Savona with kids: adventures, discoveries, and ice cream on the seafront

A city that can surprise even the littlest ones

Excitement and surprises await families in Savona: flower gardens, breathtaking views, and a veritable fortress to explore—a 2,500-meter trail suitable for everyone, young and old, leading to the discovery of places that will leave even the most demanding children speechless. But the surprises don't end there: Savona hides activities, museums, and itineraries designed specifically for families that many tourists don't expect to find in a port city.

The Great Adventure: Exploring the Priamar Fortress

The Priamar Fortress is a must-see for those visiting Savona with children. Explore the ancient walls with your children, imagining themselves as knights and ladies in a distant era, to stimulate their imagination and sense of adventure.

Inside the fortress is the Civic Archaeological and City Museum , with collections ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages and ideal for family-friendly guided tours, with interactive activities designed for children. A tip: bring comfortable shoes and a camera—the walls and walkways offer spectacular views of the sea and the port.

City Gardens: Greenery and Playgrounds Just a Step from the City Center

The Gardens of Piazza del Popolo

The Gardens of Piazza del Popolo are a true green gem in the heart of the city. Here, children can run free among colorful flowerbeds and play on the green lawns and playground—a relaxing oasis for the whole family, where they can enjoy a picnic under the shade of the trees or simply sip an ice cream.

The Gardens of the Extension to the Sea

The Giardini del Prolungamento a Mare offer a picturesque walk along the coast, with the blue sea on one side and the city on the other—a panorama that will take the whole family's breath away.

The Whale Tour: Dolphins and Fin Whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary

One of the most exciting experiences Savona has to offer families is a whale-watching tour of the Pelagos Sanctuary. Set sail from the Marinai d'Italia pier, next to Savona's swing pedestrian bridge, on comfortable boats to discover a wonderful world. Dolphins, fin whales, and sperm whales inhabit these waters, and the trips—led by marine biologist guides—transform a boat trip into an unforgettable science lesson.

The Ceramics Museum: hands-on (literally)

The Ceramics Museum boasts a vast collection but also organizes seminars and workshops for children—an engaging experience that combines history, art, and craftsmanship. The Ceramics Museum, along with the Civic Art Gallery and the Jorn House Museum, also organizes art summer camps: weeks dedicated to art, play, and discovery in the area's evocative exhibition spaces and museums.

For children who like to "do" rather than "see", this is probably the most suitable museum in all of Savona.

The Tourist Train: Savona as Seen by Children

Climb aboard the train and be captivated by Savona's charm: an exciting journey through art, history, and beauty! The tourist train passes through the city's most picturesque spots and is perfect for families with small children who can't handle long walks, or as an introduction to the city before exploring the stops one by one.

Beaches: Safe Sea for Little Ones

Savona's beaches are particularly suitable for families with small children thanks to their gently sloping sandy seabed, especially in the Zinola and Fornaci areas. Many beach resorts offer play areas, full services, and attentive staff—all of which make a difference when vacationing with children.

The Apple Museum: Technology and History for Older Kids

A surprise few expect in Savona: the Apple Museum , in the heart of the historic center, is an interactive museum where the evolution of personal computing is told through functioning objects that visitors can use. Perfect for children ages 8 and up, it makes the history of technology accessible and engaging even for non-tech enthusiasts.

Practical advice for families

• Always wear comfortable shoes : the historic center and Priamar require walking and a few steps
• Book your whale watching tour in advance : places are limited, especially in summer.
• Ceramics workshops : contact the Ceramics Museum to book activities for children.
• Ice cream break : the seafront and Via Paleocapa offer several artisanal ice cream shops — an unmissable moment of a family day in Savona
• Rainy days : The Ceramics Museum, Apple Museum, and Civic Archaeological Museum at Priamar are excellent indoor alternatives.