What to do in Savona in the summer: beach, events, and adventures for everyone

Savona, a city that never stops in summer

In summer, Savona transforms: the days get longer, spent on the beach and strolling, the evenings come alive with music and culture, and the city reveals its liveliest side. Whether you're a family with children, a couple seeking romance, or a solo traveler with a love of discovery, here's a complete guide to planning the perfect summer in Savona.

The sea: beaches for all tastes

Blue Flag beaches

Not everyone knows that Savona boasts large sandy beaches, awarded the Blue Flag, with gentle currents that keep the water crystal clear and suitable for swimming even for small children. The "Fornaci" area in the western part of the city is precisely the one that holds this prestigious award.

A family-friendly city

Savona is an ideal destination for a family seaside vacation, offering a wide range of amenities, playgrounds, and beautiful beaches. In summer, evening shopping hours liven up the walk from the pier to the city center. For more information, read this article:

https://www.visitsavona.com/it/da-fornaci-a-zinola-spiagge-di-savona-visit-savona

Adventures on the water: from kayaking to whale watching

Whale Watching Tour

One of the most amazing experiences you can have from Savona is a whale-watching tour—dolphins, fin whales, and sperm whales—led by marine biologists. The tour departs from the Marinai d'Italia pier, next to the city's swing pedestrian bridge, for an experience that, despite its higher price, offers unforgettable thrills.

Kayaking along the coast

For those who prefer a more active adventure, our kayak itinerary to Bergeggi and Noli (detailed in our dedicated blog) remains one of the most authentic experiences for discovering the Savona coast from a new perspective.

Culture and history, even with children

The Fortress of Priamar

Situated in a panoramic position on a promontory overlooking the sea, the Priamar Fortress dominates the cityscape with its austere yet fascinating mass—a place that transforms a visit into a true adventure, allowing children the freedom to imagine themselves as knights and ladies in a distant era.

The Ceramics Museum for the little ones

The Ceramics Museum, housed in the elegant halls of Palazzo Gavotti, offers workshops and interactive activities for children and families, making the visit fun and educational even for the littlest ones. Among the most popular installations is the Quadrisfera, an immersive multimedia experience that tells the story of the city through images, sounds, and lights.

The city gardens

The Gardens of Piazza del Popolo are a true green jewel in the heart of the city, where children can run free among the flowerbeds and play in a relaxing oasis suitable for the whole family.

Summer evenings: music, opera, and festivals

Between June and September, the city comes alive with a calendar packed with events: from the Savona Downtown Music Festival in Piazza Sisto IV to the Opera Season that brings opera to the walls of the Priamar, to the widespread festivals dedicated to ceramics and gastronomy that involve the entire Bay.

And when the weather doesn't cooperate?

Even when the weather isn't on your side, Savona offers several museums and indoor venues not to be missed: the Ceramics Museum , already mentioned, and above all the Civic Art Gallery , whose visit proves to be an enriching experience thanks to the Renaissance and seventeenth-century works preserved there.

Practical tips for planning your summer in Savona

• Ideal period: April to September, with July and August busier but ideal for beach life
• With small children: choose beaches with sandy, gently sloping seabeds, such as Zinola.
• Rainy days: The Ceramics Museum and Civic Art Gallery are excellent indoor alternatives.
• Summer camps for residents: the Municipality organizes dedicated services for children and young people in the months of July and August, with registrations managed through a public tender.