The tiny country surrounded by Italy that’s just as pretty but has virtually no tourists
San Marino is the world's oldest surviving sovereign state and still retains much of its historic architecture, such as the capital's medieval walled old town.
Summer is fast approaching, which means that a sunny getaway is at the forefront of everybody's minds, and this tiny country near Italy is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
San Marino is technically a microstate, and sits nestled in north Italy - the sole survivor of its old city-state network and the fifth smallest independent country in the world.
It is the smallest independent state in Europe after Vatican City and Monaco, and until the late 1960s, it was the smallest republic in the world.
Despite its size, it's still absolutely packed with history and culture, so you'll not be bored if you choose to holiday there.
It's one of the world's oldest republics and still retains much of its historic architecture, such as the capital's medieval walled old town with narrow cobblestone streets sat on the slopes of Monte Titano.
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The mountain's surrounding peaks are also home to citadels resembling castles that date back to the 11th century.
Temperatures in June sit in the modest 20s and it's unlikely that you'll see blistering heat, which is great because the country is full of very hilly terrain that you won't want to tackle in the boiling heat.
It is the world's oldest surviving sovereign state, and Lonely Planet called it "the most curious" of the world's 196 independent countries.
San Marino's must-see attractions revolve heavily around its history and architecture, making it the perfect destination for culture lovers who don't want the hoards of tourists that come with other popular historical sites in Europe.
The Palazzo Pubblico is a neo-gothic palace that serves as the country's official seat of government. Visitors can marvel at the ornate Hall of the Council and presidential waiting lounge, where you can actually book a meeting with the president.
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Dominating the skyline and offering superb views towards Rimini and the coast is the Torre Cesta, dating from the 13th century. The castle sits atop the 750m Monte Titano and contains a four-room museum dedicated to medieval armaments.
Also for the museum fans, Museo di Stato, the state museum, is full of art, history, furniture and cultural objects. Lonely Planet called it the country's "best museum by far" and recommended the Domagnano Treasure - a trove of jewels dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
Be sure to also try the country's national dish Torta Tre Monti - a traditional cake made of layers of thin waffled wafers sandwiched together by chocolate or hazelnut crème.
Its small size means that all of these attractions are doable in one day, leaving you time to explore areas of Italy, just be prepared for the tourists.
