Florence to Savona: Ultimate Road Trip Guide via Tuscany & Liguria

The A1/E35 highway that arcs from Florence northwest toward Savona is no ordinary motorway. At km 289, just past Genoa, the road threads through a Roman-era rock cut between Voltri and Varazze, where squalls rolling off the Ligurian Sea can reduce visibility to 50 meters in winter.

This 250 km route typically takes 3 hours without traffic, but savvy travellers budget 4–6 hours to explore the natural amphitheater of Cinque Terre or pause at the medieval border between Tuscany and Liguria.

The drive connects two worlds: the orderly Renaissance symmetry of Florence and the terraced olive groves cascading toward Savona's blue port. Here, we dissect every aspect of the journey, from fuel economics to pet-friendly stops.

The backbone is the A11 from Florence to Pisa, then merging onto the A12/E80 hugging the coast toward Genoa, and finally the A10 to Savona.

Fuel stations are abundant every 20–30 km on the autostrada, but prices spike near tourist hubs like Viareggio or Santa Margherita Ligure. Expect €1.80–2.10 per liter of petrol.

• Tolls: €12–15 total (A11: €2.50, A12: €8, A10: €3.50)
• Electric charging: Fast-charge stations at Viareggio, Genova Pegli, and Savona
• Road quality: Excellent on autostrada; coastal SP1 scenic route is winding but well-paved

North of Pisa, the road skirts the Parco Migliarino San Rossore — a pine forest where fallow deer roam within sight of the highway. Further northwest, the Apuan Alps rise starkly above Carrara's marble quarries.

The Cinque Terre UNESCO site (off the A12, exit at La Spezia) offers vertiginous terraced vineyards and pastel villages. Book ferry tickets from Monterosso to Vernazza for the best sea views.

• UNESCO sites: Historic Centre of Florence, Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Genoa's Strade Nuove
• Local commerce: Weekly markets in Pietrasanta (artisan marble), Levanto (olive oil), Savona (fresh anchovies)

For hidden off-route spots, detour via Seravezza in the Apuan Alps for the Grotta del Vento, a 3 km cave system with stalactites. Or, near Loano, hike to the medieval village of Toirano with its prehistoric caves.

Autostrada safety is high, but fog is common in autumn mornings between Viareggio and Genoa. Use dipped headlights and reduce speed if visibility drops below 100 meters.

Family-friendly stops: the Oltremare amusement park in Riccione (though a bit off-route), instead, try the water park in Caravino near Genova or the Beigua Geopark with dinosaur footprints.

• Pet-friendly: Most autogrill stops allow dogs on leash; designated dog areas at Viareggio Ovest and Genova Aeroporto service areas
• Rest zones: Every 40 km — Seraveggio, Versilia, Tigullio

For fatigue management, stop every 2 hours. The Vado Ligure service area (km 240) has a panoramic terrace over the Savona harbor — ideal for a 15-minute power nap in the car with windows cracked open.