Things to do in Savona

Our most recommended things to do in Savona

Savona: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

Savona: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours, we will board an intimate and welcoming motorboat whose structure offers all passengers the opportunity to participate in a close and intimate sighting with the animals. On board we will find Claudia, our expert nature guide who will entertain you with a lesson of about an hour of introduction to cetology in Italian and English, providing particular and curious notions about the inhabitants of our Ligurian Sea. During the excursion Simone and Ettore, our expert spotters will scan the surface in search of marine mammals and with some advice that will be provided to you you too can help us in the search. Obviously, you are looking for wild animals and therefore you are not sure of spotting them. The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours so as not to tire you too much and being lucky enough to find canyons with high depth very close to the coast, already half an hour of navigation we have the possibility of sighting. It is important to know that the cetaceans research in the waters of the Sanctuary requires apatient surface monitoring and observation work, remembering that we are searching wild animals and there are neither times nor established points to meet them. We have to accept a few hours of sailing. Obviously this excursion takes place in the open sea,very far from the coast, it is important if it is the first experience or you aresensible to the seasickness to take the right precautions: light breakfast not milk products and sweet foods and if necessary take pill for the seasickness 2 hours beforedeparture.

Albenga: Le Caravelle Water Park Open Date Entrance Ticket

Albenga: Le Caravelle Water Park Open Date Entrance Ticket

Purchase your ticket for the Le Caravalle water park in advance. Explore an area of 80,000 square meters, including games for adults and children. Enjoy 15 slides, a wave pool, beach volleyball courts, and a wellness area. Take a break and have a refreshing fun in this fantastic water park in Liguria. If you're hungry, stop by the self-service sandwich shop to buy typical Ligurian products, such as Ligurian focaccia. Make sure not to miss the "aquadance", the only disco in the water in Italy.

Varazze: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

Varazze: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours, we will board an intimate and welcoming motorboat whose structure offers all passengers the opportunity to participate in a close and intimate sighting with the animals. On board we will find Claudia, our expert nature guide who will entertain you with a lesson of about an hour of introduction to cetology in Italian and English, providing particular and curious notions about the inhabitants of our Ligurian Sea. During the excursion Simone and Ettore, our expert spotters will scan the surface in search of marine mammals and with some advice that will be provided to you you too can help us in the search. Obviously, you are looking for wild animals and therefore you are not sure of spotting them. The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours so as not to tire you too much and being lucky enough to find canyons with high depth very close to the coast, already half an hour of navigation we have the possibility of sighting. It is important to know that the cetaceans research in the waters of the Sanctuary requires apatient surface monitoring and observation work, remembering that we are searching wild animals and there are neither times nor established points to meet them. We have to accept a few hours of sailing. Obviously this excursion takes place in the open sea,very far from the coast, it is important if it is the first experience or you aresensible to the seasickness to take the right precautions: light breakfast not milk products and sweet foods and if necessary take pill for the seasickness 2 hours beforedeparture.

Savona: Guided Tour of the Underground of the Priamàr

Savona: Guided Tour of the Underground of the Priamàr

The various rooms of the underground Priamàr were built throughout the life of the Fortress between 1542 and 1943 and belong to different types: the large sixteenth-century tunnels, almost all of which were closed and walled up in the seventeenth century; the narrow connecting walkways of 1683; the small counter tunnels; the large compartments below the ramparts of the late seventeenth century; the two cisterns and connecting tunnels of the Maschio and the Citadel; the sorties that led to the sea or to the large outer moat; and finally the large tunnels-air raid shelter of World War II. The guided tour starts in front of the Civic Archaeological and City Museum; visitors will discover with our archaeologists the Fortress's underground passages: they will walk the four underground routes of St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Santissima Conception.

Savona: Guided Tour of the Priamàr Fortress

Savona: Guided Tour of the Priamàr Fortress

The fortress was built by the Republic of Genoa in 1542-44, designed by the Lombard Giovanni Maria Olgiati, both to protect its territory from possible attacks from the sea and the Savoy state and, above all, to keep the recently subdued city of Savona under control. Barely nine months after work began, the military structure became functional, so much so that, with the construction site still open, a first garrison was established there as early as April 1543. To make way for the mighty ramparts, enhancing the strategic position of the rocky promontory of Priamàr, one of the most important neighborhoods of the early medieval city was destroyed, including, among others, the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, the Bishop's Palace, the Dominican Convent and the neighborhood of the same name, the ten oratories of the confraternities, and the three city hospitals. From 1956 to the present, systematic archaeological excavation campaigns, conducted every year by the International Institute of Ligurian Studies (IISL), have been gradually bringing to light what remains of the ancient settlement, which is gradually being enhanced both in the Civic Archaeological and City Museum (continuously updated by the IISL) and in the setting up of the evocative archaeological areas inside and outside the Fortress. To this day the Savona Fortress on the Priamàr is the most impressive fortified work in the whole of Liguria. The profound transformations documented in the monumental complex of the Priamàr correspond to the main stages of the city's history. A visit to the monumental complex, located where the first inhabited nucleus of Savona stood, allows one to reread the entire history of the city through an exciting itinerary that winds through the entire Fortress. The guided tour begins at the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona.

Savona: Traditional Food Tour

Savona: Traditional Food Tour

Enjoy a walking tour of Savona and experience the best food the city has to offer. Meet your knowledgeable, food-loving guide and set off on your culinary adventure throughout the city. During the course of the day you will get to sample local delicacies at the eateries that rank amongst the favorites for the locals. Your guide will choose the best dishes to introduce you to the traditions of Savona and suggest the best restaurants. You will taste some of the following specialties on your Savona Food Tour (according to products availability): Panissa: a crispy crust, made with chickpea flour. Excellent fried and served with traditional white bread. Farinata: a delicious chickpea pancake cooked in a flaming oven. The best one is soft in the center with a light crispy coating. Characteristic of the city of Savona is the white variety, with wheat flour. You will have the chance to taste both of them! Pasta with Pesto: the authentic recipe of classic Basil Pesto sauce, made of local fresh basil and pine nuts! Fresh Ligurian Fish: the best "Fritto Misto" in town! Highly recommended! Classic Focaccia: taste the original! Typical from Genoa with local extra-virgin olive oil. Ice cream or dessert: taste the typical and delicious Amaretti di Sassello or the best artisanal ice cream in Savona! Caffè: Italian coffee ritual expects you to end your meal with an Espresso Coffee.

Savona: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Savona: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Get ready for a culinary experience like no other at a local home in Savona. Over 3 hours, enjoy exclusive cooking instruction from your genial host and taste authentic Italian dishes. Treasured in family cookbooks, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.  Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you make a genuine connection with locals. Enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, dessert, plus a selection of regional wines and coffee.

Savona - Private Guided Walking Tour

Savona - Private Guided Walking Tour

Discover the highlights of Savona on a guided walking tour. See the Monument to the Fallen, the Palace of Peacocks, the Leon Pancaldo Tower, the Brandales Tower, the Cathedral of Savona, the Sistine Chapel, the Priamar Fortress, and the Garibaldi's Statue. Meet your guide at Piazza Mameli, the square housing the emblematic Monument to the Fallen, built in memory of the heroes and victims of the War World I. Besides its high artistic values, this site is well-known for the unique ritual of paying tribute in silence when the bell of the monument chimes at 6:00 PM every day, a tradition that has lasted for the past 80 years. Next, stroll along the atmospheric Pietro Paleocapa street for a splendid showcase of impressive buildings, especially the Palace of Peacocks, an amazing example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its name comes from nature-themed murals on the façade, mostly the vivid-colored peacocks. The pleasant vintage shades, romantic-styled balconies, and intriguing decoration details of the building prove captivating to any passers-by. Just a short walk away is the Leon Pancaldo Tower, named after a Savona-born explorer who accompanied Ferdinando Magellano on his first voyage around the globe. The twenty-three-metre-tall medieval tower used to be part of the city’s walls. Today, the iconic landmark that dominates the seaside warmly welcomes ships and cruises from afar to the fascinating town. Then, pass by the town’s oldest tower: the iconic Brandales Tower. Easily seen from everywhere in the city, the town’s tallest tower (50 meters) reads the time for the entire city with a large clock face, chiming its bell every hour and a half. The next destination is the Cathedral of Savona. Baroque in style, this temple conveys a sense of grandeur and magnificence with an imposing and lavishly decorated façade which is well worth admiring. Take a few steps to the adjacent temple, the Sistine Chapel, which Savona takes huge pride in. The sumptuous chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, Savona's son, for his deceased parents. It is home to a priceless collection of treasures and art masterpieces. Then, visit the Priamar Fortress, which occupies a hill and overlooks the Savona seaport. The citadel dates back to the 4th century and has served many purposes: from a Roman burial ground, a cathedral site during the Middle Ages, a defensive fortification slash a military prison during wartime, etc. to the top attraction in Savona, offering uninterrupted picture-postcard views across the sea, the mountains, the town, and its port. Head to the waterfront where the Garibaldi's Statue is located. He was an Italian general, patriot, revolutionary, and republican. The site makes a perfect end to the tour where you can take beautiful souvenir photos with the Priamar Fortress in the background or enjoy the scenic views of the sea.

Savona: Guided tour of the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona

Savona: Guided tour of the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona

The Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona (Màr), housed in the 15th-century "Loggia del Castello Nuovo, was inaugurated on April 7, 1990, on the occasion of the reopening to the public of part of the Priamàr complex. An effective integration between museum space and archaeological areas left in view allows the visitor to follow a path back in time both through the rooms of the Palazzo della Loggia reused over time and through the display of chronologically ordered artifacts spread over two floors. A visit to the excavation area of the Byzantine necropolis (4th-7th centuries AD) is highly suggestive, where it is possible to see traces of the Liguri Sabazi village and the early stages of settlement of the area within the structures pertaining to the medieval Palazzo della Loggia. The museum is barrier-free and has a path for people with visual impairments with tactile points and Braille captions.

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Our most recommended things to do in Savona

Savona: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

Savona: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours, we will board an intimate and welcoming motorboat whose structure offers all passengers the opportunity to participate in a close and intimate sighting with the animals. On board we will find Claudia, our expert nature guide who will entertain you with a lesson of about an hour of introduction to cetology in Italian and English, providing particular and curious notions about the inhabitants of our Ligurian Sea. During the excursion Simone and Ettore, our expert spotters will scan the surface in search of marine mammals and with some advice that will be provided to you you too can help us in the search. Obviously, you are looking for wild animals and therefore you are not sure of spotting them. The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours so as not to tire you too much and being lucky enough to find canyons with high depth very close to the coast, already half an hour of navigation we have the possibility of sighting. It is important to know that the cetaceans research in the waters of the Sanctuary requires apatient surface monitoring and observation work, remembering that we are searching wild animals and there are neither times nor established points to meet them. We have to accept a few hours of sailing. Obviously this excursion takes place in the open sea,very far from the coast, it is important if it is the first experience or you aresensible to the seasickness to take the right precautions: light breakfast not milk products and sweet foods and if necessary take pill for the seasickness 2 hours beforedeparture.

Albenga: Le Caravelle Water Park Open Date Entrance Ticket

Albenga: Le Caravelle Water Park Open Date Entrance Ticket

Purchase your ticket for the Le Caravalle water park in advance. Explore an area of 80,000 square meters, including games for adults and children. Enjoy 15 slides, a wave pool, beach volleyball courts, and a wellness area. Take a break and have a refreshing fun in this fantastic water park in Liguria. If you're hungry, stop by the self-service sandwich shop to buy typical Ligurian products, such as Ligurian focaccia. Make sure not to miss the "aquadance", the only disco in the water in Italy.

Varazze: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

Varazze: Pelagos Sanctuary Wildlife Cruise with Guide

The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours, we will board an intimate and welcoming motorboat whose structure offers all passengers the opportunity to participate in a close and intimate sighting with the animals. On board we will find Claudia, our expert nature guide who will entertain you with a lesson of about an hour of introduction to cetology in Italian and English, providing particular and curious notions about the inhabitants of our Ligurian Sea. During the excursion Simone and Ettore, our expert spotters will scan the surface in search of marine mammals and with some advice that will be provided to you you too can help us in the search. Obviously, you are looking for wild animals and therefore you are not sure of spotting them. The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours so as not to tire you too much and being lucky enough to find canyons with high depth very close to the coast, already half an hour of navigation we have the possibility of sighting. It is important to know that the cetaceans research in the waters of the Sanctuary requires apatient surface monitoring and observation work, remembering that we are searching wild animals and there are neither times nor established points to meet them. We have to accept a few hours of sailing. Obviously this excursion takes place in the open sea,very far from the coast, it is important if it is the first experience or you aresensible to the seasickness to take the right precautions: light breakfast not milk products and sweet foods and if necessary take pill for the seasickness 2 hours beforedeparture.

Savona: Guided Tour of the Underground of the Priamàr

Savona: Guided Tour of the Underground of the Priamàr

The various rooms of the underground Priamàr were built throughout the life of the Fortress between 1542 and 1943 and belong to different types: the large sixteenth-century tunnels, almost all of which were closed and walled up in the seventeenth century; the narrow connecting walkways of 1683; the small counter tunnels; the large compartments below the ramparts of the late seventeenth century; the two cisterns and connecting tunnels of the Maschio and the Citadel; the sorties that led to the sea or to the large outer moat; and finally the large tunnels-air raid shelter of World War II. The guided tour starts in front of the Civic Archaeological and City Museum; visitors will discover with our archaeologists the Fortress's underground passages: they will walk the four underground routes of St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Santissima Conception.

Savona: Guided Tour of the Priamàr Fortress

Savona: Guided Tour of the Priamàr Fortress

The fortress was built by the Republic of Genoa in 1542-44, designed by the Lombard Giovanni Maria Olgiati, both to protect its territory from possible attacks from the sea and the Savoy state and, above all, to keep the recently subdued city of Savona under control. Barely nine months after work began, the military structure became functional, so much so that, with the construction site still open, a first garrison was established there as early as April 1543. To make way for the mighty ramparts, enhancing the strategic position of the rocky promontory of Priamàr, one of the most important neighborhoods of the early medieval city was destroyed, including, among others, the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, the Bishop's Palace, the Dominican Convent and the neighborhood of the same name, the ten oratories of the confraternities, and the three city hospitals. From 1956 to the present, systematic archaeological excavation campaigns, conducted every year by the International Institute of Ligurian Studies (IISL), have been gradually bringing to light what remains of the ancient settlement, which is gradually being enhanced both in the Civic Archaeological and City Museum (continuously updated by the IISL) and in the setting up of the evocative archaeological areas inside and outside the Fortress. To this day the Savona Fortress on the Priamàr is the most impressive fortified work in the whole of Liguria. The profound transformations documented in the monumental complex of the Priamàr correspond to the main stages of the city's history. A visit to the monumental complex, located where the first inhabited nucleus of Savona stood, allows one to reread the entire history of the city through an exciting itinerary that winds through the entire Fortress. The guided tour begins at the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona.

Savona: Traditional Food Tour

Savona: Traditional Food Tour

Enjoy a walking tour of Savona and experience the best food the city has to offer. Meet your knowledgeable, food-loving guide and set off on your culinary adventure throughout the city. During the course of the day you will get to sample local delicacies at the eateries that rank amongst the favorites for the locals. Your guide will choose the best dishes to introduce you to the traditions of Savona and suggest the best restaurants. You will taste some of the following specialties on your Savona Food Tour (according to products availability): Panissa: a crispy crust, made with chickpea flour. Excellent fried and served with traditional white bread. Farinata: a delicious chickpea pancake cooked in a flaming oven. The best one is soft in the center with a light crispy coating. Characteristic of the city of Savona is the white variety, with wheat flour. You will have the chance to taste both of them! Pasta with Pesto: the authentic recipe of classic Basil Pesto sauce, made of local fresh basil and pine nuts! Fresh Ligurian Fish: the best "Fritto Misto" in town! Highly recommended! Classic Focaccia: taste the original! Typical from Genoa with local extra-virgin olive oil. Ice cream or dessert: taste the typical and delicious Amaretti di Sassello or the best artisanal ice cream in Savona! Caffè: Italian coffee ritual expects you to end your meal with an Espresso Coffee.

Savona: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Savona: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Get ready for a culinary experience like no other at a local home in Savona. Over 3 hours, enjoy exclusive cooking instruction from your genial host and taste authentic Italian dishes. Treasured in family cookbooks, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.  Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you make a genuine connection with locals. Enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, dessert, plus a selection of regional wines and coffee.

Savona - Private Guided Walking Tour

Savona - Private Guided Walking Tour

Discover the highlights of Savona on a guided walking tour. See the Monument to the Fallen, the Palace of Peacocks, the Leon Pancaldo Tower, the Brandales Tower, the Cathedral of Savona, the Sistine Chapel, the Priamar Fortress, and the Garibaldi's Statue. Meet your guide at Piazza Mameli, the square housing the emblematic Monument to the Fallen, built in memory of the heroes and victims of the War World I. Besides its high artistic values, this site is well-known for the unique ritual of paying tribute in silence when the bell of the monument chimes at 6:00 PM every day, a tradition that has lasted for the past 80 years. Next, stroll along the atmospheric Pietro Paleocapa street for a splendid showcase of impressive buildings, especially the Palace of Peacocks, an amazing example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its name comes from nature-themed murals on the façade, mostly the vivid-colored peacocks. The pleasant vintage shades, romantic-styled balconies, and intriguing decoration details of the building prove captivating to any passers-by. Just a short walk away is the Leon Pancaldo Tower, named after a Savona-born explorer who accompanied Ferdinando Magellano on his first voyage around the globe. The twenty-three-metre-tall medieval tower used to be part of the city’s walls. Today, the iconic landmark that dominates the seaside warmly welcomes ships and cruises from afar to the fascinating town. Then, pass by the town’s oldest tower: the iconic Brandales Tower. Easily seen from everywhere in the city, the town’s tallest tower (50 meters) reads the time for the entire city with a large clock face, chiming its bell every hour and a half. The next destination is the Cathedral of Savona. Baroque in style, this temple conveys a sense of grandeur and magnificence with an imposing and lavishly decorated façade which is well worth admiring. Take a few steps to the adjacent temple, the Sistine Chapel, which Savona takes huge pride in. The sumptuous chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, Savona's son, for his deceased parents. It is home to a priceless collection of treasures and art masterpieces. Then, visit the Priamar Fortress, which occupies a hill and overlooks the Savona seaport. The citadel dates back to the 4th century and has served many purposes: from a Roman burial ground, a cathedral site during the Middle Ages, a defensive fortification slash a military prison during wartime, etc. to the top attraction in Savona, offering uninterrupted picture-postcard views across the sea, the mountains, the town, and its port. Head to the waterfront where the Garibaldi's Statue is located. He was an Italian general, patriot, revolutionary, and republican. The site makes a perfect end to the tour where you can take beautiful souvenir photos with the Priamar Fortress in the background or enjoy the scenic views of the sea.

Savona: Guided tour of the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona

Savona: Guided tour of the Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona

The Civic Museum of Archaeology and the City of Savona (Màr), housed in the 15th-century "Loggia del Castello Nuovo, was inaugurated on April 7, 1990, on the occasion of the reopening to the public of part of the Priamàr complex. An effective integration between museum space and archaeological areas left in view allows the visitor to follow a path back in time both through the rooms of the Palazzo della Loggia reused over time and through the display of chronologically ordered artifacts spread over two floors. A visit to the excavation area of the Byzantine necropolis (4th-7th centuries AD) is highly suggestive, where it is possible to see traces of the Liguri Sabazi village and the early stages of settlement of the area within the structures pertaining to the medieval Palazzo della Loggia. The museum is barrier-free and has a path for people with visual impairments with tactile points and Braille captions.

Frequently asked questions about Savona

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What people are saying about Savona

Overall rating

4.1
(17 reviews)

It was a great afternoon with Andrea. We were given a warm welcome and were able to deepen our knowledge of gnocchi making and even help with the production. All of the dishes were delicious and we had a lot of fun that afternoon. Many thanks to Andrea for the great selection and the many little secrets of Italian cuisine that he shared with us. If I'm in the area again, I would book another afternoon.

Everything went wonderfully, the crew was very nice and helpful. They didn't give up even though we didn't see any animals for a long time. At the very end it worked and we even saw baby dolphins!

A really great day for our children. The adults didn't miss out either. This park is really recommended. The toilets just take some getting used to.

The beauty of nature in every sense of the word. Beautiful Dolphins in their natural environment. The cruise met my expectations 200%.

At the top, didn't see any whales, too bad, but several groups of dolphins, it was incredible. The crew is great