Savona cruise port excursions

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Hey cruisers 👋 I put this article together because so many of you asked me about what a cruise stop in Savona is really like. Honestly though, it’s a bit tricky to write a guide when there isn’t a ton of “wow” stuff to see.

Let’s be real: Savona isn’t exactly the highlight of Italian cruise ports. Cruise lines schedule the stop here, but truth be told, there are plenty of other places in Italy that would make way more exciting ports of call!

That said, the arrival into port does have its charm. The view of the sea and the town is pleasant, and the city center is just a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal. So you can take a quick look around without spending a single dollar.

You’ll find a few restaurants, bars, and local shops to enjoy a relaxed hour or two. And if you don’t feel like walking, taxis and buses are available—though honestly, you probably won’t need them.

Savona Old Town

Medieval alleys. Savona’s old town is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with colorful historic buildings. Around every corner you might stumble upon a hidden square or a centuries-old church.
Piazza del Popolo. This lively square is the beating heart of Savona. Grab a coffee, enjoy some gelato, or browse the small shops while soaking up the local vibe.
Priamar Fortress. Overlooking the town, this impressive fortress gives you a taste of Savona’s military history. Inside, you’ll also find small museums and temporary exhibitions.
Skip the overpriced tours. Some guided tours go for $350+, but honestly, the town is so small that you can easily explore it on your own for free.

Priamar fortress

Savona cruise port excursions

The Priamar Fortress towers over Savona’s port and offers a glimpse into the city’s military past. Built in the 16th century by the Genoese to defend the Ligurian coast, it once controlled maritime trade and protected the region from invasions.

Inside the fortress, you can walk along massive walls, climb watchtowers, and wander through courtyards that showcase Renaissance military architecture. From the top, the panoramic views of the port and the city are absolutely spectacular.

Traveler info

Getting there: Located right in Savona’s city center, just a 5-minute walk from the cruise port. Also easy to reach from Savona train station.
Opening hours: Generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry about 30 minutes before closing – but check locally, as times may have recently changed).
Tickets: The fortress is open year-round. Some exhibitions may require a small fee, but general access is often free.

Cattedrale dell’Assunta

Savona cruise port excursions

The Cattedrale dell’Assunta is located in the heart of Savona, just a short walk from the port or train station. Its architecture and interior frescoes reflect the city’s religious history. While Savona isn’t exactly Italy’s artistic capital, the cathedral is still worth a quick stop to explore some local heritage during your cruise stop.

→ Right next to the cathedral, you’ll also find Savona’s very own Sistine Chapel!

Traveler Info

Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (times may vary depending on religious services).
Location: Right in the historic center of Savona, just a few minutes’ walk from the port and main attractions.
Tip: Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is one of Savona’s best-known squares. Just a short walk from the cruise port and old town, it’s surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés where locals gather.

Let’s be honest: it’s not Venice’s Piazza San Marco or Rome’s Piazza del Popolo 😅. But if you’re strolling through Savona, it’s a great spot to grab a coffee, people-watch, or simply take a short break during your walk.

👉 Insider tip: If your cruise docks in Savona on a Monday morning, you’re in luck! That’s market day on Piazza del Popolo. You’ll find colorful stalls with fresh produce, local foods, clothes, and Ligurian specialties one of the most authentic ways to experience the local vibe.

Food tour in Savona

Savona cruise port excursions

This guided food tour lets you taste Savona’s local flavors while exploring the old town. You’ll sample traditional Ligurian specialties and learn more about the region’s cuisine.

The tasting route
Meet at 11:30 AM in front of the Leon Pancaldo Tower at the Savona cruise port to kick off your culinary adventure. From there, you’ll walk through the historic center and enjoy authentic bites such as:

Focaccia all’olio, the Ligurian classic
Panissa, savory chickpea fritters
Farinata, a delicious baked chickpea flatbread

The tour ends on a sweet note with a local pastry and a strong Italian espresso the perfect way to wrap up your food experience in Savona.

Ticket – Savona food tour

Delight your taste buds with a guided food tour in Savona. Explore the city’s main landmarks while sampling authentic Ligurian cuisine. A perfect mix of sightseeing and local flavors that cruise travelers will love!

Price per person → $88

✅ Reserve your spot now

Free cancellation · Instant confirmation · Cruise-friendly

The sanctuary of the seas in Savona

Savona cruise port excursions

The Pelagos Sanctuary is a protected marine reserve along the Ligurian coast, just off Savona. Even on a short stopover, this site is perfect for nature and sea lovers. You can spot a rich variety of life here, from dolphins to colorful fish and other typical Mediterranean species.

Boat tours let you enjoy a peaceful ride on the water and admire the coastline from a fresh perspective. With luck, you may encounter dolphins out at sea.

Savona may not be the most famous Ligurian destination, but this sanctuary adds a natural, authentic touch to your stop. It’s ideal for travelers who want to leave the town for a while and breathe the sea air.

How to get there from the Savona cruise port?

If you’re ready to set off on an unforgettable adventure to the Pelagos Sanctuary, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to walk from the Savona cruise terminal to the meeting point — it only takes about 5 minutes on foot:

Turn right onto Largo Marinai d’Italia (26 meters) — this is the meeting point.
Exit the terminal and head southwest toward Terminal Crociere Savona (54 meters).
Turn right onto Terminal Crociere Savona (82 meters).
Turn left onto Largo Isola di Saona (140 meters).
Turn right onto Ponte Sandro Pertini and take the stairs (71 meters).
Turn right onto SS1 (8 meters).

Practical information

Meeting point. Excursions to the Pelagos Sanctuary depart from Savona port. Book in advance to secure your spot. Meeting place: Largo Marinai d’Italia.
Schedule. Boat tours run mainly from April to September, usually daily. In winter, trips run only on selected days depending on weather. Start time: 9:00 AM. Price: $70 per person.
Duration. About 3 hours.
Important. Book this activity only if you disembark at 8:00 AM. If you get off the ship at 9:00 AM, the timing will not work with your departure schedule.

Pelagos Sanctuary -Ticket

⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 173 reviews

Sail on a small, exclusive boat with expert wildlife guides. During your cruise in the Ligurian Sea, you’ll enjoy an onboard video introduction to cetology (study of marine mammals), available in both Italian and English.

Price per person: $70

✅ Secure my spot now

Free cancellation · Instant confirmation · Cruise-friendly

Ceramics Museum

The Ceramics Museum in Savona showcases a representative collection of both local and regional production. You’ll find pottery, faience, and everyday objects from different eras. Even though Savona isn’t a major cultural hub, this museum offers valuable insight into an important part of the city’s artisanal history. A quick visit is perfect for cruise travelers who want to learn something new without taking too much time.

This is not a large museum, but it’s quiet, well organized, and perfect for a short stop. In just 30–45 minutes, you can comfortably see everything.

Practical Information

Entry: €10 (free for children / sometimes discounted with City Pass)
Generally open 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Accessible on foot from the port in about 10 minutes

Archaeological Museum of Savona

Savona cruise port excursions

If you’re looking for a cultural activity during your stop in Savona, the Archaeological Museum can be a great option. It’s housed inside the former Priamar Fortress, making the visit worthwhile just for the setting alone.

Inside, you’ll find artifacts that trace the history of Savona and the Ligurian region: Roman and Etruscan objects, medieval ceramics, and temporary exhibitions. It’s not the Louvre (let’s be clear 😅), but if you love history and archaeology, it’s definitely worth checking out.

The good part is that the museum is located right in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the port. This makes it easy to combine your visit with a stroll through the old town.

Ticket – Guided Tour of Savona and the Archaeological Museum

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The guided tour of the Màr-Civico Museo Archeologico e della Città di Savona offers a unique look into the ancient origins and rich history of the city.

Price per person: $18

✅ Secure my spot now

Free cancellation · Instant confirmation · Cruise-friendly

Village of Bergeggi

Savona cruise port excursions

The village of Bergeggi, located just a few kilometers from Savona, is a small but charming coastal town. It offers a pleasant seaside walk and a glimpse into local life. Cruise travelers can stop here to enjoy some peace and quiet, admire the sea views, and relax before heading back to the port. It’s perfect for a short stroll without straying too far from Savona.

Practical information

Walking from the cruise terminal (about 13 minutes)
By bus (line 6) from Piazza Mameli – stop number 6.
- Direction: Porto Vado / Bergeggi
- Travel time: less than 20 minutes
- Fare: about $4
Taxi option: about 10 minutes, $15

Where to swim

The beaches of Savona

Savona and its surroundings offer several beaches that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Mediterranean sun. Whether you’re on a short stopover or have the whole day, here are the best options for swimming and spending a pleasant time by the sea.

Zinola Beach. Located just a few minutes from downtown Savona, this sandy beach is perfect for families. It has free areas as well as sections equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. The shallow waters make it ideal for children and beginner swimmers. Easy to reach on foot from the port or by bus.
Fornaci Beach. More natural and less crowded, Fornaci Beach is great for those seeking peace and quiet. Access is via a short walk from the parking area, and the water is clear and refreshing. Ideal for cruise passengers who want to escape the crowds.
Noli Beach. A charming beach in the nearby village, with a mix of sand and pebbles—perfect for a relaxing swim. Small cafés and restaurants nearby offer ice cream or snacks. The crystal-clear water is also great for snorkeling.
Varigotti Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, with golden sand and turquoise water. It’s ideal for cruise travelers wanting to spend half a day relaxing. The beach is equipped for sunbed and umbrella rentals, and paddleboarding or kayaking is also available.
Savona Marina Beach. An urban beach close to the port, practical for a quick swim if you have little time between visits. The water is clear, and there are showers and small kiosks where you can grab a drink.

Practical information

Access. Savona’s beaches are easily accessible on foot from the city center or by using public transport. Local buses connect to the main beaches.

Things to do in Savona

As I mentioned earlier, Savona is not the most exciting cruise stop in Italy. Honestly, if I don’t have dozens of recommendations to give you, it’s because the options are somewhat limited.

That said, for those who still want to make the most of their day, there are a few guided tours, excursions, and local experiences that can make your stopover more enjoyable. You can browse them below and easily book if something catches your interest.

How to navigate?

Savona cruise port excursions

Walking

Historical Center. The heart of Savona can be easily reached on foot. Major attractions such as the Priamar Fortress, the Savona Cathedral and the numerous museums are within walking distance of each other.
Nice walk. Strolling through the cobblestone streets and along the seafront is a pleasant way to discover the city. Enjoy the many cafes, shops and restaurants along the way.

Bus

Bus network. Savona has an efficient bus network managed by TPL Linea. Buses cover most of the city’s neighborhoods and attractions, as well as the surrounding areas.
Tickets and schedules. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, tobacconists and directly from drivers (with a small surcharge).

Taxi

Taxi ranks. Taxis are available throughout the city, including stations near train stations, main squares and tourist spots. You can also call a taxi or use a booking app.

Bicycle

Bike rental . There are several bike rental points in Savona. Renting a bike is a great option to explore the city and its surroundings in an active and eco-friendly way.
Cycle tracks. Savona has several cycle paths, especially along the coast, which offer wonderful views and a pleasant experience.

Marseille