Vehicle guide
Cars, motorbikes and parking for the Tremiti Islands
Vehicle access is restricted from 1 May to 31 October 2026: check the exceptions and arrange parking before you travel
- The island rule and the sailing's capacity are two separate checks
- Both islands are covered on foot, with a climb from the jetty
- An exception requires the documents named in the bulletin
Vehicles and exceptions
Four checks before you travel
Car
Motorbike and scooter
Bicycle and luggage
Exceptions
Where to leave the vehicle
Parking follows the departure port. Prices and capacity at individual car parks change every season and have to be confirmed locally or with the operator.
Parking by departure port
| Port | Situation | What to arrange in advance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termoli | Port below the old town | busy area in high season | Long-stay parking and time for the walk to the berth |
| Vieste | Marina on the seafront | Parking for the whole length of your island stay | |
| Rodi Garganico and Peschici | Small seasonal ports | Confirm long-stay parking well in advance | |
| Manfredonia | The shortest season of all | Confirm first that the sailing runs on your date |
The 2026 rule
The regional bulletin for Puglia restricts the landing and use of non-resident motor vehicles on the Tremiti Islands from 1 May to 31 October 2026, subject to the exceptions it sets out. That covers the entire practical travel season: in practice anyone arriving by car or motorbike leaves it on the mainland. The rule is reviewed annually, check the version for the current year before booking rather than a date found elsewhere.
Two permissions are needed
The sailing you choose has to carry vehicles, and the island has to admit that vehicle on your date. These are separate checks: availability in a booking form is not an exception to the regional bulletin. Reverse the order and you buy the vehicle ticket before knowing whether it can be landed.
How an exception works
The bulletin lists defined categories of eligible users and the documents that support them. Holding a reservation is not enough on its own: settle your case with the municipality or the carrier before paying, and do it while you can still change or cancel the ticket.
Where to leave the vehicle
In Termoli the port sits below the old town and the area is busy in high season: arrange long-stay parking before you arrive and allow time to reach the berth. At the Gargano ports the supply is smaller and seasonal, so an extended stay has to be confirmed in advance with the operator. Prices and capacity at individual car parks change every season, ask locally rather than trusting an old list.
The last leg on foot
Once you land, luggage is carried by hand, and both jetties involve a climb up to the settlement. That is the practical reason to travel light: a large suitcase on a slope is a problem no booking solves. If your luggage is bulky, ask your accommodation how transport is arranged before you set off.
Questions about vehicles and parking
FAQ
Does booking a sailing that carries vehicles guarantee landing?+
No. These are two different permissions: the sailing may accept the vehicle while the island restriction forbids landing it on your date. Check both.
Does the restriction apply to motorbikes and scooters?+
The regional bulletin covers non-resident motor vehicles, so not only cars. Check the text for your vehicle category and for the exceptions.
How do the exceptions work?+
The bulletin lists defined categories and the documents they require. If you think you qualify, settle it with the municipality or the carrier before paying for a vehicle ticket.
What about a bicycle?+
A bicycle is not a motor vehicle, but carriage still depends on the carrier and the vessel. Add it during booking where that is offered and confirm surcharges and dimensions.
Where do I leave the car if I sail from Termoli?+
In the port area below the old town, which fills up early in high season. Arrange it before you travel and allow time to reach the berth named on your ticket, see the Termoli page.
Do I need a car on the islands?+
No. San Domino and San Nicola are covered on foot. The practical question is where to leave the vehicle on the mainland, not how to get it on board.