Savona to Trogir Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

Just east of Savona, the A10 merges into the A6 at a junction locals call the 'Bivio di Albisola.' This precise point, 44.33°N 8.50°E, marks the transition from the Ligurian coast into the rugged Apennine hinterland. Few drivers notice the shift, but the road gradient changes from 0% to 6% within two kilometers.

The Savona–Trogir route spans about 800 kilometers (500 miles) along the Italian Riviera, through the Po Valley, over the Apennines, across the Adriatic coast, and finally into Dalmatia. Driving time is roughly 9–10 hours without stops, but you'll want at least two days to absorb the highlights.

This guide answers:

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The backbone of the drive is the A10/A12/E80 along the coast, then A15/A1/E35 inland toward Parma, and finally the A14/E55 along the Adriatic to Ancona. From Ancona, a ferry to Split (5–7 hours) is the standard crossing. Alternatively, a longer land route via Trieste and Slovenia adds 4 hours but avoids sea travel.

Fuel costs: With average consumption of 7L/100km and diesel at €1.70/L, the 800 km journey costs about €95. The Apennine stretch consumes more fuel due to gradients; fill up in Savona at cheaper coastal stations. Toll costs for the Italian motorways total around €35; pay via credit card or Telepass.

Fuel station distribution along the A10/A12 is dense (every 20–30 km). On the A1 and A14, stations are less frequent in rural sections. Plan a refuel near Piacenza (km 200) and another near Rimini (km 400). For the best stops and hidden gems, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Italian motorways are well-maintained with modern surfaces and good signage. On the A15 mountain section, watch for fog and sudden rain. The A14 has high speed limits (130 km/h) but heavy truck traffic. Night illumination is standard except on some rural A14 stretches.

Family-friendly stops:

• Acquario di Genova – Europe's largest aquarium, near the A12.
• Italia in Miniatura (Rimini) – miniature park.
• Oltremare (Riccione) – dolphin show and science.

Pet-friendly:

• Vernazza (Cinque Terre) – beach where dogs are allowed.
• Parco del Ticino (near Pavia) – wooded trails.
• Ferry Ancona–Split allows pets in kennels.

Hidden off-route spots:

• Bussana Vecchia – abandoned artist village, 10 km inland from San Remo (A10 exit).
• Gradara Castle – perfectly preserved medieval fortress, 5 km from A14 exit Cattolica.
• Vrsine (near Trogir) – ruins of a Roman aqueduct, 2 km off the main road.

Fatigue management:

• Rest area 'La Spezia Est' – panoramic terrace over the Gulf, ideal for a 20-min nap.
• Area di servizio 'Rimini Sud' – shaded parking and cafeteria, 15 km before Rimini.
• Recommended: stop every 2 hours or 200 km to stretch and hydrate.

From Savona to Genoa, the Ligurian Sea glitters on the right, while terraced olive groves climb the hills. The A15 cuts inland through the Cisa Pass (altitude 1,040m), where chestnut forests and fog dominate. Descending into the Po Valley, the flat farmland stretches to the horizon.

The Adriatic coast from Rimini to Ancona offers long sandy beaches, often with pine forests. To the west, the Apennines provide a backdrop. Near Trogir, the coastal road hugs the sea, with scrubland and cypress trees.

UNESCO sites:

• Porto Venere (just south of Savona) – 40 min detour.
• Parma's Piazza del Duomo (Romanesque cathedral) – 1 hour detour.
• Ravenna's early Christian monuments (mosaics) – 15 km from A14.
• Split's Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO) – right on the ferry route.
• Trogir's historic city (UNESCO) – your destination.

Local commerce:

• Ligurian pesto and olive oil in Savona.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto in Parma.
• Carrara marble crafts near Massa (A12 exit).
• Slavonian kulen (sausage) near Split.