Explore on your own rating

The old town is right outside the terminal.

Where ships dock

  • Palacrociere Savona (Costa's terminal, by the old harbor)

Getting to town

From Palacrociere follow the quay to the Torretta, then Via Paleocapa into the old town: about 5–10 flat minutes. The Priamar fortress is a short uphill walk.

Savona station is about 20 minutes on foot (or city buses 7 and 30). Regional trains run to Genoa in roughly 30–60 minutes and along the Riviera to Finale Ligure.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small purchases.

Entry: U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.

Top sights nearby

  • Priamar Fortress (free entry to the bastions)
  • Torre del Brandale and Torretta
  • Savona Cathedral and Sistine Chapel of Savona
  • Via Paleocapa arcades

Beaches

  • Savona city beaches along the seafront

Safety & tips

  • Many Costa cruises start or end here: allow time for luggage and security.
  • Genoa by train is a doable half day; allow a buffer for delays.
  • Lunch hours run about 12:30–2:30 pm.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

From the old town it is a 10-minute walk; from Genoa plan to be back 90 minutes before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Savona? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Savona shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Savona on your own?

Yes, it is rated Easy. The old town is right outside the terminal.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Savona?

From Palacrociere follow the quay to the Torretta, then Via Paleocapa into the old town: about 5–10 flat minutes. The Priamar fortress is a short uphill walk.

Do I need a passport for Savona?

U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.

When should I head back to the ship in Savona?

From the old town it is a 10-minute walk; from Genoa plan to be back 90 minutes before all-aboard.

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📚 Sources