Ever wondered if those less-talked-about Italian destinations are actually worth your precious vacation time? While Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast steal the spotlight, the charming port city of Savona sits quietly along the Italian Riviera, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors.
Is Savona Worth Visiting? I’ve spent considerable time exploring Italy’s hidden corners, and I’m here to give you the straight talk on whether Savona deserves a spot on your Italian itinerary.
So I would like to say that yeah, it’s worth it.
Spoiler alert: there’s a surprising aspect of Savona that most guidebooks completely overlook!
Who Should Visit Savona? The Ideal Traveler Profile
After spending time in Savona, I’ve concluded it’s perfect for certain types of travelers. History buffs seeking authentic experiences will appreciate how the city’s past feels lived-in rather than packaged for tourism.
Food-focused travelers should absolutely consider Savona. The culinary traditions here are deeply rooted, and restaurants cater to locals rather than tourists, resulting in better quality and value. I had one of my best meals in Italy at a modest trattoria that didn’t even have an English menu!
Budget-conscious travelers will find Savona offers excellent value. My comfortable hotel room with a partial sea view cost less than a hostel bed in the Cinque Terre. Coffee, meals, and attractions all cost noticeably less than in tourism hotspots, without sacrificing quality.
For cruise passengers with limited time, Savona offers enough to fill a day pleasantly, though you’ll need to be selective. I’d recommend focusing on the fortress, cathedral, and taking time for a proper meal rather than trying to see everything.
However, I wouldn’t recommend Savona for luxury travelers seeking high-end amenities. While there are a few upscale options, you won’t find the concentration of five-star hotels and designer shopping that exists in places like Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure.
Top Things to Do in Savona
Priamar Fortress
Perched dramatically above the city, this impressive 16th-century fortress is Savona’s most iconic landmark. Built by the Genoese after they conquered Savona, it’s a fascinating example of Renaissance military architecture.
In 2025, the fortress houses several museums including the Archaeological Museum and hosts regular art exhibitions and cultural events.
Practical tips: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm (extended to 8pm June-September).
Entry costs €8 for adults, with a combined ticket for all museums available for €12.
Wear comfortable shoes as the stone pathways and numerous stairs can be challenging.
Savona Cathedral & Sistine Chapel
Many visitors are surprised to discover that Savona has its own “Sistine Chapel” inside the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV (who was born near Savona), this ornate chapel predates the more famous Vatican Sistine Chapel and features stunning 15th-century frescoes.
Practical tips: The cathedral is open daily 8am-12pm and 3pm-6pm, though closed during religious services.
Entry to the main cathedral is free, while the Sistine Chapel section costs €5.
Photography is permitted without flash. Dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees) as this is an active place of worship.
Old Town (Centro Storico)
Savona’s charming medieval center is a maze of narrow caruggi (alleyways), colorful buildings, and atmospheric piazzas. Highlights include the Torre Leon Pancaldo (a 14th-century tower), Via Paleocapa (the main shopping street), and numerous hidden churches and palaces waiting to be discovered.
Practical tips: Best explored on foot at a leisurely pace. The Saturday morning market in Piazza del Popolo (8am-1pm) is a local institution and great for people-watching.
The new pedestrianization project completed in January 2025 has made the historic center even more pleasant to wander.
Many shops still observe the traditional afternoon closure (approximately 12:30pm-3:30pm), though tourism-oriented businesses increasingly stay open throughout the day.
Local Beaches (e.g., Fornaci Beach)
Savona offers several city beaches, with Fornaci Beach being the largest and most popular.
Fornaci Beach is located in the Fornaci district, just a 20-minute walk west of Savona’s city center. You can go there without any hassle.
While not as pristine as some other Riviera beaches, they provide convenient access to the sea and are well-equipped with facilities.
Practical tips: Fornaci Beach stretches for over a kilometer and includes both free public areas and private beach clubs (stabilimenti).
For the beach clubs, expect to pay €15-20 for daily chair and umbrella rental in 2025.
The free beach sections get crowded on summer weekends, so arrive early to claim a spot.
The water quality has improved notably since the 2024 environmental initiative, earning Fornaci its first Blue Flag designation. The best swimming is usually at the western end, farther from the port.
Events or Festivals in 2025 to Watch For
Processione del Venerdì Santo (Good Friday Procession) – April 18, 2025 – One of Italy’s most atmospheric religious processions features ancient wooden sculptures carried through torchlit streets. The tradition dates back to the 16th century and offers a glimpse into Savona’s deep religious heritage.
Festival della Maiolica (Majolica Festival) – June 14-15, 2025 – This celebration of Savona’s ceramic tradition includes demonstrations by master artisans, workshops where visitors can try their hand at the craft, and special exhibitions throughout the city.
Savona Jazz & Blues Festival – July 24-27, 2025 – For its 15th anniversary edition, this festival has expanded to include performances in atmospheric venues across the city, including the fortress courtyard and several seaside locations. The 2025 program includes several internationally recognized performers alongside local talent.
Festa di Nostra Signora della Misericordia – March 18, 2025 – This local religious festival commemorates a 16th-century Marian apparition and includes processions, special masses at the sanctuary, and traditional food stalls selling regional specialties.
Savona Food Festival – September 12-14, 2025 – Now in its third year, this celebration of Ligurian cuisine has quickly become a favorite among food lovers. Local restaurants offer special menus, cooking demonstrations take place in public squares, and the city’s best producers showcase their olive oils, wines, and artisanal foods.
Best Local Food Spots
Savona’s culinary scene is one of its greatest treasures, offering authentic Ligurian cuisine at prices that will make visitors to the Cinque Terre weep with envy. Here are the standouts:
Osteria La Cantina – This unassuming family-run restaurant on Via Mistrangelo serves the city’s best pansotti (Ligurian herb-filled ravioli) with walnut sauce. The menu changes daily based on market availability, but their seafood is consistently exceptional. Locals pack this place by 8pm, so reserve ahead or arrive early.
Farinata at Vino e Farinata – Don’t miss trying farinata, the golden chickpea pancake that’s a Ligurian staple. This tiny spot near Piazza Sisto IV serves it straight from wood-fired ovens – crispy outside, creamy inside, and simply seasoned with rosemary and black pepper. They also offer excellent local wines by the glass at reasonable prices.
Gelateria Milleluci – Artisanal gelato made with seasonal ingredients and creative local flavors like olive oil, pine nut, and Pigato wine. Their pistachio is renowned throughout Liguria and worth every calorie.
Mercato Civico – The covered market on Via Giuria offers a fantastic food experience. Come in the morning to see locals passionately debating the merits of different pesto ingredients with vendors. The fish section displays the day’s catch from local waters, and several stalls sell ready-to-eat focaccia that rivals Genoa’s famous bakeries.
Art, Small Museums, and Artisan Shops
Pinacoteca Civica – This small art gallery housed in a 15th-century palace is often overlooked but contains impressive works by Italian masters and a notable collection of Ligurian paintings. The 2024 renovation has improved the lighting and exhibit flow considerably.
Museo della Ceramica – Savona has a centuries-old tradition of ceramic production, particularly the distinctive blue designs. This museum displays exceptional examples and explains the craft’s importance to local heritage. The museum shop sells authentic pieces from local artisans.
Ceramiche Soravia – This working ceramic studio continues traditions dating back generations. Watch artisans hand-painting the characteristic blue designs and purchase directly from the creators. They offer shipping services for larger pieces.
Bottega Artigiana Pelizzari – This family workshop specializes in handcrafted leather goods using traditional methods. Their custom sandals make for unique, practical souvenirs that will last for years.
Libreria Ubik – More than just a bookstore, this cultural hub hosts author readings, small art exhibitions, and community events. Their selection of books about Ligurian history and culture includes several excellent English titles.
Practical Tips for Visiting Savona
I found May and September to be the sweet spots for visiting Savona – warm enough for beach time but without the crowds and heat of July and August. Winter visits have their charm too.
For most travelers, 2-3 days in Savona itself feels about right. What if there are a lot of things to do but i think if I spend 2 or 3 days it will be pretty enough.
For accommodations, I recommend staying near the Porto Antico (old port) area for convenience. Hotel Mare offers good value with some rooms facing the harbor. For budget options, I was impressed by the cleanliness and friendly service at B&B Rifugio del Pellegrino.
While many Savonese in the tourism industry speak some English, having a few Italian phrases helped tremendously in restaurants and shops. Locals genuinely appreciated my terrible attempts at their language and often became more helpful as a result!
A money-saving tip specific to Savona: many restaurants offer a “menu operaio” (worker’s menu) at lunch – a complete meal with wine for around €12-15. It’s how locals eat, and the food is often better than the tourist menus you’ll find elsewhere.
Is Savona Worth Visiting? The Verdict
After thoroughly exploring this underrated Ligurian city, my honest assessment is that Savona is definitely worth visiting.
If you’re seeking an authentic slice of Italian coastal life without the crowds and price tags of more famous destinations, Savona delivers surprisingly well.
The city offers a refreshingly genuine experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in Italy’s tourism hotspots.
No one will try to sell you a selfie stick or overpriced water here. Instead, you’ll find yourself sharing sidewalks with locals going about their daily business, eating in restaurants that haven’t changed their recipes for generations, and discovering historical sites at your own pace.
Savona won’t deliver the jaw-dropping, postcard-perfect scenes of the Amalfi Coast or the art treasures of Florence. But what it offers instead – authenticity, value, excellent food, and a strategic location – makes it a worthwhile addition to an Italian itinerary, especially for repeat visitors to Italy looking to dive deeper.
If you’ve visited Savona, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you find it worth the trip?
