Grand day from Savona: Brandale, Bergeggi and Noli

A full Riviera day: the old town, the Bergeggi marine reserve, the village of Noli and the bay of Varigotti.

ExploraGo Team

Published on October 20, 2026

Duration: 7 to 14 hours
Budget: Mid-range
Best for: Friends
Style: naturaleza
Season: April to October

Stops

1
transporte
Savona cruise terminal
20 min · Included · According to the cruise itinerary
The long day starts at the Palacrociere and combines the old town with the coast; arrange transport in advance.
Tips
Book a driver or check coastal bus times.
Carry water and sun protection for the whole day.
Take care
The coastal road has bends and summer traffic.
The all-aboard time is announced on board and is usually strict.
Walk · 4 min
2
mirador
Piazza del Brandale
30 min · Free · Open at any time
Old-town square dominated by the medieval Brandale tower, one of the few surviving pieces of the city wall.
Tips
View the tower from the opposite corner to gauge its height.
The square links to the main shopping streets.
Take care
The stone paving is slippery after rain.
Walk · 3 min
3
actividad
Pinacoteca Civica
60 min · Small admission fee · Museum hours
Collection of Ligurian and European painting in a historic palace; a good introduction to the city before heading to the coast.
Tips
Ask about works by local artists.
The palace courtyard is worth a stop.
Take care
It usually closes one day a week; check ahead.
Car · 25 min
4
naturaleza
Bergeggi Island Marine Reserve
150 min · Free access; activities at extra cost · Daytime; activities depend on the operator
Marine reserve with clear water and an island just offshore; explore it from the viewpoint, by boat or on a guided snorkel.
Tips
The coastal viewpoint gives the best view of the island.
Wear rock shoes if you go down to the coves.
Take care
Swimming can be restricted in protected zones.
There are currents outside the cove.
Car · 15 min
5
actividad
Noli
120 min · Free access · Village open; churches keep their own hours
Seafaring village with walls, towers and narrow lanes; it was an independent maritime republic and keeps several Romanesque churches.
Tips
Climb to the castle for the full view of the bay.
Eat at the old harbour, away from the main street.
Take care
The centre is pedestrianised and hilly.
Parking can be hard in summer.
Car · 10 min
6
naturaleza
Baia dei Saraceni
90 min · Free access · Daytime
Pale-sand cove at the foot of the Varigotti headland, one of the most recognisable beaches on the Riviera.
Tips
Arrive early: the cove is small and fills up.
A short path leads to the headland viewpoint.
Take care
Access is down steps and can be slippery.
There is no lifeguard across the whole cove.