Take a ferry to Savona and spend some days in this beautiful city of Italy, on the Riviera di Ponente, southwest of Genoa that has a lot to offer to its visitors.
The city of Savona is the third largest city in Liguria with more than 60.000 inhabitants and the fifth largest port of Italy. Savona was created during the Roman era but it was only during the Renaissance that the city became one of the most important and biggest trading centers in Liguria having iron works and foundries, railway workshops, shipbuilding, engineering shops and a brass foundry.Even before the Romans the people of Savona were already skilled sailors and they traded with the Etruscans and the Greek settlers of Marseilles. Savona was heavily bombed in World Warr II and today’s city is the result of significant rebuilding efforts.
Located between the sea and the Ligurian Alps Savona has many sights to explore like Savona´s Sistine Chapel, erected by Pope Sixtis Iv who was born in Savona and built the chapel as a mausoleum dedicated to his parents.
A walk along the harbor of Savona will allow you to admire the charming diversity between the old fashioned fishing boats and the expensive yachts and in between the harbor and the beach. You can take a walk through the Priamar Fortress that was built in 1542 and was once a prison and houses the Sandro Pertini Museum with collections by Miro and Guttuso. If you move away from the port you will be able to see much of the medieval center that still remains and the numerous towers lining the skyline of Savona.
Book your tickets to the little and interesting Savona in advance and explore its rich and varied history.
Ferry connections to Savona
Visitors that want to spend a few days in Savona can reach the beautiful city of the Liguria region can reach Savona either from the port of Golfo Aranci in Sardinia or the city of Bastia, a city on the French island of Corsica.
- Golfo Aranci- Savona: This route connects Sardinia with Italy. Currently there is only one ferry operator serving this route with a conventional ferry and the duration of the sailing is approximately 13hours and 30 minutes, with a sailing twice a week
- Bastia- Savona: This route connects Corsica with Italy. There is one shipping company offering a ferry route to Savona. The duration of the trip is approximately 11 hours and there are more than 2 routes available per week
Ferry port of Savona
The port of Savona is one of northern Italy's major sea ports and exports many products to both the US and UK. History aside, the port and the entire city has a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars and some lovely indoor and outdoor cafes. Close to the port are most of the city's landmarks and in a walking distance the beautiful beach of Corso Vittorio Veneto. Many ferries and Mediterranean cruise ships depart daily from Savona´s harbor.
Transportation in Savona
Bus
There is a bus line that covers the biggest part of Savona and several locations outside the city. For more information please visit Savona Buses.
Taxi
For a fast and easy, but less affordable transfer to your destination there are a few taxis around the city of Savona. For further details, you can visit Savona Taxis.
What to do in Savona
Savona is a big port town with many interesting tourist attractions like churches, fortresses, palaces that will surely amaze you. Stroll around the city and explore what it has to offer.
Get ready to create unforgettable memories in Savona and let us help you organize your to-do list!
- Buy a ticket for the whale watching tour, available from April until November
- Visit the impressive tower of La Torretta, considered as a symbol by the locals, built in the 14th century
- Visit the Teatro Chiabrera located on the Piazza Diaz
- Visit the house of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus in the neighborhood of Savona
- Learn about the life within the walls of the Fortezza del Priamar and how the fortress was built in 1542
- Admire the large altarpiece of Vincenzo Foppa and Ludovico Brea in the church of Nostra Signora di Castello
- Visit il Palazzo dei Pavoni, an amazing example of Art Nouveau architecture, built in 1910 and influenced by the Viennese Secession Movement
- See the relics of Saint Valentine in the Cattedrale dell Assunta
- Try the local specialties of Savona: panissa (a polenta like dough made with salt wanted and chickpea flour) and farinata bianca (a pancake made with wheat flour)
- Find the Pinacoteca Civica in the Palazzo del Carretto Pavese Pozzobonello that displays objects that were used by the locals during the 17th century
Savona Beaches
The Savona province extends from Varazze to Andorra and the visitors will find many sandy beaches, organized and secluded, hidden coves and magical promenades decorated with palm trees that will satisfy every taste.
Please find below a list with the best rated beaches of Savona:
- Varigotti beach: Τhe most visited beach of Savona. A sandy beach surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation.
- Zinola beach: located near the train station, has crystal clear and shallow waters.
- Formaci Beach: Ιt has received a Blue Flag for its water quality.
- Baia dei Saraceni: Α beautiful long sandy beach with blue waters, ideal for families.
Accommodation in Savona
There are plenty of accommodation options available around the city of Savona. Hotels, apartments and airbnb. Please find below a list of the best rated accommodations and choose the one you prefer according to your needs and budget:
- Appartamenti Lungomare Savona
- Harbor House
- My Luxury Suites
- Virginas B&B
- Casa Vacanze Savona
- Appartamento Piazzetta La Maddalena
- Roby House
- Cozy Loft Marina View
- La casa di Sonia
