During our recent cru
Visiting Savona
A cruise stop
My blog subscribers already know that this September we´ve done our first big international trip with two babies. It was an 11-day Mediterranean Cruise, which included some of the most popular European islands, like Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, and Elba Island.
But, seriously, what a Mediterranean cruise without an Italian city?! In our case, there were even two of them: Naples and Savona. Well, in fact, there was also Portoferraio (Elba Island) but that’s a whole another story we´ll talk about in a couple of weeks…
Not a first time in Liguria
Let´s forget islands for now and move to the Italian coastal cities. Who
Also read: Expat Story – Italy Through American Eyes
To start with, my personal experience with this region has been quite controversial. I visited Liguria during the European Easter Holidays and have sworn not to travel back ever (yes! it was that bad! lol). The only positive impression in my Ligurian memory box was, probably, the city of Cervo. The rest was all about traffic jams, crowds, lack of parking spots, delays… Long story short: the most chaotic and exhausting vacation I´ve ever had.
Surprised by Savona
However, this September Savona cropped up in our travel plans as a random cruise stop. We honestly had no expectations for this one day in Savona, but ended up quite surprised!
Savona is a small city where all the major historical sites are within a walkable distance. That´s a huge advantage if you want to have a more relaxed experience and yet fully explore a new place.
Also read: Lake Como, Lake Garda or Lake Maggiore?
By the way, If you’re doing a cruise stop as well, most likely you’ll be offered a day trip to Genova or to one of the smaller villages nearby, like Noli. Genova is a great city to visit, especially if you’ve never been, but it´s already about big city life and intense sightseeing (you can’t see it all in one day). Noli is a pretty village, but there are more gems in the area (like Cervo) to lay your eyes on – it should really be a separate road trip then.
One day in Savona felt like a great time frame. Besides, the city was not packed with tourists and you could get “an authentic taste” of Italian food, art, and architecture. What else could we all possibly wish for?!
So, what can you see and do during your one day in Savona?
One day in Savona: Must-see places
Towers: La Torretta & Torre del Brandale
One of the first things you notice while heading to the city
An
Priamar Fortress
Want to get the best city views?! – Priamar Fortress is the place.

Museums
However, if we are to talk about museums there’s one place you can’t miss in Savona – Museo della Ceramica. It is located together with the Pinacoteca Civica inside Palazzo Gavotti. For a fan of the Spanish ceramics like me, this was the favorite stop of the day.
If you are interested in art and feel like visiting museums, there are two important museums in the area: the Museo
I couldn´t resist and ended up buying a book about Ligurian Ceramic. Although it was only available in Italian, so it´s more of a coffee-table book in my case. If I am to choose one place I loved the most in Savona – that´s definitely going to be Museo

Another museum we did not visit, but you could – All About Apple Museum. Since 2002 it houses almost all the personal computers and accessories made by Apple since the brand´s creation.
Architecture & Palaces
While wandering around the city

Churches & Cathedrals
If you enjoy visiting cathedrals, Savona also has something to offer here: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and Cappella Sistina. As the Valencian city of Jativa, Savona is the birthplace of two Popes, Sisto IV and Giulio II. Cappella Sistina was built by Sisto IV as a mausoleum for his parents in their hometown.
Well, to be honest, Capella Sistina didn´t live it up to my expectations. Especially, cause they make women cover their shoulders (it was like +37C outside!) and don´t let you take pictures (even without flash). And by the way, they don´t warn you about this while selling tickets. What must be inside if they are so strict?- You´d ask.
Luckily I had a scarf to cover, but there were other tourists around, who just
Food
Savona is famous for its 2 local dishes –
My inner foodie couldn’t miss a chance to shop for the local spices and pasta in one of the souvenir shops near the port area. Still using them at home.
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It looks amazing there!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Oh wow! Savona has never been on my radar until now. That looks like a lovely town to visit. I’d really love to see the museums and architecture.
We are thinking of going on a Mediterranean cruise and you are right, if it doesn’t include an Italy stop, it’s not a Mediterrane cruise!
These are amazing options and I can’t wait to see them! I love your photo of the Museo della Ceramica in Savona – it’s a beautiful display.
The museum there looks really antique and has a lot to offer. It would be nice to stay there for few more days.
i’ve never had the pleasure of visting Savona but the photos make it look gorgeous! I think i’d be quite content just walking the streets and seeing all that great architecture.
Joy at The Joyous Living
this looks like a lovely place to visit. I cant believe ive not heard of it before
I would love to go to Italy someday. Looks like a great plan for a day in Savona.
Looks like such a pretty destination.
It reminds me so much of Sicily,
XX
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
I’ve been to Italy before but haven’t been to Savona. It looks beautiful there and so picturesque and charming. I would love to visit one day!
xoxo,
Christine
https://dailykongfidence.com/
No….I haven’t been to Savona before but with this kind of preservation, I would like to visit and take in the air therein!
I’ve never heard of Savona but looks so pretty!. I would love to visit here after seeing this guide.
I love how travel plans randomly pop up sometimes. Museo della Ceramica sounds right up my alley!! :]
Hadn’t heard of Savona before . We have been to Italy before and looks like we missed something beautiful. The porcelains look exquisite.
It looks so pretty!
Love xx
Elegant Duchess
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
But if we remain by the sea, one of the most picturesque towns near Savona is undoubtedly Noli. It is a very small town it has more or less 2,000 inhabitants but it has a very important history, which you can still feel and see if you walk down its streets.
My mother’s Great Grandfather and Grandfather were from Savona so we made a trip there from the United States during March 2019. We went there to see a street named after her Great Grandfather, Luigi Sambolino. We had the time of our lives and met some very kind Italians who gave us awesome tips & also helped us when we got lost. This town beat all my expectations, I can’ tell you how happy I am that we went. Savona was a fairy tale come true. It looked like something out of a storybook and we can’t wait to go back.
Your trip to Savona sounds so wonderful – made me want to return myself and check the Luigi Sambolino street! I completely agree with you – it´s such an underrated city! Thanks for your inspiring comment!