Safety in San Marino

Crime: The republic is reckoned one of the calmest places anywhere, and theft is genuinely rare. You can leave a bag on a cafe chair without a second thought, though it is still not a habit worth forming.
The terrain: Slick cobbles and sheer drops are the real danger to a careless visitor. The walkways between the towers have low parapets and long falls beneath them.
Footwear: Forget heels entirely. Walking the towers needs trainers with proper grip, especially after rain.
Sun: In summer the exposed summit burns you quickly. Take sunscreen and something for your head.
Fines: Unpaid parking earns a pink slip under the wiper, which you do need to settle. The system is efficient and the fines follow rental companies home.
Driving: The mountain roads twist constantly and demand attention. There is little room to pass and the drops on the outer edge are real.
Getting help: Uniformed police are usually visible on Piazza della Liberta and are happy to give directions. English is widely understood among them.
Evenings: The streets are well lit and walking alone at night is safe, even in the emptier back lanes. Check your own government's travel advisory before booking if you want the formal picture.

San Marino is the world's oldest republic and one of Europe's calmest places. Schemes do not exist here.

Souvenir shops. San Marino's historic speciality is weaponry — crossbows, swords and replicas. Handsome, but remember that exporting bladed weapons through Italy and onward is regulated, and they will not go in hand luggage.

Duty-free trade. The republic is outside the EU and some goods are cheaper. Limits apply on departure here too.

A passport stamp. The tourist office will apply a souvenir San Marino stamp for a small fee. This is an official service, not a scam.

Parking. The historic centre on Monte Titano is closed to traffic; car parks below are paid, with a funicular and lifts going up.

Restaurants. Prices as in Italy, with no deception.

There is effectively no border. San Marino is surrounded by Italy with no border control between them, and it can only be reached across Italian territory. A Schengen visa applies.

Weapons and replicas. San Marino trades in bladed weapons lawfully, but export is governed by the destination country's law. A sword in a suitcase may cause a problem at Italian customs and certainly will at the airport.

Drink-driving. The limit is 0.5 per mille.

Driving. The mountain roads are narrow and winding, and traffic is prohibited in the historic centre.

Drones. Permission is required and they are prohibited over the fortresses.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Payment. The euro, although the country is not formally in the eurozone — it mints its own euro coins, prized by collectors.

Vaccinations. None.

Water. Tap water is drinkable.

Healthcare. There is a hospital at a decent standard. Serious cases go to Rimini or Bologna. Treatment for foreigners is chargeable.

Terrain is the main practical difficulty. Monte Titano means constant climbs, steps and cobblestones. For anyone with heart or knee problems this is noticeable. Comfortable shoes are essential and heels are out.

Walls and towers. The three towers are linked by a ridge path with drops. Railings are not everywhere, and it is uncomfortable in wind.

Heat. Up to 33°C in summer, with no shade on the open walls.

Emergency numbers: 113 for emergencies; 112 works through the Italian system.

San Marino is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is minimal and the police deal mainly with tourists and parking.

Services. The civil police, the gendarmerie and the Guard of the Rock, the last largely ceremonial. The number is 113.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; cases are rare. Italian is official, with English in the tourism sector.

Traffic police. Fines for parking and for speed on the approach roads.

What actually matters. There is barely anything to fill a safety section with in San Marino: the country is tiny, calm and well ordered. The only real difficulty is the terrain and the weather at the top of the mountain.