
The Port of Savona (code SVN) is Liguria’s second most important port for both passenger and cargo traffic, and one of Italy and Europe’s major ports; it’s particularly a leading hub for those looking to take a cruise holiday.
During the 1990s, the Port of Savona underwent extensive redevelopment. Following this restructuring, the quays closest to the historic centre were converted into a leisure port, whilst commercial operations were relocated to areas further from the city’s heart.
Currently there are two cruise terminals, the Palacrociere West and the Palacrociere East, equipped with two dedicated quays measuring 450 and 325 metres respectively, plus a public quay of 235 metres.
Driving to Savona Port is straightforward, as the city is served by two major motorways: the A6, connecting it to Turin, and the A10Genoa (eastbound) and Ventimiglia (westbound). The recommended exits are Savona and Albisola; in both cases, once you leave the motorway, you’ll find clear signs for the port.
If you’re travelling light, you can reach Savona by public transport and then walk to the port from the railway station or long-distance bus stops.
Since Savona Port is located in the city centre, finding a parking space isn’t always easy. It’s best to check ahead to avoid driving around aimlessly and getting stressed.
Below you’ll find helpful information on all car parks at Savona Port, including both budget and official options, so you can calmly decide where to leave your car. In either case, it’s wise to book your parking in advance to benefit from the best rates: online prices are always lower than on-site tariffs.
Budget car parks near Savona Port offer the perfect combination of convenience and value. They cost significantly less than official car parks and, thanks to their location a few kilometres from the port (an otherwise hectic area), they help you avoid traffic.
They all offer a free shuttle service, making it easy and quick to reach the port’s passenger terminal. Some have covered spaces, others only open-air, and some offer both.
If you’d prefer to go straight to the port because you’re worried about arriving late for embarkation, you can request the car valet service: an authorised driver will collect your car and return it to the port on the day of your arrival.
The best car parks are open 24 hours a day and offer useful additional services such as vehicle condition checks, dead battery recharging, and car washing.
The car park closest to ship embarkation is the port’s official parking, situated just metres from the terminal and boarding quays: you won’t need to take a shuttle. This car park only has open-air spaces, but the port area is always protected and monitored by CCTV.
The downside of parking at the cruise terminal is the price, considerably higher than budget car park rates.
The cruise terminals at Genoa and Savona ports are run directly by Costa Cruises, Europe’s leading cruise-specialised shipping company (third largest globally).
Founded by Giacomo Costa in 1854, the company is still headquartered in Genoa today. Costa cruises sail worldwide: the Mediterranean (still the most popular destination for European customers), Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the UAE, the Indian Ocean, South America and Asia. You can also take transatlantic cruises or even circumnavigate the globe by ship.
From Savona Port depart western Mediterranean cruises, typically lasting 8 days and 7 nights; cities you can visit include Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Naples, Palermo and Cagliari.
In addition to cruises and merchant ships, ferries operated by Grimaldi Lines depart from Savona Port with weekly connections to Spain (Barcelona) and Morocco (Tangiers).
You’ll often find online information about ferries to Corsica and Sardinia departing from Savona: be careful, as in many cases the departure port is Vado Ligure, situated about 16 km away (also called Savona Vado).
It’s unlikely you’ll need to contact the Port Authority when departing on a cruise or arriving by ship at Savona, but it’s good to know what it is, where it’s located and how to reach it if needed.
It’s a local office of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport responsible for maritime safety, protection of human life at sea and the administrative management of numerous maritime activities.
The Savona Port Authority is located on the seafront in the city centre, overlooking the cruise terminal. The official Coastguard website has contact details and opening hours.
Savona's port is situated right in front of the historic centre, just a 5-10 minute walk from the city's main attractions. It's connected by a pedestrian bridge.

