Savona Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Savona’s cruise port is simple, with plenty of ways to arrive. The closest main airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA), about 45 minutes by car. From there, you can grab a taxi, book a private transfer, or hire a car to reach the port.

If you fancy taking the train, Savona’s railway station sits just 1 kilometre from the cruise terminal. There are frequent trains from big Italian cities like Milan, Turin, and Genoa. From the station, it’s either a 10-minute taxi journey or a 15-minute stroll to the port.

Port Parking Options

The port in Savona has several good parking spots for people heading on cruises. The main one is Costa Cruises’ official car park, which sits right beside the terminal. It’s secure and you can leave your car there for short or long periods. It’s worth booking ahead on Costa’s website to save your space and get better prices.

If you fancy saving a bit of money, try the Darsena car park about 500 metres from the terminal. This council-run space has both covered and open-air parking, and it’s cheaper than the official lot. For those watching their pennies, you can park for free on some nearby streets, though you’ll have a 10-15 minute walk to the terminal. Just be careful to read the street signs properly, as some areas have time limits.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting between Savona’s cruise terminal and the city centre is straightforward with several good transport choices. Regular shuttle buses go back and forth from the port to central Savona every 20-30 minutes when cruise ships are in. A single ticket costs £1.50 per person.

Taxis wait right outside the terminal building. A ride to central Savona typically costs £10-15, whilst heading to Genoa Airport will set you back around £80. For trains, you can walk to Savona Railway Station in about 15 minutes or grab a quick taxi. The station connects you to the Italian Riviera with regular trains to Genoa, Milan and Turin.

Port Terminal Facilities

The modern terminal has two floors packed with everything you need. The ground floor has the baggage claim area, customs and security checks. If you need local info and maps, pop by the tourist information desk.

Head upstairs and you’ll find plenty of comfy seats, loos and massive windows with harbour views. Fancy a bite? There’s a café doing light meals, snacks and proper Italian coffee. The small shop sorts you out with travel bits and bobs plus local keepsakes. The Wi-Fi’s free everywhere in the building, and you can charge your gadgets at several power points. Getting around is dead easy – lifts connect both floors, and there are proper facilities for people with mobility needs.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Within walking distance of Savona’s port, you’ll find several great spots to see before your cruise sets off. The massive Priamar Fortress from the 1500s sits high above the harbour, giving you brilliant views across the Ligurian Sea. These days, it’s home to the city museum and hosts various cultural events.

Have a wander through the old town centre to see the fancy Sistine Chapel, built by Pope Sixtus IV, and the impressive baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. If you need any last-minute bits and bobs or fancy a proper Italian ice cream, head to Via Paleocapa shopping street. The medieval Torre Leon Pancaldo tower is worth seeing too – it’s become the city’s landmark. In summer, you can always pop down to the public beaches nearby for a bit of relaxation.

Walks near the port

The port in Savona has some lovely walking paths to get your legs moving before you set sail. You can wander along the Promenade Scaletto by the water, with great views of the boats – from small fishing vessels to fancy yachts. The path goes from where the cruise ships dock all the way to Torre Leon Pancaldo, an old tower from the 1300s that stands at the port entrance.

If you fancy a longer walk, try the Fornaci beach promenade – it stretches about two kilometres along the coast. You’ll spot plenty of benches for a rest, cafes for a cuppa, and brilliant spots for photos. Worth a look is Via Paleocapa, a shorter but nice walk through the main shopping street linking the port to Savona’s old town. It’s brilliant for a bit of window shopping at local boutiques, grabbing a gelato, and taking in the traditional Ligurian buildings.

Dining and Shopping

Once you’ve had a good wander along those walking paths, you’ll find loads of places to eat and shop near the port. Via Paleocapa has quite a few restaurants dishing up proper Ligurian food, with fresh seafood and local pesto specialities. You can grab some farinata, a tasty chickpea flatbread, from the casual spots along Via Pia.

For a bit of shopping, nip down to Corso Italia, Savona’s main shopping street, packed with boutiques, leather shops and spots selling souvenirs. The old town centre has small workshops where you can buy handmade ceramics and local food bits and bobs. The indoor market at Piazza del Popolo is worth a visit – you’ll find fresh veg, regional cheeses, and lovely Ligurian olive oil. Just remember that most shops shut for lunch between 12:30 and 3:30 PM, as that’s how things work in Italy.

Accommodation near the port

Looking for a place to stay near Savona’s cruise port? It’s really straightforward, with plenty of hotels you can walk to from the terminal. You’ll find everything from cheaper guesthouses to fancier hotels that look after cruise passengers well.

Popular places to stay near the port include:

• Mare Hotel – A smart 4-star hotel just 400 metres from the cruise terminal, with sea views and breakfast included
• Hotel Riviera Suisse – In the old town centre, about a 10-minute stroll to the port, with freshly done-up rooms
• NH Savona Darsena – Right on the marina, with modern rooms and a restaurant
• Model Hotel – A good choice if you’re watching your budget, with simple rooms, 800 metres from the terminal

Most places let you store your bags and check in early if you’re catching a cruise.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Once you’ve booked your cabin, it’s time to get sorted for your first cruise from Savona port. It’s best to come a day early to avoid any hassles with delayed flights or trains. Keep your passport, cruise papers and boarding passes in a handbag or small rucksack you can easily reach.

The check-in area is on the ground floor of the Palacrociere terminal. Get there at least three hours before your ship leaves. While you can swap your money at the terminal, you’ll find better exchange rates in town. Save the port map to your mobile before you arrive, as the Wi-Fi can be patchy. Pop the cruise line’s luggage tags on your bags, and pack important medicines, valuable items and spare clothes in your carry-on – just in case your main bags take a while to reach your cabin.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

You’ll need to go through customs and immigration at the Palacrociere terminal before getting on your cruise ship in Savona. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes when it’s quiet, but set aside up to an hour during busy times. Make sure you’ve got your passport, cruise papers and filled-out customs forms ready.

What you’ll need:

• A valid passport that won’t expire for at least 6 months after your cruise ends
• Your printed cruise documents, including booking confirmation and boarding passes
• A health form (you’ll get this at the terminal)
• Customs declaration form if you’re bringing items over the duty-free limits

The staff at immigration speak English and Italian. Once you’re through customs and immigration, you’ll go through security and then head to the cruise ship boarding area.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need euros for shopping in Savona, as Italian shops and businesses work with the EU’s official currency. You can get euros from cash machines near the port or pop into local banks for currency exchange. While bigger shops and restaurants take major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, it’s smart to keep some cash handy for small shops, taxis, and local markets.

Give your bank a quick ring before you travel to let them know you’ll be using your cards abroad – this helps avoid any payment problems. Many cards have foreign transaction fees, so have a look at your card’s terms. Although some touristy shops might take US dollars, you’ll get better value using euros. When paying by card and given the choice, go for euros rather than your home currency to avoid rubbish exchange rates.

Emergency Contacts

Before heading to Savona, save these important emergency numbers in your phone. You can dial 112 anywhere in Italy – it’s the standard European emergency number that connects you to police, medical help, and the fire brigade. For less urgent matters, you’ll want the port authority’s details too.

Essential numbers to save:

• Port of Savona Authority: +39 019 85541
• Savona Police Station: +39 019 8550500
• Nearest Hospital (San Paolo): +39 019 84041
• Tourist Police: +39 019 8550444

If you’re travelling with a cruise company, remember to jot down your ship’s emergency number and the local cruise representative’s contact details. They work round the clock and can help straight away if you need them.

History of The Port

Savona’s port has a long and interesting story that goes right back to when the Romans were knocking about. Back then, it was a proper important trading spot for the Empire. During the Middle Ages, it got even bigger and became one of the Mediterranean’s main shipping places.

Things got a bit tricky in the 1400s when Savona had to compete with Genoa just up the coast. There were some proper scraps between them, and Genoa ended up coming out on top. The port got a major facelift in the 1800s when they built new docks and all sorts. By the 1900s, it had turned into a proper industrial port, mainly dealing with coal and steel.

These days, the port’s mainly about cruise ships, especially since Costa Cruises made it their main base in 2003. That really changed things up for the old place.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2010, Savannah’s port has gone greener with loads of changes to help the environment. The whole place now runs with strict rules to keep the Mediterranean ecosystem safe.

The main green programmes running at the port include:

• Special power points for cruise ships to plug straight into the electrical grid – this means fewer emissions whilst they’re docked
• Top-notch waste handling facilities that sort and recycle rubbish from ships
• Plants that clean ships’ ballast water before it goes into the harbour
• Solar panels on terminal buildings that power various port activities

If you pop by, you’ll spot electric shuttle buses ferrying passengers about, and you can use recycling bins dotted around the cruise terminal.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Savona cruise terminal has lots of helpful features for passengers with mobility needs. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps at all main entrances, lifts between floors, and disabled parking bays right by the terminal entrance. All toilets come with accessible facilities and grab rails.

Need help getting around? Just ask for a wheelchair or electric buggy to take you between the terminal and your ship. The port team knows how to assist disabled passengers with boarding and getting signed in. You’ll find clearly labelled fast-track lanes and rest areas throughout the building. For those with sight difficulties, there are raised guidance paths and Braille signs in important spots. It’s best to let your cruise line know beforehand about any particular accessibility needs you might have.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Most seasoned cruise travellers buy good travel insurance before setting off from Savona port. The terminal has a well-equipped medical centre with trained healthcare staff who can treat basic emergencies and give first aid. You’ll spot the medical centre on the ground floor, just by the main entrance.

Important things to think about for insurance when leaving from Savona:

• Get cover that includes medical evacuation, since Italian hospitals might want payment straight away
• Your policy should have trip cancellation and interruption cover for Mediterranean cruises
• Look into whether your insurance covers COVID-19 cases and quarantine costs
• Make certain your policy includes cover for existing health conditions and shore trips

Keep your insurance papers and emergency phone numbers with you during your trip.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The Savona cruise terminal is great for families, with plenty to keep the little ones happy. There’s a bright and fun children’s area with climbing frames and soft play equipment right by the main waiting area. Parents with babies will find a handy changing room and a quiet spot for nursing.

Kids can tuck into child-sized meals and familiar foods at the terminal’s cafeteria. Teenagers can stay connected with free Wi-Fi, whilst younger children can spend time at activity stations with colouring books and puzzles. The wide corridors and lifts to every floor make it simple to move about with pushchairs. The port team is always ready to help families and gives priority boarding to those with young children.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Three brilliant festivals bring Savona to life during cruise season. Pop along to the Medieval Festival in July, soak up the Savona Estate cultural events in August, or wander through the Christmas Market in December. Each celebration brings together local traditions, music and proper Ligurian food.

When there’s no festival on, you can still visit these cultural spots all year:

• Sistine Chapel of Savona – gaze at Renaissance frescoes in this historic church
• Priamar Fortress – explore medieval military architecture with stunning views
• Ceramics Museum – admire unique pottery collections showing off Savona’s artistic roots
• Teatro Chiabrera – watch an opera or classical show in this 19th-century theatre

Make time to visit the traditional artisan workshops in the old town, where local craftsmen still create distinctive Savonese ceramics and traditional Ligurian pottery.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

While you can cruise from Savona all year round, when you go makes a big difference to your trip. The busiest time is May to October – you’ll get lovely warm Mediterranean weather and not much rain. Be aware that July and August are scorching hot and packed with tourists, so you’ll need to sort your booking early for these months.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are brilliant times to go, with pleasant temperatures and fewer people about. These months tend to be cheaper too, and the weather’s just right for wandering around the port city. Winter cruises from November to March can be cold and rainy, but you’ll find the best deals and a quieter port. If you fancy a winter sailing, remember to bring warm clothes and be ready for potentially rough waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Water Depth at Savona’s Cruise Ship Berths?

Most cruise ship spots at Savona harbour have water depths of around 8-10 metres, though it changes a bit depending on where you dock. That’s plenty deep for the big cruise ships that sail nowadays.

Are There Any Port-Specific Dress Codes or Regulations for Passengers?

No special clothing rules at the port. Just pop on comfy clothes and decent shoes for walking about. When you get on your cruise ship, you’ll need to stick to whatever clothing guidelines that ship has in place.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Use Savona as Their Home Port?

Costa Cruises calls Savona their main Italian home port. It’s a major Mediterranean base for their ships, and you might spot MSC vessels popping in now and then for certain routes.

What Is the Maximum Size Cruise Ship That Can Dock at Savona?

The big beauties can definitely pull in here! Savona’s port handles cruise ships up to 330 metres long with a maximum draft of 9.5 metres, which means most of today’s massive ships can dock without any bother.

How Many Cruise Ships Can Simultaneously Dock at Savona’s Port?

Savona’s port has 2 proper cruise ship berths that can fit two big cruise ships at the same time. The well-equipped Palacrociere terminal makes things run smoothly when multiple ships and their passengers come in.