Camping with dog in Italy

Dense pine forests invite you to take your dog for a walk, sticks are thrown on the beach and there are dog showers on the campsite to keep the dirt off their paws outside the motorhome. In Italy , dog owners can look forward to a relaxed holiday, as many campsite operators have taken dogs into consideration. They have lovingly and creatively designed their campsites to be dog-friendly. As well as courses to let off steam, there are dog toilets, dog sitting and even first aid for injured legs.

Destinations

The most popular regions for camping with dogs are in northern Italy, where forests, mountains and lakes lure you out into the fresh air. South Tyrol and Trentino are ideal for camping with dogs in Italy. Travelling from Germany is quick and uncomplicated. The regions are full of hiking routes and walking trails. But there are also many dog-friendly campsites in Italy on the beaches of Veneto, in Tuscany and in the south.

Surrounded by dense deciduous forests, the Continental Camping Village on Lake Maggiore is popular with many dog owners. Shady trees and short distances to the bathing bay as well as its own swimming pool are the plus points of this ADAC super campsite.

Union Lido Vacanze is a particularly good example of a dog-friendly campsite in Italy. The site near Venice is located on the Cavallino Treporti coast, very close to the famous holiday resort of Jesolo. Dog owners can enjoy dog-sitting and the on-site dog ambulance. Other special features of the site, which has been awarded 5 stars, are the small dog swimming pools and the training sessions on offer.

Pine trees, poplars, olive trees and oleander hedges at Camping Ville degli Ulivi in Tuscany provide shade and delight the hearts of dogs. Dog showers are available for all four-legged friends who need an extra cool down. In addition, the 3 km long and up to 50 m wide sandy beach and the dense forests are not far away. For masters and mistresses there is bathing fun, wellness offers and fitness equipment. Children can look forward to entertainment and events.

Top tips

• There are weekly markets in almost every small town in Italy . The aromas here are not just enticing for dogs. Salami, cheese, regional fruit and vegetables and the best olive oils can be purchased. A visit to a farmers' market is part of a holiday in Italy. On the outskirts, small bistros and ice cream parlours with espressos and water bowls tempt you to take a breather. These are ideal places from which to relax and watch the colourful hustle and bustle of the market. Motorhome and caravan drivers can also stock up on fresh food for their next picnic.
• Golfers can look forward to several 18-hole courses in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, which invite dogs and their masters to enjoy a Mediterranean golfing experience with an impressive panorama.

Excursions and activities

Whether at home or on holiday, many dogs are not particularly keen on city trips. Rome, Florence and Milan are best visited without an animal companion. What's more, churches and museums are taboo for dogs in Italy . Dogs are in good hands on campsites with dog sitters during day trips to the historic metropolises. Excursions and activities in Italy's indescribably beautiful natural landscapes are much more appealing for dogs and active campers.

Over mountains, hills and through forests

Italy is a hiking paradise. While alpine flair prevails in the north, the Mediterranean vegetation in central and southern Italy enchants dogs and their owners. Especially in spring and autumn, walking and hiking trails attract dog owners, mountain bikers and mountaineers to this southern European country. There are wonderful trails and routes along the mostly wild and romantic 7,500 kilometres of coastline. The Grande Traversata delle Alpi is the most famous route. The 70-day hike leads from Monte Rosa to the Mediterranean and can be completed in sections.

Water fun for dogs and their masters

One of the most popular dog beaches is the Baubeach in Maccarese near Rome. Lakes, rivers and ponds also offer dogs a chance to cool off. Some dog-friendly campsites in Italy offer kayak and canoe tours. Depending on the type of boat, there is room for Bello & Co. in the bow of the boat. Boat trips off the coast are also possible with dogs. In Venice, dogs are allowed on the vaporetto or gondola, but only with a muzzle.

On the trail of wine in Tuscany

Tuscany, with its wineries and famous cities such as Siena, Lucca, Florence and Pisa , is undoubtedly the destination of many motorhome travellers. The Chiantigiana from Florence to Siena is one of the most romantic motorway routes in Italy. The route leads through the rolling Tuscan hills and past the vineyards of Chianti. Dogs feel particularly at home among the vineyards and olive groves.

The best events with dogs in Italy

Music and dance characterise many festivals in Italy. Not all events can be enjoyed by holidaymakers with dogs. At the horse races in Siena, the carnival in Venice or at rock festivals, sensitive four-legged friends should stay at the campsite.

February - March

• Carnival: Venice celebrates with spectacular masquerades.

March - April

• Easter: Processions of light for the resurrection in Abruzzo and Piedmont.

June

• Corpus Christi: In Bolsena, Spello and Campobasso, processions pass through the towns.
• Carpisa Neapolis Festival: Southern Italy's biggest rock-pop festival.

July - August

• Festival dei Due Mondi: cultural festival with a colourful supporting programme.
• Palio di Siena: horse races in the Piazza di Siena.