzo PubblicoStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 40 minLevel square; a few steps at the palace door.
- Cesta TowerStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minRough ridge path, steep stone stairs.
- Guaita TowerStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minMany stone steps inside and on the ramparts.
- Museo di StatoStep-free: check (check before you go) · about 60 minAn older palace: ask at the desk about step-free routes.
Getting around in Città di San Marino
The old town is cobbled, stepped and steep. Wheelchairs and strollers manage the square, the Basilica area and Borgo Maggiore; the towers and the ridge paths are not step-free. Use the cable car to reach the old town from Borgo Maggiore and plan short walks.
- Pavements:
- Cobbles and stone steps; smoother around Piazza Grande and the square.
- Getting around:
- Car and taxi reach the edge of the old town; the cable car has a step-free access from the lower station (check).
- Hotels:
- Few have lifts on the ridge; ask before you book.
- Toilets:
- Cafés, the tourist office and the museum; accessible toilets are limited.
- Towers:
- Guaita and Cesta involve many steps and no lift.
Medicines and health on the ground
The San Marino guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Sun and heat:
- Hat, sunscreen and water in summer; the ridge has little shade.
- Cold and wind:
- The ridge is cooler than the coast; a warm layer from October to March.
- Water:
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Insurance:
- Travel insurance with medical cover; the republic is outside the EU, so an EHIC or GHIC may not apply (check).
- Steps:
- Tower stairs are steep: take breaks and mind the wet stone.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.