Visiting Gaeta by car is the most convenient option, but for those arriving in town, there are two questions that always come back: “Is the LTZ active?” and, most importantly,“Where do I park?“
We at Scopri Gaeta have prepared this practical and up-to-date guide with our “local” tips to help you get around by car without stress, especially now that we are approaching the busy Favole di Luce season.
Gaeta ZTL: How It Works and Where the Crossings Are.
Gaeta’s Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) protects the heart of the medieval village (Gaeta Vecchia). Access is controlled by electronic gates.
The Golden Rule: Pay Attention to the Electronic Scoreboard!
Activation rules can change often. Therefore, the only thing that really matters is the light signal you find at the entrance to each gateway:
- If the display says
VARCO ATTIVO (or shows a red light): YOU CANNOT ENTER. - If the display says
VARCO NON ATTIVO (or shows a green light): YOU CAN ENTER.
Where are the Main Gates? The main entrances to Medieval Gaeta are:
- Varco Via Annunziata (at the intersection with the Caboto Promenade)
- Varco Via Begani (at the intersection with the Caboto Promenade)
- Via L.M. Planco gate (at the intersection with Via SS Trinità)
- Traniello Square gate (at the intersection with Piazzale Caboto)
Generally, the LTZ is activated in the evenings and at night, especially on weekends and during peak seasons (such as summer or Christmas holidays) to manage the influx.
Permits and Official Information For any official information, to renew subscriptions or apply for permits, the operator is Blu Gaeta.
- Online Renewal:
https://www.blugaeta.it/abbonamenti-online/richiesta-abbonamento - Permit Office: At the Civic Tower of the City of Gaeta.
Where to Park in Gaeta: The Main Car Parks and Our Recommendations
Here are the most convenient rest stops, with addresses and strategic tips for your visit.
1. Former Avir Glassworks Parking Lot (Recommended for Favole di Luce)
- Address: In front of the Old Station Bar.
- Why choose it: It is very large and is the most strategic parking lot for two reasons: it is convenient for visiting the modern center of the city (the Corso Italia area) and it is perfect for leaving the car and enjoying the Favole di Luce walking tour.
2. Liberty Square parking lot
- Address: Behind La Triestina Bar.
- Type: Blue stripes (paid).
- Our tip: This parking lot is very central, right where the famous St. Francis Fountain is located. For this reason, it is not recommended on weekends and holidays, unless you arrive very early (before 3 pm). It fills up quickly because of the incredible turnout for the fountain show, which usually starts between 6-7 pm.
3. Parking lots of Medieval Gaeta (Piazzale Traniello & Former Tennis Courts).
- Address: Lungomare Giovanni Caboto / Piazzale Traniello, Gaeta Medievale.
- Type: Blue stripes (paid).
- Ideal for: These are the main parking lots for visiting the historic center.
- Our advice: Piazzale Traniello is very convenient during the week, but both (including Piazzale 5 Febbraio / Ex Tennis Courts) tend to be very crowded on weekends. If you find them full, our advice is not to push it: better to park outside the borough (like at the Ex Vetreria Avir) and enjoy the beautiful walk along the waterfront to the historic center.
4. Montagna Spaccata Parking Lot
- Address: Holy Trinity Street, 1.
- Ideal for: This is the dedicated parking lot for visiting Montagna Spaccata and Grotta del Turco.
- Our advice: Be careful, parking spaces are very limited. During weekends and holidays it is almost always full. If you have a chance and don’t mind walking, we recommend parking further down the valley and walking up.
5. Gaeta Camper Parking Area
- Address: Near Mount Orlando, on the climb leading to Montagna Spaccata.
- Type: Chargeable, specifically for RVs.
- Additional Info: We could not find official information on seasonal costs, but from online reviews average prices are around 20/25€ per day.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: 19th May Square Parking.
Please note: If you were familiar with the large parking lot in 19th May Square, know that it will remain inaccessible until January 2026.
This is not bad news! The reason is that the square is home to the beautiful Favole di Luce Christmas Market, which is an absolute must-visit. You will simply have to park in one of the other areas we have recommended and walk to the square.
We hope you find this guide helpful in planning your visit. Enjoy Gaeta!
