Last Updated on May 23, 2024
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and probably the oldest existing republic in the world. It was founded in 301. The symbol of this small state is the three towers, which can be found at the three highest points of the country. The highest one, La Cesta (also known as Fratta), stands on the top of Monte Titano. Follow this article for all important information you need before your visit of Monte Titano including practical info, a map and my personal experience.
Important information for visiting the highest point of San Marino – Monte Titano
Short description of the ascent: Short easy walk
Essential equipment: Nothing special, it's a short walk
Best time to visit: All year round
Guided tour: Yes, available with a local guide in San Marino
Fees or restrictions: Yes, you have to pay an entrance fee to reach the highest point. Check out the current price and opening times
Camping allowed: No
Nearest accommodation: Grand Hotel San Marino
Height of the peak: 739 m
Hiking distance: 418 m
Time to ascend to Monte Titano: 0 hours 11 minutes
Elevation to reach: 32 m
Difficulty level: * (6 stars maximum)
Personal rating of the mountain: *** (6 stars maximum)
Beer on the peak: San Marino Bionda **** (6 stars maximum)
Map of the route to Monte Titano
My story of reaching Monte Titano with personal tips
I visited Monte Titano as a part of my project European Peaks during which I reached the highest point of every European country and this was a cool trip! I visited it together with other ministates Vatican and Monaco and it was a fun cultural experience! In my opinion, San Marino was the most interesting visit of all the “dwarf countries”. Let’s see why.
Bad timing
Surprisingly, we had no problem finding a place to park near the highest point, although various guides note that finding a parking spot in San Marino is often a big problem. We left our car at parking lot 7 which is nearest to the highest point of the country – Monte Titano.
We walked up towards the highest of the three San Marino towers, La Cesta, where you can find the highest point of the country. After an eight-minute hike we reached the gates of the tower. Closed on New Year’s Eve. The tower is closed only three days a year and we chose one of these days. No! We went here for nothing. Now we understand why the parking lot was so empty. Well, tomorrow is a day too.
New Year’s swim
Instead of visiting Monte Titano we decided for an alternative plan – a New Year’s swim in the nearby sea. The Adriatic sea was cold but very refreshing. Just the Italians wearing thick jackets couldn’t believe their eyes.
We woke up early the following day and drove from the beach back to Monte Titano. It was freezing and foggy. Nothing Italians are used to. Final balance: icy roads and several cars in the ditches. Fortunately, we avoided any accident. Soon we were parking again on parking lot 7. We arrived very early, so it was free again.
Fairy tale mountain Monte Titano
We started to hike up towards the tower La Cesta when the fog started to be thinner and thinner. When we reached the peak we were above the clouds. The trip paid off. We felt like in a fairy tale. One big isle with a picturesque castle emerging from a sea of thick clouds. Beautiful view. This time the tower was even open so we could finally reach Monte Titano.
My tips for climbing the mountain Monte Titano:
- Avoid the following three days when visiting San Marino: January 1st, November 2nd, and December 25th. The tower La Cesta is closed on these days.
- Arrive to San Marino early in the morning. The parking lots are full soon.
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