Are you planning to visit Bonifacio by car?
Here’s everything you need to know about stress-free parking:
- The best parking spots for exploring Bonifacio
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it hard to park in Bonifacio?
Yes, parking in Bonifacio requires some serious planning. We’re not going to lie to you, but that’s a good thing because you’re reading this article before you go, so you won’t be wasting any time.
Perched on its limestone cliffs, the town offers visitors only a limited number of parking spaces: of the 13 municipal parking lots, the vast majority are reserved for residents and permit holders. Only five parking lots in the city center and one on the outskirts are available to tourists. The situation gets even more crowded during the peak season, from June to September, when the Upper Town and the Marine Quays become entirely pedestrian-only. In the middle of summer, parking lots fill up by mid-morning.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking in Bonifacio: Summary
Street parking: not allowed
In Bonifacio, street parking is not a viable option for visitors. Almost all on-street parking spaces are reserved for residents and municipal permit holders. While there are indeed metered parking zones, we have noticed that the municipality has deliberately set the rates high to discourage non-residents from parking there.
During the summer, the situation becomes even more complicated, as the historic center of the Upper Town and the north and south quays of the Marine become entirely pedestrian-only. As soon as you arrive, we recommend that you drive directly to one of the municipal parking lots designated for visitors.
Free parking
Free parking options in Bonifacio are virtually nonexistent for passenger cars. There are no free visitor parking areas in the center or its immediate vicinity. However, we note two exceptions that should be taken into account. For one thing, the municipality is providing 100 free motorcycle parking spaces, located between the Waterfront and the Upper Town, which is a significant benefit for motorcyclists.
In addition, we note that municipal parking lots are now free of charge outside of the paid parking period, which runs from the start of spring break until the end of the All Saints’ Day break. During the peak season, you must always use the paid parking lots listed below.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Port Short-Term Parking – Outdoor, 60 minutes free, then paid
Perfect for a quick stop at the Marine (20 seats) - Parking Lot P1 – Outdoor, paid parking
The largest visitor parking lot on the Marine side (218 spaces) - Parking Lot P2 – Outdoor, paid parking
Near the port, for visitors and season ticket holders (131 seats) - Parking Lot P3 – Mixed-use (subscribers and visitors), paid parking
Halfway between the Waterfront and the Upper Town (66 seats) - Parking Lot P5 – Outdoor, paid parking
In the Upper Town, near the cemetery, the largest parking lot in the city center (300 spaces) - Valli Parking Lot – Outdoor, on the outskirts, paid parking
Daily pass for €10, free shuttle to the Marina during the season (150 seats)
Details of each parking lot later in the article.
At parking lots P1, P2, P3, and P5: the first 10 minutes are free, then €0.70 per 15 minutes.
For parking of 9 hours or more: €25.20
Valli Parking Lot: daily rate of €10
Port Short-Term Parking: 60 minutes free, then €2.50 per 15 minutes
Essential tips
- During peak season, parking lots fill up very quickly. We strongly recommend arriving before 9 a.m. to ensure you get a seat
- For stays of one week or longer, consider the vacationer’s pass with a sliding-scale rate: €60 for the first week, €40 for the second, and €20 starting from the third week
- The municipality has 23 parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities in its municipal parking lots
- Do not leave any objects or luggage visible inside the vehicle. Put everything in the locked trunk before you arrive at your destination
- And see all our tips for renting a car and driving in Corsica
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you want to simplify the logistics of your stay, choosing accommodations that offer parking is an option worth seriously considering in Bonifacio.
Here are a few suggestions in Bonifacio:
- Genovese Spa Hotel, in the citadel
See photos, prices and availability – and book! - Solemare Hotel, located next to the marina
Check photos and availability – and book now! - Santateresa Hotel, with a view of the cliffs
Check photos and availability – and book now! - And some hotels in the surrounding scrubland offer a shuttle service to town: See our selection of the best hotels in Bonifacio and the surrounding area
Where to park to get closer to specific locations in Bonifacio
Bonifacio is divided into two distinct areas: the Lower Town, situated below, and the Upper Town, perched on the cliffs. Depending on which area you want to explore first, your choice of parking lot will vary significantly. Here are our recommendations for each sector.
See our article on the best things to do in Bonifacio.
Where to park when visiting the Upper Town and the citadel
To explore the medieval streets of the Upper Town, the Genoese citadel, and the viewpoints on the cliffs, Parking Lot P5 is the most convenient option. Located right in the Upper Town, near the cemetery, it allows you to park your car as close as possible to the historic sites and then explore the neighborhood on foot. This is the solution we recommend most highly for this sector.
Parking Lot P3, located halfway up the hill from the Marine, is a good alternative if P5 is full: in that case, expect to walk a few extra minutes to reach the heart of the historic district. We particularly appreciate the quality of the light on the white limestone facades early in the day, when the narrow streets are still quiet.
If you want to stroll along the Quais de la Marine, have lunch on a terrace overlooking the harbor, and take a boat tour of the sea caves, Parking P1 and Parking P2 are the most convenient options. Both are located a short distance from the docks. For very short-term parking, the Port’s Short-Term Parking Lot offers 60 minutes free of charge, perfect for dropping off passengers or quickly unloading luggage. In the summer, since the north and south quays are pedestrian-only, we recommend allowing time for a short walk from the parking lot to the lively areas of the port. We also feel that this arrangement helps preserve the atmosphere of the old port and makes a stroll there much more enjoyable.
The best parking spots for visiting Bonifacio
The town of Bonifacio offers visitors six parking facilities: five in the town center and one on the outskirts, accessible by shuttle bus. Here are the details for each one.
Parking P1
Parking Lot P1 is the main visitor parking lot in the Marine area. With 218 berths, it is the port’s largest facility. A special rate applies on evenings with special events (Festi Lumi, the July 13 and August 15 fireworks displays): a flat rate of €8 from 5 p.m. to midnight.
- GPS coordinates: 41°23’21.5″N 9°10’00.3″E
- 218 seats
- First 10 minutes free, then €0.70 per quarter-hour
- For parking of 9 hours or more: €25.20
- For visitors only
- Festival rate: €8 flat rate from 5 p.m. to midnight (Festi Lumi, fireworks on July 13 and August 15)
- Lost ticket: €50
- See the latest news on the city hall website here
Parking Lot P2
The P2 parking lot rounds out the offerings on the Marine side, providing 131 spaces available to visitors and season pass holders. It is a good alternative when P1 is at capacity, as the two facilities are geographically close to each other.
- GPS coordinates: 41°23’18.8″N 9°10’05.3″E
- 131 seats
- First 10 minutes free, then €0.70 per quarter-hour
- For parking of 9 hours or more: €25.20
- Visitors and subscribers
- Lost ticket: €50
- See the latest news on the city hall website here
Parking Lot P3
Parking Lot P3 is located halfway up the hill leading to the Upper Town. It serves both residents and visitors, which means it can fill up quickly during peak season. From this parking lot, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the narrow streets of the historic district.
- GPS coordinates: 41.387628, 9.157398
- 66 seats
- First 10 minutes free, then €0.70 per quarter-hour
- For parking of 9 hours or more: €25.20
- Subscribers and visitors
- Lost ticket: €50
- Distance from the center: a few minutes’ walk uphill toward the Upper Town
- See the latest news on the city hall website here
Parking Lot P5
Parking Lot P5 is the largest municipal parking lot in the city center, with 300 spaces available to visitors and season pass holders. Located in the Upper Town near the cemetery, it offers direct access on foot to the historic alleyways and lookout points. This parking lot is also accessible with the visitor pass.
- GPS coordinates: 41°23’15.4″N 9°09’05.2″E
- 300 seats
- First 10 minutes free, then €0.70 per quarter-hour
- For parking of 9 hours or more: €25.20
- Visitors and subscribers
- Accessible via the vacationer’s pass
- Festival rate: €8 flat rate from 5 p.m. to midnight (Festi Lumi, fireworks on July 13 and August 15)
- Lost ticket: €50
- See the latest news on the city hall website here
Valli Parking Lot
The Parking des Valli is Bonifacio’s bypass alternative. Located at the roundabout at the entrance to the city, just before you reach the downtown area, it is the most economical option for a full day there. A free shuttle runs between the parking lot and the waterfront during the season, which we find particularly convenient for avoiding driving in a crowded downtown area. We highly recommend this option on busy days, as the 150 spaces are often still available even when the downtown parking lots are already full.
- GPS coordinates: 41°24’02.2″N 9°10’01.3″E
- 150 seats
- Daily rate: €10
- Exterior
- Free shuttle to the Marine from June 16 to September 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every 30 minutes
- Motorhomes are permitted from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Accessible via the vacationer’s pass
- Festival rate: €10 all-day pass valid throughout the day and evening until midnight (shuttle included)
- Lost ticket: €20
- Credit card payments only, at the checkout terminal
- See the latest news on the city hall website here
Private parking lots
Here and there, you’ll also find small private parking lots or more remote areas.
- For example, the Orena Parking Lot is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, no reservation required, €10 per day: learn more
- Café di l’Oriva Parking Lot: Small parking lot on Avenue Sylvère Bohn, daily rate – 10-minute walk from downtown – 41°23’42.9″N 9°09’45.0″E
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
Where can I park for free in Bonifacio?
Free parking options in Bonifacio are very limited for drivers, and it’s important to be realistic about this. Here, we outline the few available options, while being transparent about their respective limitations.
- 100 free motorcycle parking spaces: located between the Waterfront and the Upper Town. This is a significant advantage if you’re traveling by motorcycle, whereas drivers are required to pay.
- Outside of paid parking hours: municipal parking lots (P1, P2, P3, P5, and Valli) are available free of charge outside of the paid parking season, from the start of spring break until the end of All Saints’ Day break. If you visit Bonifacio in November, December, or January, parking is free at these facilities.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EN South Corsica
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see options
- Diving – see options
- 4WD tour – see options
- Introduction to canyoning at Pulischellu – see availability
- Complete canyoning experience at Pulischellu – see availability
Where should you avoid parking in Bonifacio?
Parking regulations in Bonifacio are strict, especially during the tourist season. It’s best to be aware of the pitfalls before leaving the car anywhere, or risk financial penalties.
- Parking spaces reserved for residents and permit holders: Of the 13 municipal parking lots, most are strictly reserved for permit holders. Unauthorized parking in these areas is subject to a fine and immediate towing.
- Summer pedestrian zone: During peak season, the Upper Town and the north and south quays of the Marine are closed to traffic. Do not drive your vehicle there, or you will be subject to penalties.
- Parking meter zones: designed for residents, they charge deliberately high rates for non-residents. Signage can also be confusing, which puts you at risk of receiving a parking ticket.
- Monte Leone Parking Lot: reserved exclusively for buses and tour buses. Do not attempt to park a private vehicle there.
FAQ — Parking in Bonifacio
Where can I park in Bonifacio without having to walk too far?
The terrain in Bonifacio almost always involves a climb from the parking lot to the sites you’re visiting. For families with strollers, people with limited mobility, or those who’d prefer to avoid steep inclines, here’s what you need to know.
For visitors to the Navy, Parking Lots P1 and P2 are just a few hundred meters from the docks. For the Upper Town, Parking Lot P5 is the closest drop-off point to the historic streets at the top. Please note that the municipality has reserved 23 accessible parking spaces in its municipal parking lots for people with disabilities.
Please also note that during peak season, pedestrian zones mean you’ll have to walk the final stretches: comfortable shoes are a must, regardless of which option you choose.
Secure parking in Bonifacio
In general, we recommend not leaving anything visible in your cars.
Is there a parking lot in Bonifacio that’s open 24 hours a day?
Bonifacio’s municipal parking lots are operated by automated kiosks that allow entry and exit at any time. Outside of the paid period, we note that access to these facilities is completely free. Depending on the parking lot, the system accepts credit card payments upon exit, at the kiosk, or at the barrier.
What is the cheapest parking lot in Bonifacio?
The Parking des Valli is the most affordable option, offering a daily rate of €10 that includes a shuttle to the Marine during the season. We recommend this option for any full-day visit. For stays of one week or longer, the vacationer’s card offers an even more competitive rate.
Can you reserve a parking spot in advance in Bonifacio?
To the best of our knowledge, Bonifacio’s municipal parking lots do not offer an online reservation system: spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak season, the only way to guarantee a spot is to arrive early, ideally before 9 a.m.
What is the Bonifacio Vacationer’s Card?
The vacationer’s card is a sliding-scale rate plan established by the municipality for guests staying one week or longer. It provides access to Parking Lot P5 in the Upper Town, Parking Lots PS4 and PS5 at the Marina, and the Parking des Valli. The rate is €60 for the first week, €40 for the second week, and €20 starting from the third week. To obtain it, you must go to the parking authority and provide a rental agreement and the vehicle registration certificate. This card offers significant savings starting with your first one-week stay.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
