Savona is a straightforward city to navigate, but a few practical details make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. This guide covers transport connections, local customs, tipping, safety, and answers to the questions travellers most frequently ask before visiting this Ligurian port city. For more detail, see our Savona weather by month guide.
Savona Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting There and Around
Which airport serves Savona?
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is the closest, about 55km east of Savona. A taxi from GOA costs EUR 80-100 and takes about 45 minutes. The cheaper option: take the Volabus shuttle (EUR 6, every 30 minutes) from the airport to Genova Piazza Principe station, then a regional train to Savona (EUR 5.10, 35-45 minutes, trains every 30-60 minutes). Total door-to-door time is about 90 minutes. Alternatively, Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE) in France is about 150km west; trains from Nice Ville to Savona take about 2 hours and cost EUR 15-25. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is 200km north but has more international flights; the train journey via Milan takes about 3.5 hours. For more detail, see our best time to visit Savona guide.
How do I get from Savona train station to the city centre?
Savona station is on Piazza Aldo Moro, a 10-minute walk from the old town and 15 minutes from the cruise terminal. Exit the station and walk straight down Via Paleocapa, the main shopping street: the Torre Leon Pancaldo and the port are at the end. Taxis are available outside the station (EUR 8-12 to the cruise terminal area) but are unnecessary unless you have heavy luggage. The station has a staffed ticket office, self-service Trenitalia machines, a cafe, and toilets (EUR 0.50, have coins ready). For more detail, see our things to do in Savona guide.
Can I get around Savona without a car?
Yes. The historic centre and harbour area are walkable. TPL Linea buses serve the wider city and coastal suburbs (EUR 1.50 single ticket, valid 90 minutes, buy at tabaccherie or on the bus for EUR 2.00). The train is the best way to reach day-trip destinations along the coast (Noli, Finale Ligure, Genoa). You do not need a car for central Savona. If you’re staying in the hillside zone around the sanctuary, a car is strongly recommended; bus service is infrequent (roughly every 60 minutes) and stops early in the evening. For more detail, see our Savona events and festivals guide.
Savona Travel Tips and FAQ: Money, Tipping, and Practicalities
What currency is used and are cards accepted?
Italy uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses like bakeries, focaccerie, and some B&Bs are cash-only or have a minimum card spend (typically EUR 10-15). Always carry EUR 30-50 in cash. ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful in the centre, particularly along Via Paleocapa and near the station. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Banca Carige, Intesa Sanpaolo, Unicredit) rather than independent ones to avoid high fees. For more detail, see our best neighborhoods in Savona guide.
How much should I tip in Savona?
Tipping is not expected in Italy the way it is in North America, and service is usually included (look for servizio incluso on the bill). In practice: round up to the nearest euro for coffee (a EUR 1.10 espresso becomes EUR 2), leave EUR 1-2 per person for a casual meal, or 5-10% for a full dinner with good service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but appreciate rounding up. Hotel porters: EUR 1-2 per bag. Tour guides: EUR 5-10 for a group tour. There is no pressure to tip, and nobody will chase you down the street if you don’t. For more detail, see our where to stay in Savona guide.
Do I need to speak Italian?
English is spoken at hotels, the cruise terminal, and tourist-facing restaurants, but it’s less common in neighbourhood trattorias, bakeries, and local shops. Learning a few phrases goes a long way: buongiorno (good morning), per favore (please), grazie (thank you), il conto per favore (the bill please), and un caffe per favore (an espresso please). Savonese locals appreciate the effort and are generally patient with visitors trying Italian. Download Google Translate’s offline Italian pack before you travel; mobile data coverage is fine in the city but patchy in the hills. For more detail, see our Savona travel guide guide.
Savona Travel Tips and FAQ: Safety, Health, and Local Customs
Is Savona safe?
Savona is a safe city by any standard. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag-snatching) can occur around the train station and on crowded buses, as in any Italian city. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag, and don’t leave phones or cameras on outdoor tables. The area around the station feels sketchy late at night, but it’s more run-down than dangerous. Solo female travellers report feeling safe in the centre and harbour area, even after dark. The caruggi (narrow alleyways) in the old town are poorly lit in places; stick to the main routes at night.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes, tap water in Savona is safe to drink and meets EU standards. It comes from mountain sources in the Apennines and tastes fine. In restaurants, you’ll be offered bottled water (acqua naturale or frizzante), but you can ask for acqua del rubinetto (tap water). Some places may refuse or look surprised; it’s culturally unusual but not rude to ask.
What are the pharmacy and medical options?
Pharmacies (farmacie) are marked by a green cross sign and are well-stocked with over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and dispense some prescription-equivalent drugs. There are several in the centre, including Farmacia Centrale on Corso Italia. For emergencies, the Ospedale San Paolo is Savona’s main public hospital (Via Genova 30, tel. 019 84041). The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is accepted. Travel insurance is still recommended; ambulance transport and repatriation are not covered by EHIC/GHIC. The emergency number across the EU is 112.
What are the restaurant and shop opening hours?
Shops generally open 09:00-12:30 and 15:30-19:30, Monday to Saturday. The long lunch closure (riposo) is observed by most independent shops; chain stores and supermarkets stay open. Many shops close Sunday and Monday morning. Restaurants serve lunch 12:00-14:30 and dinner 19:30-22:30. Kitchens close between these windows, so don’t expect to eat at 16:00. Some places in the old town have adopted continuous hours to cater to cruise passengers, but this is the exception. Supermarkets (Conad on Corso Italia, Carrefour near the station) are open 08:00-20:00 Monday to Saturday, with reduced Sunday hours.
Savona Travel Tips and FAQ: Food and Drink
What food is Savona known for?
Savona’s food is classic Ligurian: focaccia genovese (dimpled flatbread with olive oil and salt, eaten as a snack any time of day), farinata (thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood oven, served plain or with rosemary), pansoti (triangular pasta filled with wild herbs and ricotta, served in walnut sauce), and coniglio alla ligure (braised rabbit with olives, pine nuts, and white wine). Seafood is fresh and abundant: acciughe (anchovies), muscoli (mussels), and branzino (sea bass) dominate menus. The local wine is pigato, a dry white from the hills above Albenga, just down the coast; it pairs perfectly with seafood and pesto dishes. For dessert: torta di riso (rice cake) and baci di dama (hazelnut sandwich cookies).
What’s the deal with coffee in Italy?
Order un caffe and you’ll get an espresso. A cappuccino is a breakfast drink, never ordered after about 11:00 (Italians consider milk after a meal bad for digestion). Coffee is drunk standing at the bar (al banco, cheaper) or seated at a table (al tavolo, more expensive). Pay at the till first in many bars, then take your receipt to the barista. Prices: EUR 1.00-1.20 for an espresso at the bar, EUR 1.50-1.80 for a cappuccino. If you sit down on a piazza, expect to pay EUR 3-5 for the same coffee. That’s the price of the view.
Suggested Hotels in Savona
NH Savona Darsena
Four-star modern hotel in the historic harbour area, 5 minutes from the cruise terminal. Contemporary rooms with harbour views, free WiFi, and an excellent breakfast buffet. Best for cruise passengers and business travellers. Check rates and availability
Mare Hotel
Four-star seafront hotel with private beach, outdoor pool, and sea-view terrace restaurant. Rooms have hill or sea views. Best for couples and families wanting a beach resort within reach of Savona. Check rates and availability
Idea Hotel Plus Savona
Budget-friendly three-star in the Le Officine shopping complex. Simple modern rooms, free parking, lounge bar. Best for budget travellers and families arriving by car. Check rates and availability
