Ferry from Savona to Ile Rousse

Savona Guide

The Italian town of Savona is located in the northern Italian region of Liguria, in the Riviera de Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea coast. The town's industrial past is dominated by its iron industry and at one point it had many iron-works and foundries, shipbuilding, railway workshops, engineering shops and a brass foundry. Christopher Columbus was one of the town's most famous residents who reputedly farmed land in the area while chronicling his adventures. 'Columbus' House' is situated between vegetable crops and fruit trees, in the Savona hills, and is one of several residences in Liguria associated with the explorer.

There are many things to see in the town and its medieval centre is worth a visit. The Baroque Cathedral di Nostra Signora Assunta managed to survive the destruction by Genoese forces in the 16th century and so too did imposing Fortezza del Priamar. The fortress guards a couple of sculpture museums and the Civico Museo Storico Archeologico, which displays archaeological finds.

From the town's port Corsica Ferries is the principal ferry operator to Corsica, offering a weekly sailing to Bastia and a weekly sailing to Ile Rousse and Clavi. The crossing time is around 3 hours for all three destinations.

Ile Rousse Guide

L'ile-Rousse is a town that lies on a beautiful bay in the Balagne region of north western Corsica and has lovely white sandy beaches and is known for its red porphyry islets, which give the town its name. The town is one of the areas nicest places to visit and aside from its beaches it is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains. Streets in the old town are named after people such as Pascal Paoli, Napoleon and Louise Phillippe and are lovely to stroll along and tend to be located around the town's main square, Place Paoli, which is shaded by lovely old Plain trees.

For the best views of the town it is best to head north to the Ile de la Pietra, and then on to the lighthouse. At sunset, the setting of the town against the red granite backdrop, is a stunning view. Also in this area is a Genoese watchtower which is also popular with visitors.

Located close to L'Ile-Rousse is the village of Monticello which is surrounded by olive trees and has charming small streets, ancient buildings, imposing houses, chapels, archaeological sites and walking paths. The village also offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Corsica.