Savona

Fully renovated in November 2019, the three-level Palacrociere Savona cruise terminal has a 1,200 m² terrace and 8,300 m² of covered space. Of that total, 4,800 is for passengers: a 3500 m² departure hall and two mezzanines totalling 1,300 m²; there is also a 3,500 m² baggage claim area. Covered parking is provided for buses, taxis and cars.

Savona is Costa Cruises’ home port.

The port authority, rather than cruise-ship scanners, checks carry-on's, so soft drinks etc. can be carried on board easily.

Savona’s centre is about 300m away on foot across a small bridge, with a wheelchair-friendly route.

From Milano Malpensa, take direct shuttles to Milano Centrale train station, then direct trains to Savona or a service changing at Genova Principe train station.

By train: services bound for Ventimiglia, Imperia or Savona connect from Milan, Turin, Venice, Rome and Genoa. From Nice (Nizza) and Ventimiglia, use services bound for Milan, Turin, Venice, Rome, Genoa or Savona. Before boarding, validate your ticket in the validating machines.

By car: cruisers departing Savona have access to a large parking area, with a special rate for Costa Cruises guests, as well as information, services and a comfortable, functional maritime station. Costa Cruises guests can use a private bus transfer from Genova Porta Principe train station from 1:30 pm, but must book it in advance through their travel agent. Note: without reservations, this service is unavailable.

Tip: for an overnight in Savona, consider the pretty village of Spotorno, west of Savona and easily reached by bus or taxi.

Savona’s Medieval historic centre has a distinctly Ligurian layout, with carruggi and houses inside towers. Its buildings are historically important, not least architecturally: the State Archives hold the first document written in the Ligurian vernacular, the Dichiarazione di Paxia, 1178-1182.

The enormous Priamàr fortress rises above the old town; the Genoese built it in 1528 to signal their superiority over the defeated Savonese, and it now contains four major museums. La Torretta, a 14th century tower at the harbour entrance, is strategically positioned and now regarded as the town’s true symbol. Rintocchi e Memorie commemorates those who died in War World I and is Piazza Mameli’s main feature. Italy’s unique tradition is renewed daily at 6 pm, when the bell rings 21 times and everyone is expected to stop and remember those who died in the war. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the…

The tourist office is located at Corso Italia, 157 r.

Genoa and SanRemo.

Savona offers more than seafood. With nearby hills and rich countryside, mountain cooking has found its way into the local cuisine. 'Tripe in broth' may not be your choice, but it was traditionally the lunch of hungry fishermen and port workers. Its meat may have come from Piemontese cows, a breed well suited to rugged slopes. Local cooking also features forest fruits such as mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles, along with asparagus and artichokes grown on the coast at Albenga.

Currency: Euro.

The language is Italian.

The cruise terminal has an internet point with 37 monitors. There is also a small internet/WiFi cafe about 100 meters away, which you will not miss on the walk into town.

For emergencies, dial 112.

Across Italy, most shops and businesses open Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, then from about 4pm until 7pm. Many shops shut on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, while in the south the day may begin and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses keep a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything but bars and restaurants closes Sunday, although most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and tourist areas. Most Savona bookstores open on Sunday.