Ligurian ports: strategic and thriving cruise destinations close to the heart of Europe

Liguria is widely and mostly known for its picturesque villages and coast, but less for its two strategic and leading Italian ports: the Port of Genoa and the Port of Savona. These ports provide an efficient port system and logistic service network close to the heart of Europe and are today in a strong position to propose competitive offers in all key commodity sectors, from cargo to passengers.

The Port of Genoa - natural outlet to the sea for North-West Italian regions and conveniently located for European markets and trade routes - has a long history and a very ancient tradition. The Maritime Station of Genoa is the headquarter of today's cruise terminal, located not far from the ancient port, the marina, and the Galata – Museo del Mare (Museum of the Sea). Completely restored in 2001, the Maritime Station of Genoa was the ancient Maritime Republic of Genoa’s unloading and freight traffic area, as well as the point of departure for many migrants to the Americas and passengers of the twentieth century great ocean liners.

Since the early 1990s, Genoa has developed into a thriving destination for cruise and ferry operators, with a traffic that exceeds 2 million passengers. Two passenger terminals, operated by STAZIONI MARITTIME, are dedicated to cruise traffic. Ponte dei Mille Cruise Terminal opened in 1991 in the historic Maritime Station which has been transformed into a modern facility with a new 350 m-quay capable of handling the latest generation of post-panamax cruiseships. The art deco Ponte Andrea Doria Cruise Terminal is equipped to handle 2 large cruise ships and up to 10,000 passengers a day. Ferry passenger/Ro-Ro traffic is served by three dedicated terminals featuring a total of 10 berths which can also accommodate cruise vessels. The Port of Genoa offers regular ferry services to Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Spain, Malta and North Africa.

The port of Savona Vado, along with neighboring ports of Genoa and La Spezia, is part of Ligurian Ports: a major port systems in the Mediterranean and a key trade channel for the economy of Southern Europe.

Costa Crociere - the well-known cruise operator - directly runs the maritime station of the port of Savona, Palacrociere, made up of two terminals: the west terminal, inaugurated in November 2003, and the east terminal inaugurated in November 2014. This modern station offers guests quality facilities with Internet Cafè, conference room, VIP Lounge, Coffee shop and dining area. Savona has exceeded one million cruise passengers.

Easily reached from the airports of Milan, Genoa and Nice, Palacrociere is opposite the historic centre of the city of Savona. In Vado Ligure, Forship (Corsica Ferries) runs a ferry terminal for ferries to Corsica. Equipped with a modern maritime station and four berths, the terminal covers an area of over 50,000 m² and in high season can offer four daily trips.

For more information: www.ligurianports.it