Savona essentials: port, fortress and old town

Half a day on foot from the port: the Priamàr fortress, the Sistine Chapel, the Via Pia spine and a break in the old-town trattorias.

ExploraGo Team

Published on October 20, 2026

Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Budget: Budget
Best for: Couple
Style: cultural
Season: Spring to autumn

Stops

1
transporte
Savona cruise terminal
20 min · Included · According to the cruise itinerary
The Palacrociere is about ten minutes on foot from the old town; the route into the city is signposted and almost flat.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the centre has stone-paved streets.
Small cafes take cards, but a little cash helps.
Take care
Midday sun hits hard in the open squares.
The all-aboard time is announced on board and is usually strict.
Walk · 9 min
2
mirador
Priamàr Fortress
60 min · Free access to grounds · Grounds open by day; museums keep their own hours
Genoese fortress on the hill, with views over the port and the rooftops of the centre; the archaeological museum and the Pertini space are inside.
Tips
Go up by the main ramp and come down on the harbour side.
The walls give the best photos in late afternoon.
Take care
There are stairs and sections without railings.
Parts of the grounds can close for works or maintenance.
Walk · 4 min
3
actividad
Sistine Chapel
40 min · Small admission fee · Cathedral complex visiting hours
Chapel commissioned by Sixtus IV as a family mausoleum, with a rococo interior and the original Della Rovere tomb.
Tips
Combine it with the adjoining cathedral.
The interior is cool: a good break in summer.
Take care
It can close for religious services.
Quiet and appropriate dress are expected.
Walk · 3 min
4
compras
Via Pia
60 min · Free · Shops keep business hours
Pedestrian, arcaded spine of the old town, with painted facades, small shops and cafes under the porticoes.
Tips
Look up: the facades keep old decorative details.
Side streets hold small local food shops.
Take care
Some shops close at midday.
Walk · 2 min
5
restaurante
Old-town trattorias
30 min · Pay per order · Lunch and dinner
Trattorias in the side streets usually serve farinata, trofie and the catch of the day; booking is wise when a ship is in port.
Tips
Try farinata, the local chickpea flatbread.
Ask for the set lunch if you want to eat quickly.
Take care
Outdoor tables fill early.
Many places add a cover charge.