Savona, a charming port city in Italy’s Liguria region, isn’t just about pretty views and seafood—it’s a place where you can get up close and personal with its natural and historical treasures. What makes Savona stand out for tours is its blend of marine wilderness, ancient fortifications, and archaeological sites. We especially love the exclusive nature cruise to the Pelagos Sanctuary, offering a rare glimpse of cetaceans in their natural habitat, and the guided underground passages tour of the Priamár Fortress, which takes you beneath the surface into secret chambers. These experiences provide more than just sightseeing—they offer a real taste of local ecology and history that you’ll remember long after you leave.
If you’re wondering what kind of tours are available in Savona, you’re in luck. From marine wildlife adventures to historical explorations, the options are diverse enough to suit different interests and schedules. Below, we’ll give you a detailed look at each, helping you find the perfect way to deepen your experience of this Ligurian city.
1. Savona: Exclusive nature cruise to the Pelagos Sanctuary
For around $71 per person, this 3.5-hour cruise offers an intimate look at the marine life inhabiting the Ligurian Sea. The boat is small and exclusive, designed for a more personal experience, and an onboard video lesson will introduce you to cetology in both Italian and English.
What makes this tour special is the chance to search for cetaceans like dolphins, sperm whales, and fin whales, guided by marine experts. The naturalist guides are skilled at helping you learn to recognize different cetaceans and photograph these beautiful animals in their natural environment. This tour isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s about understanding their behavior and the conservation efforts protecting them. The trip starts at Largo Marinai d’Italia and includes a photo stop at La Torretta – Torre Leon Pancaldo, giving you a chance for some scenic shots of Savona’s coastline.
Bottom line: If you love marine wildlife and want a small-group experience with expert guides, this cruise is a top choice that balances education and adventure beautifully. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed but immersive wildlife encounter.
2. Savona: Pelagos Sanctuary Guided Cetacean Watching Tour
A step up in duration, this 4.5-hour tour costs varies depending on availability, but it promises a more in-depth cetacean-watching experience with marine biologist guides. Starting at Via Antonio Gramsci, 6, this tour dives into the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area home to numerous whale and dolphin species.
What sets this tour apart is the guidance of marine biologists who can answer your questions about fin whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and more. Their expertise enhances the experience, making it educational as well as exciting. Guests frequently remark on the excellent opportunity to observe marine mammals in their natural habitat and to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. The tour provides ample chances for photography, making it perfect for nature lovers and aspiring wildlife photographers.
Pros: The guided element adds a layer of richness, and the longer duration means more chances to spot animals.
Cons: It’s slightly more expensive and longer than other options, so consider your schedule.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in marine conservation and want a detailed, guided look at the sanctuary’s inhabitants, this tour offers great value and insight.
3. Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamár
This 1-hour tour takes you beneath the surface of Savona to explore its secret underground chambers within the Priamár Fortress. It’s a fascinating peek into the hidden parts of the city’s defenses, perfect for history buffs or curious travelers.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour dives into the dungeons and underground passages that aren’t usually open to the public. The experience is engaging and hands-on, with visitors describing it as a “really unique” opportunity to see the fortress from a different perspective. The tour’s brevity makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing, and the focus on hidden parts of the fortress offers a different kind of storytelling compared to surface-level visits.
Pros: Perfect for those who want a quick but memorable underground adventure and for families with children.
Cons: Short duration means it doesn’t explore the full history of the fortress.
Bottom line: For an engaging, short exploration into Savona’s secret underground world, this tour delivers a memorable experience.
4. Savona: Guided visit to the Priamár Fortress
A comprehensive 1-hour tour, this visit covers the entire Priamár Fortress and aims to bring the city’s history to life through a walking itinerary. As you wind through its most impressive fortifications and ramparts, your guide will share stories of Savona’s strategic importance and its defenses over the centuries.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced approach—covering everything from the fortress’s history and architecture to its natural surroundings. It’s also highly rated, with reviews praising Elena’s engaging manner and the way the guide made history come alive. Some visitors appreciated the personalized attention since groups tend to be small. The itinerary weaves through the fortress’s most iconic sites, making it a good choice for history enthusiasts or those wanting an overview of Savona’s fortified past.
Pros: An accessible way to understand the city’s defensive history in an engaging setting.
Cons: Limited in scope; not as detailed as longer or specialized historical tours.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a lively, informative overview of the Priamár Fortress.
5. Savona: Guided visit to the Civic Archaeological Museum and the City of Savona
If you’re interested in uncovering the roots of Savona, this 1-hour guided tour of the Civic Archaeological Museum is ideal. Led by archaeologists, it explores the city’s ancient origins and archaeological finds, offering insights into how Savona developed over millennia.
The tour combines a visit to the museum’s collections with a walk through the city’s archaeological areas. Visitors particularly enjoy the way the guides connect artifacts to the broader history of the region, making it relevant and engaging. It’s a good choice for history buffs or families wanting a quick cultural fix, especially since it blends museum exploration with outdoor sightseeing.
Pros: Deepens understanding of Savona’s ancient past with expert narration.
Cons: Short duration might leave some wanting more detail.
Bottom line: For a compact but informative dive into the city’s archaeology, this tour strikes a good balance of history and culture.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and schedule. If marine wildlife is your priority, the exclusive nature cruise or the guided cetacean-watching tour are both excellent options, with the second offering more depth. For history lovers, the Fortress tours—either the underground passages or the full guided visit—offer insights into Savona’s strategic past. And if archaeology sparks your curiosity, the museum tour provides a well-rounded cultural experience.
Budget, time, and physical activity level are also key. The shorter underground tour is perfect if you’re pressed for time, while the longer boat trip suits those wanting a full afternoon on the water. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and tour.
Final Thoughts
Savona offers a surprisingly varied lineup of tours, perfect for different tastes. Marine wildlife enthusiasts will find the Pelagos Sanctuary cruises compelling, while history lovers will appreciate exploring the Priamár Fortress and its underground passages. For a quick cultural fix, the archaeological museum tour provides a neat overview.
If you’re planning to visit soon, consider your main interest—whether it’s wildlife, history, or archaeology—and pick a tour that matches your pace and curiosity. These experiences promise a richer, more memorable visit to Savona, so don’t forget to book early to avoid missing out on your top choice.