Holidays with your dog

For those who count their dog as one of the family will find many dog-friendly lodgings and beaches at Lake Garda. For a trouble-free holiday with your beloved four-legged friend.

Dogs must be muzzled and on a leash in public buildings and public transport, in some city centres and on certain beaches. The EU requires travellers with dogs, cats and ferrets to obtain a "pet passport" from the veterinarian. The veterinarian should also inform about necessary vaccinations such as the compulsory rabies vaccination.

At Lake Garda, there are some dog-friendly accommodations and beaches where dogs are welcome. In addition to the dog beaches specially built for the dogs or Bau Beaches, there are various sections of public beaches where dogs can go with careful consideration for the other bathers. In general, the best times are the morning and evening hours.

Dogs are permitted on these designated bathing areas, pebble beaches or inlets, subject to specific rules such as the obligation to wear a leash and muzzle. They are located in most places around Lake Garda, such as in Brenzone, Castelnuovo del Garda (between Porto Campanello and Gardaland), Gargnano (Spiaggia della Gial), Malcesine (beach of Val di Sogno), Moniga del Garda (Spiaggia del Porto, Liner, Preara, S. Michele) and Torri del Benaco.

Activities with a dog at Lake Garda

If you want to travel together with your dog, Lake Garda is just the right place. Here, there are not only dog-friendly accommodations, but also a lot of activities to experience that make a Lake Garda holiday with dog unforgettable.

Off into the lake: Numerous dog beaches ensure maximum bathing fun for your four-legged friend, e.g., in Lazise, Manerba del Garda or Salò.

Monte Baldo: Take the cable car up the mountain and go for a hike at the top. Especially recommended in summer due to the lower temperatures on the mountain.

Jogging with your dog: The promenade in the direction of Malcesine is very suitable for this. However, the dog should be kept on a leash, as cyclists also use the path.

Varone waterfall in Riva: Stroll with your dog to the waterfall through a wonderful botanical garden. There are plenty of shady spots to rest in between.

Madonna della Corona: This pilgrimage church, enthroned in the middle of a rock face, is an absolute highlight. You park your car in Spiazzi, then a wonderfully shady path leads past life-size bronze figures to the rock church.

Sentiero del Ponale: This panoramic hiking trail offers impressive views of the lake. Start in Riva, pass the hydroelectric power station and take the panoramic path. The dog should not be skittish, because cyclists use a separate path but ride right next to it.

Marocche di Dro biotope: Here, you can experience a breathtaking hike through rocky landscape and past the Sarca River.

Lake Ledro: This lake not far from the northern shore of Lake Garda seems like something out of a picture book with its deep blue water. Well suited for a relaxing walk around the lake (approx. 10 km) or as a starting point for hikes in the Ledro Valley.

Lake Tenno: Also an impressive mountain lake in the hinterland of Riva. Perfect for a walk around it (approx. 4 km) or as a starting point for a hike to the medieval village of Canale di Tenno.

City stroll with boat trip: Take the boat from Malcesine to Limone, where you can stroll wonderfully through the pretty old town. It is best to use days when there is no market in Limone, otherwise it can get very crowded.

Whether cultural, leisurely or sporty together: Holidays with a dog at Lake Garda are an absolute recommendation!

Updated: 30/08/2023