Savona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Savona featuring night scenes, a coastal town and a marina
This childhood home of Christopher Columbus has a modern port, atmospheric medieval center, sandy beaches and access to superb hiking.

Savona is a lively seaport on the Italian Riviera. Occupied since the time of the Ligurian people, Savona became a prominent iron manufacturing city and gained fame as a former home of Columbus. Today, huge cruise ships, luxurious yachts and weathered fishing trawlers line the port and a promenade frames a sandy coastline. In the old town, Art Nouveau villas sit beside architectural gems bequeathed by the noble Della Rovere family.

Start your tour at hilltop Priamar Fortress, built as a stronghold by the Genoese in 1542 and used as a military prison throughout much of the 1800s. Inside, the Priamar Archaeological Museum has artifacts that date back to the Bronze Age, Byzantine and Roman empires. Views from the ramparts reach over the coastline, historic quarter and port. Spot major landmarks such as the medieval towers Torre del Brandale and La Torretta Torre Leon Pancaldo.

Wander down from the castle into the buzzing old town and pause at Piazza del Duomo to visit Savona Cathedral. Adjacent to here is the Rococo-style Cappella Sistina, built as a mausoleum by Pope Sixtus IV in memory of his parents. Palazzo della Rovere and Palazzo Pozzobonello are among other architectural highlights. Retrace 600 years of ceramic art at the Museo della Ceramica di Savona.

Fashion conscious visitors will enjoy browsing the clothing, footwear and jewelry shops located on Corso Italia. Purchase ceramics at Savona Antique Market, held on the first weekend of the month. On Monday, the streets around Piazza del Popolo host the Mercato del Lunedi flea market.

Feel the sea breeze while walking along the Passeggiata Walter Tobagi and Corso Vittorio Veneto promenades. Throw down a towel at the public beach in front of the Garibaldi statue or pay to the use the facilities at the bagni beach clubs. An hour’s drive from the city, Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a hiking route around Monte Reixa.

Reach Savona by flying to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and then take the train from there. Alternatively, arrive by cruise liner at the Port of Savona.

Idea Hotel Plus Savona
Idea Hotel Plus Savona
4 out of 5
Piazza De Vittorio 2, Savona, SV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$104 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$104
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Savona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (939 reviews)
"The location was very pretty! Well priced, easy check in and out, lovely staff to let us early check in!!”"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Idea Hotel Plus Savona
Mare Hotel
Mare Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Nizza 89/r, Savona, SV
The price is AU$153 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$153
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Savona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Bagni Madonnetta and Le Officine are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (720 reviews)
Wonderful Hotel
"Wonderful view and hotel great! Even had bus to port for our cruise! Great breakfast too! Only down side not any restaurants close just sushi and outdoor restaurants on premises"

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2023

Mare Hotel
NH Savona Darsena
NH Savona Darsena
4 out of 5
Via A. Chiodo, 9, Savona, SV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$106 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$106
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Savona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (747 reviews)
a really nice place to stay
"this is a really nice hotel. I liked my stay here very much. The staff is very helpful and the breakfast was excellent."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2023

NH Savona Darsena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence San Valentino
Residence San Valentino
2 out of 5
Piazza Oberdan, 8, Finale Ligure, Provincia di Savona
Stay at this residence in Finale Ligure. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Finale Ligure Beach and Caprazoppa are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
An Amazing Hotel
"The hotel is set in a beautiful location, right in the middle of the city center. a great view of the beach from the balcony, the room was very clean and the staff very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2023

Residence San Valentino
relax apartment, sea
relax apartment, sea
Savona
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Savona. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and WiFi. Popular attractions Oratorio del Cristo Risorto and Chiesa di ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Basic but clean
"Pleasant place to stay. Owners very friendly and helpful and made us welcome. Savona is not really a tourist area but ideal for an overnight stop in transit."

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2022

relax apartment, sea
Residence Sant'Anna
Residence Sant'Anna
3 out of 5
Via Della Cornice 284, Pietra Ligure, SV
Stay at this 3-star residence in Pietra Ligure. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Rin Tin Beach and Ramate Path are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Ottimo rapporto qualità/prezzo e grande disponibilità dei proprietari. Appartamenti internamente di recente ristrutturazione."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2024

Residence Sant'Anna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Savona

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Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 May 2019

Authentic Italian Town,

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