Savona Car Hire

Guide of Savona

Geography

Savona is a seaport in the Italian Riviera, located in the northern Italian region of Liguria. It is located 40 km (25 miles) west of Genoa and around 150 km (93 miles) east of Nice in France. The town enjoys a strategic position between the Ligurian Sea and the Ligurian Alps.

Climate in Savona

Savona has a humid tropical and Mediterranean climate. That means warm, dry summers and cool winters. The hottest month in Savona is August, with average daily temperatures of 27°C. The coldest month in Savona is January, with average daily temperatures of 7°C. Summers tend to last around four months from June to October. While there is occasional rain during the hotter months, October is the rainiest month with an average precipitation of 110mm. The most popular time to visit Savona is during the hottest months, though if you prefer to avoid crowds you might want to travel here in late spring or early autumn.

Culture

Savona has a long history of struggle against Genoa, despite its proximity. Once an important maritime city and an important hub for trade in the Mediterranean, the conflict came to a head in the mid-16th century, when Genoa buried Savaona Harbour. The city transformed from a great maritime power to an agricultural town. Napoleon occupied the town during the 19th century, so it has strong cultural associations with its French neighbour too. Later, the ironworks was founded and Savona’s port was revived. Today, it’s a lively and bustling seaport, popular with both local and international tourists.

Things To Do in Savona

Oggle at masterpieces at the Museo d’Arte di Palazzo Gavotti

Located in two adjoining palazzi, the Museo d’Arte di Palazzo Gavotti is home to one of the region’s most impressive art collections. Masterpieces date back to the 14th century and include Taddeo di Bartolo’s Madonna and Child and Donato de’ Bardi’s The Crucifixion. It also houses an impressive collection of ceramics.

Explore Savona’s Sistine Chapel

Pope Sixtus IV (the same pope who commissioned Rome’s Sistine Chapel) created Savona’s Sistine Chapel in the 1480s. Designed as a sumptuous tomb for deceased parents, the tranquil space features a Gothic-style facade, a ribbed vault and an 18th-century pipe organ. Next door is the spectacular Cattedrale dell’Assunta, which was built in the 16th century after the older church was demolished.

Stroll along the harbour and beach

Pick up a gelato and take a stroll along the pretty promenade that lines the harbour. The path is peppered with palm trees and offers sweeping views of the coast. Savona boasts a handful of beautiful beaches too, many of which have been awarded the Bandier Blue Flag. It’s usually warm enough to swim in the sea from late May until late September.

Visit the medieval fortress and 19th-century prison

The impressive 16th-century Fortezza del Priamar survived destruction and is every bit as imposing as it was nearly 500 years ago. The citadel features a handful of terraces offering views out to sea, as well as several small museums. The most interesting of these is the Civico Museo Storico Archaeological. The Primar Fortress was used by the Spanish and Piedmontese in the 17th century and was used as a military prison until 1903.

Meander the medieval streets

Savona’s historic centre is characterised by narrow medieval streets lined with tall colourful buildings. The elegant Via Pia and the famous Via Paleocapa feature original porticoes and arcades too, which makes for a pleasant stroll even in the soggiest conditions. The streets are bursting with boutiques, bars and pretty palazzi.

Eating Out in Savona

Liguria is jam-packed with fresh produce, from fresh basil grown in the mountains to fish trawled in early every morning. It’s the spiritual home of pesto, so you’ll find a variety of local dishes that include the magical ingredient, including trofie al pesto (tiny swirls of homemade pasta slathered with homemade pesto). It’s said to be the birthplace of focaccia too and you’ll be able to pick up an oozing slice from most cafes for breakfast.

Seafood is taken seriously in Liguria – and Savona is no exception. Mussels, cuttlefish and sea bass are menu stalwarts, but you’ll find a whole host of other tantalising fish dishes at most restaurants. For the best views, head to Ristorante a Spurcacciun-a or Il Ristorante di Mauro, both of which offer sweeping sea views.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Savona is Genoa (GOA) Airport, which is 32 km away. The journey takes just 30 minutes by car along the A10 or 40 minutes by train. Trains run regularly from Genoa Savona Train Station. Alternatively, you could fly to Nice Airport and take a scenic two-hour drive to the town. Turin is a 1.5-hour drive away.

Getting Around Savona

Savona is a relatively compact town and easily explored on foot. There are regular bus services operated by TPL Linea to beaches further afield too. Savona also has its own train station, which runs regular services to Genoa and along the coast to other destinations, as well as connecting services to popular destinations like the Cinque Terre. However, if you’re planning on hitting the hills or exploring the countryside, we recommend hiring a car since trains do not operate in the mountains and buses can be irregular.