SavonaLigurian Coast · Italy

All About Savona

Savona isn’t as well known as Genoa to the east, or Nice (in neighboring France) to the west. However, this town that was once busy with industrial activity doesn’t lack charm. Regaining its confidence after years of decline, there is once again a real buzz to its sunny streets after a successful stream of regeneration programs.

Savona is also not short of history. Its heart lies in its medieval center, which has seen a variety of empires come and go over more than 2000 years. It became the home of Pope Pius VII when he became the prisoner of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s and was also the home of Christopher Columbus, whose cottage sits among fields once plowed by his family. All in all, there are a huge variety of reasons why you might be looking for ferry tickets to Savona. Ferryscanner makes this search so much easier. You can compare ferry routes and companies as well as easily book your ferry tickets to Savona.
 

Routes and Ferries to Savona

The links between Savona and Napoleon don’t end with the emperor’s imprisonment of the Pope here. Ferries still ply the route between Savona and Bastia, one of the main settlements on Corsica, the home island of France’s most famous ruler. Those considering ferry tickets to Savona from Bastia will probably be pleased to hear that there are up to three sailings per day in either direction, which are scheduled to last 6.5 hours. The route is operated by Corsica Ferries. Tickets for an adult foot passenger range from €45-120 dependent on the season, although it’s also possible to take motor vehicles on board at additional cost.

If you’d prefer to visit Sardinia to the south, you should instead opt for ferry tickets to Savona from Golfo Aranci or vice versa. Also operated by Corsica Ferries, there are up to three sailings per week. The total sailing time is just a couple of minutes under 14 hours.

The ferry companies that make use of Savona’s port facilities don’t only stop at destinations in Italy and France. Grimaldi Lines is responsible for the once-per-week service that connects Savona with Barcelona in Spain. Taking approximately 17 hours to cross the western Mediterranean Sea, prices start at just €50, rising to €74.

Finally, Grimaldi Lines also operates a once-per-week service whose destination is the port of Tangier Med in Morocco. A must for anyone who lusts for the old sailings of the early twentieth century, prices range from €95-205 per person, although considering the 47.5-hour length of this voyage, it is not overly expensive.

Two European highways converge at Savona, the E80 (running from Lisbon to Pescara) and the E717 (which begins in Turin), meaning the town and port have excellent road access. Savona is also connected to Italy’s intercity train services, with regular arrivals and departures to the likes of Turin, Milan, and Rome. The nearest airport is Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport. Approximately 40 kilometers from Savona, it receives flights from major Italian destinations, as well as London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt among other cities.
 

Ports of Savona

There are two primary ports in Savona. The Porto Crociere di Savona is the furthest east and contains a number of smaller marinas largely used for private yachts. Ferries dock at the other port, located further west and south along the SS1 road. It has modern and well-equipped passenger ferry terminals but lies slightly to the south of the town center. It is recommended that you aim to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your departure if you are a foot passenger, and around 90 minutes early if traveling with your own vehicle.
 

Best Beaches

Look at a map of Savona and you’ll soon see that there are some delightful stretches of beach very close to Savona’s heart. Should you be looking to go slightly further out, that’s also not a problem. Here are our choices for the best beaches in Savona.

Spiaggia delle Fornaci

This long stretch of golden sand extends for some 500 meters in the Fornaci neighborhood. It’s wide enough to allow several ranks of sun loungers, although there are also some areas of free beach. Parking can be a problem on busier days, so consider a stroll along the seafront instead of driving.

Spiaggia Scaletti dei Pescatori

Only separated from Spiaggia delle Fornaci by a short break, Spiaggia Scaletti dei Pescatori has areas of sand and others with pebbles. Its proximity to the town center means it can get busy and is popular with families, although its length means there’s normally an area you can find to yourself without much problem.

Bergeggi Beach

This beach is located a short distance south of Savona’s two ports, and as a result, has a much calmer overall ambiance. Situated amid fantastic scenery, the stones of Bergeggi Beach lead to a sheltered bay that’s great for swimming.

Soleluna Beach

This beach is ideal for anyone based on the eastern side of Savona. One of the cooler places to be seen, the sun loungers are popular, while the area around it is also known for its buzzing nightlife.
 

Places to Visit

With such a long history, there are a whole host of potential places to visit in Savona. Here we highlight the very best, so even if you’ve got just a couple of hours in the town you know where to head.

Cathedral of the Assumption

The Genoese destroyed Savona’s original cathedral during the fighting to occupy the town in the 1500s. While it may not be the oldest religious structure in Italy as a result, it cannot be missed by anyone with a romantic bone in their body, since it protects the remains of Saint Valentine.

Priamar Fortress

Sitting on the hill overlooking the port, the Priamar Fortress was built immediately after Genoa took over Savona. Adapted several times since, it is a formidable series of defenses, which made it perfect as the site of Italy’s main military prison right up until 1903.

Villa Zanelli

Unlike almost any other structure in the town, the Villa Zanelli was constructed in the liberty style, an off-shoot of the art nouveau movement. Surrounded by mature gardens, it makes for a powerful presence on the seafront.

Jorn House Museum

This simple hillside home was the main residence of Danish artist Asger Jorn in the 1950s. The artist slowly transformed the structure, so that artworks can be found in pretty much every corner, including the gardens, and on the exterior walls.
 

Transportation Around Savona

Buses in Savona are operated by TPL. Two of the most useful stops for getting on board are at Savona railway station and Piazza del Popolo. Although buses connect Savona with Genoa, it’s generally quicker to take the train, with journeys lasting approximately 30 minutes. If you want to have a little more freedom, you have the option of the town’s taxi companies, as well as the possibility of renting scooters and bicycles.