Weekend in Savona

How to spend 2 days in Savona — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.

Friday Evening

Arrive and Settle In

Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.

Piazza del Popolo and Corso Italia

Free 100m from centre

Savona's main square and the central shopping street lined with Liberty-style buildings, street musicians, and outdoor cafés. Free to wander and people-watch—look for the original

Tip: The old fish market (Pescheria di Piazza) happens on weekend mornings near the square—it's free to browse and a great spot to see locals buy seafood direct from the boats.

Savona Cathedral and Sistine Chapel

Free 200m from centre

A 17th-century cathedral with a detached bell tower and a small but beautifully frescoed Sistine Chapel (the Cappella Sistina di Savona) inside the adjacent Bishop's Palace, painte

Tip: The Chapel is often open only mornings or for guided tours; confirm times at the tourist office opposite. The cathedral itself is always free and worth a look for its marble altars.

Friday dinner pick

La Lanterna
Saturday — Full Day

The Main Sights

Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.

1

Priamar Fortress

Free Fortress grounds: daily 8am–8p

A 16th-century Genoese fortress on the seafront with panoramic views of the port and old town. Inside, you can explore ramparts, courtyards, and a small archaeological museum (free on certain days).

Tip: Check local listings: the museum inside is often free on the first Sunday of the month. Go late afternoon for the best light over the Ligurian Sea.

2

Le Officine Exhibition Centre

Free Tue–Sun 10am–7pm, closed Mon

A converted 19th-century railway workshop hosting rotating contemporary art and design exhibitions. Large, airy industrial space with changing shows from local and international artists.

Tip: Free entry for most temporary exhibitions; check their website for any paid events. The café inside does good coffee and has free Wi-Fi.

3

Lungomare di Savona

Free Always open

A long coastal promenade stretching from the old port past beaches and public gardens. Perfect for a free stroll with harbour views, benches, and a small free public beach area near the Fornaci distri

Tip: Walk the stretch from Piazza del Popolo to the Fornaci lighthouse at sunset for a low-key local scene. Free public showers are available near the Fornaci beach.

Saturday dining

Lunch Aqua Pazza
Dinner La Prua
Sunday Morning

Before You Leave

Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.

Sunday brunch

Gelateria a Cuvea

Getting Around Savona

train
Savona City Bus TPL

Savona FS station → Hotel Badano (stop: Via Nizza / Via Cairoli)

From £€1.50 (single ticket, valid 75 min) 5 min
bus
Volabus Airport Shuttle + Local Bus

Genoa Airport bus stop → Savona Piazza Mameli (via Volabus to Genoa Piazza Principe, then local bus 40)

From £€4.00 (Volabus) + €1.50 (local bus) 70 min
train
Trenitalia Regional Train

Genoa Sestri Ponente (airport station) → Savona FS station (then 8 min walk to hotel)

From £€5.50 40 min
taxi
Genoa Airport Taxi

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) → Hotel Badano, Savona

From £€60-80 40 min

Where to Stay for a Savona Weekend

For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.

Weekend in Savona — FAQ

Is a weekend enough to see Savona?

A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Savona. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.

When is the best weekend to visit Savona?

See our full best time to visit Savona guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.

Where should I stay for a weekend in Savona?

For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Savona for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.

How do I get around Savona for a weekend?

The main transport options in Savona include Savona City Bus TPL and Volabus Airport Shuttle + Local Bus. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.

More Savona Guides