Finding parking has become one of the biggest day-to-day problems in the modern world and is an issue every driver has faced at one time or another. With more and more cars on the road today than ever before, finding a good parking spot, especially in a town or city you are not familiar with, is one of the biggest causes of road-related stress, according to studies. Small tourist towns, in particular, are among the worst affected by this growing problem.
One such town is San Gimignano in the province of Siena, Tuscany, in north-central Italy. Nicknamed the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is a popular spot with tourists for its beautiful medieval architecture, rich history, and local wine. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular tourist towns in all of Tuscany, making finding a parking spot there a real struggle. If you are planning a road trip there to see the sights, you need not worry about parking because this quick guide will provide you with all the info, tips, and tricks you will need to make finding parking as easy as can be.
Everything You Need To Know
Non-residential vehicles are ‘not permitted’ to park in the city of San Gimignano, so parking is restricted to designated locations. The major parking lots are located in the North and South of the town, so whatever direction you are arriving from, you will find a car park on the route. The two biggest car parks in the south are the P1 Giubileo and the P2 Montemaggio, and the two major car parks in the north are the P3 Bagnaia Superiore and the P4 Bagnaia Inferiore.
P1 Giubileo
The P1 Giubileo is the biggest car park on the south side of the city. It is located on Via Spartaco Lavagnini, just off the SP47 highway to the south and SP1 to the east. It holds a total of 315 parking spots, 5 of which are designated for disabled parking.
At the time of writing, the parking rate is 1.50 euros per hour or 6.00 euros per day. The car park is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and there is an additional charge of 5.00 euros if you are parking for two consecutive days and another 4.00 euros from the third consecutive day onward. Debit and credit cards are accepted, and there is entrance clearance for vehicles over 7 feet.
P2 Montemaggio
The P2 Montemaggio is located near the Piazzale Martiri Di Montemaggio park and monument and is adjacent to the Bastione San Francesco tower, so when you see these two landmarks, you know you are close. The best way to reach the car park is on the SP1 highway, on the Viale Roma, a two-minute drive up from the P1 Giubileo, or driving into town from the north, following the SP1 Via Dei Fossi road southward.
It holds a total of 155 spaces, 3 for disabled parking and 5 for motorcycles. It is more expensive than the P1 Giublieo at 2.50 euros per hour or 15.00 euros per day. There is an additional 13.00 euros charge for two-day parking and another 10.00 euros per day after that. It is open 24/7, with debit and credit cards also being accepted.
P3 Bagnaia Superiore
The P3 Bagnaia Superiore is located on the Via Bagnaia road off the SP1 on the northern outskirts of town. If you are coming in from the north, it is easily accessible by both the SP1 and the SP127. If you are arriving from the south or west, though, you will have to stay on the SP1 north out of town until you see the Via Bagnaia exit.
The car park holds 104 spaces, and the pricing is the same as the P2 Montemaggio; 2.50 euros per hour, 15.00 euros per day, with the same multi-day charges applying.
P4 Bagnaia Inferiore
The P3 Bagnaia Superiore and P4 Bagnaia Inferiore are located right next to one another. The Inferiore holds more spaces, with 155 in total, but the hourly and daily rates are still the exact same as the P3 Bagnaia Superiore.
There is also another car park, the ‘Parking San Gimignano’ located on the same grounds as the P3 and P4. So, this lot might be your overall best bet for finding a space, especially if you are arriving in town from the north.
Other Parking Options
There are several other public parking locations situated outside of the city too. Most of these can be found north of the city, on the SP1 roadway. They are a little cheaper than the others mentioned and are perfect for a day trip. So, if you don’t mind walking a bit, this might be the best choice for you.
Useful Advice
Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle, as theft is commonly reported, and the carparks are left unattended. Expect traffic, especially buses, on your way there due to the popularity of San Gimignano as a tourist location. The Tuscan roads are also very steep and winding on the route, so be prepared for that as well.
Check out more articles about San Gimignano:
- San Gimignano travel guide
- Best restaurants in San Gimignano with a view
- San Gimignano at night
- Market in San Gimignano
- Horse riding in San Gimignano guide
