Travelling to Le Marche with your dog
Going on holiday to Italy with your dog? That may require a bit of extra planning. Italians often have a slightly different view on pets than we’re used to in Northern Europe. Fortunately, Le Marche is a great region to explore with your four-legged friend. We’re happy to share some practical tips – and show you which accommodations welcome dogs.
On our Search & Book page, you can easily filter for holiday homes, agriturismos, and country houses where dogs are allowed. That way, you’ll instantly see which places are perfect for you and your dog.
Bringing your dog on holiday to Le Marche
Dining out with your dog
Don’t assume your dog is automatically welcome in restaurants – this really depends on the owner. In Italy, it’s not always considered appropriate for dogs to be near the table. So it’s best to ask in advance. Small dogs are more likely to be accepted than large ones. The good news: if you’re eating outdoors, most places tend to be more flexible.
Staying cool – beach, river, or mountains
Summers in the southern part of Le Marche can get very warm. Make sure your dog can cool down regularly. Luckily, there are plenty of options: let your dog take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea (on dog-friendly beaches), or cool off in the mountains near a lake, river, or waterfal
Keep in mind: not all beaches allow dogs – especially the busier ones with rented umbrellas and sunbeds. But the good news is that Le Marche is seeing more and more dog-friendly beaches pop up – including a growing number of dedicated dog beaches. Scroll down for a list of these locations.
Cooling off and playing together in the Adriatic Sea – perfect on hot summer days when temperatures rise.
Dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in summer, but luckily, more and more beaches in Le Marche are becoming dog-friendly.
In San Benedetto del Tronto, Park Bau has been created – a fenced play area especially for dogs.
Pineta Beach near Recanati – one of the beaches where dogs are welcome.
Dog-friendly beaches and locations in Le Marche
Would you like to know where you can take your dog to the beach in Le Marche? Below you’ll find a list of dog-friendly beaches along the Adriatic coast, from Ancona to the south. Perfect for a relaxing beach day with your four-legged friend!
Porto Recanati : Pineta Beach, www.pineta-beach.com.
Porto Recanati : Fiumarella (free beach), north of the mouth of the Fiumarella river.
Civitanova Marche : Various chalets where dogs are welcome, including Chalet Et’na, Chalet Marebello, Chalet Cristallo, Chalet Gigetta, Chalet Arturo, Chalet Cima d’amore, Chalet Ippocampo, and the free beach Amici di Fido.
Altidona loc. Marina: No access to the beach, but nearby is the Parco Verde Comunale, known as Bau, a fenced play park for dogs.
Campofilone loc. Marina: No access to the public beach, but Camping Spinnaker has a special dog beach.
Fermo loc. Marina Palmense en Lido di Fermo: Three free dog beaches.
- North Coast: Beach nr. C 31, San Tommaso Tre Archi, by the mouth of the Tenna river.
- North Coast: Beach nr. C 25, Casabianca, the fishermen’s beach.
- South Coast: Beach nr. C 12/A, south of the mouth of the Ete Vivo river, next to the boat storage area.
Porto Sant’Elpidio: Dogs are allowed under certain conditions. They must be on a leash, you’ll have access to the back row of sunbeds, and you’re expected to keep the beach clean.
Grottammare: At the mouth of the Tesino river, there’s a large dog area, Beach nr. 14 (Spiaggia Libera).
San Benedetto del Tronto: Dogs are banned from the beach from April 1 to October 31, but there is a special Park Bau, a fenced play park for dogs just north of the Albula river.
Important Information for dog owners
In Italy, beach owners may ask for a valid vaccination certificate for dogs. In some provinces, this is legally required to access dog-friendly beaches. Make sure to always bring your dog passport and any insurance papers (liability insurance) to avoid issues and access the beach without problems.
Seeking coolness in the mountains with your dog
Prefer to cool off in the mountains? Le Marche offers wonderful spots where you and your dog can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views:
- Lago di Fiastra (Macerata) and Lago di Gerosa (near Montemonaco): Two beautiful lakes that are wonderfully cool and provide plenty of shade.
- Gola dell’Infernaccio: An impressive gorge with a waterfall, perfect for a walk along a stream in the forest. This gorge is located near Montefortino-Rubbiano.
- Piano Grande: In spring, this large plain at 1250 meters above sea level, on the border with Umbria, is a perfect place for hiking with your dog. The lentil fields are in bloom, and the views are breathtaking.
Enjoy a refreshing cool-off in the mountains by a lake – this is Lago di Fiastra in the province of Macerata.
You can also cool off at Lago di Gerosa, located between Comunanza and Ascoli Piceno – a perfect spot to refresh.
Dogs can also enjoy great walks in the mountains, like here at Piano Grande in spring, when all the flowers are in full bloom.
Another great cool spot to visit with your dog is the Gola dell’Infernaccio near Montefortino.
Along the highway
In recent years, Italy has made great improvements when it comes to dog rest areas along the motorway, known as Fidoparks. These areas, often located near Autogrill service stations, allow you to take a break and let your dog stretch its legs. They feature running water, shaded seating areas, walking paths, and even agility equipment. Perfect for a short stop during a long drive. Several Fidoparks are already available along major holiday routes, and more are being planned. Check the Autogrill website for the most up-to-date locations along your route.
Letting your dog run free
In Italy, dogs usually don’t run off-leash, as many Italians are cautious and prefer to keep them close. That said, most people are tolerant as long as your dog behaves and doesn’t cause a nuisance. Rules vary by municipality, so it depends on where you are. Always carry a leash so you can secure your dog when needed, and always clean up after them – this helps build goodwill. A reflective collar is also a smart addition, especially for visibility (even among hunters).
Public transport
- Train: Small dogs travel for free if carried in a bag or basket. Large dogs are allowed in compartment trains with a leash and muzzle, and they receive a 40% discount on a second-class ticket.
- Bus, tram, and metro: Dogs are generally not allowed on buses, but exceptions are often made for lap dogs. In Rome, dogs are allowed on the metro if they are in a crate and muzzled.
- Taxi: There are no official rules for taxis – the driver decides whether or not to take your dog. A small surcharge is often requested.
Health
From April to October, be extra cautious of ticks and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases. Consult your vet before travelling for advice on prevention and treatment.
In northern Italy, Lyme disease, babesiosis (tick fever), heartworm, and ehrlichiosis are found. In southern Italy and coastal areas, leishmaniasis is an additional risk.
Planning long summer hikes with your dog? Bring plenty of water, especially in southern Le Marche where temperatures can rise significantly. Watch out for signs of overheating, and be aware of snakes – bites are rare, but it’s wise to stay alert in spring and summer.
Routine vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), hepatitis, and kennel cough should be up to date – this should be standard care by now.
In the mountains
If you're heading into the mountains with your dog, check their paws regularly. Rocky terrain can damage the pads. Dog shoes can be a smart extra to protect them.
Climate
Temperatures in Le Marche can reach 30–35°C in July and August – often too hot for dogs. Choose accommodation with water nearby or natural shade. The spring and autumn months are ideal: pleasantly warm, not too hot, and with cooler evenings.
In July and August, temperatures often rise to 30–35°C, and sometimes even hit 40 (!). That’s usually too much for most dogs.
Spring and autumn are ideal for dogs in our region – pleasantly warm during the day and wonderfully cool in the evenings.