Holidays with animals

Pet-friendly cities, parks, beaches, hotels and areas

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Emilia-Romagna: welcome four-legged friends!

Emilia-Romagna is the region of hospitality, and this also applies to four-legged friends!

By now, more and more travelers are choosing to spend their vacations with their pets, and here they will find a wide range of pet-friendly services and facilities.

Whether exploring cities of art, relaxing on the beach or venturing into nature parks, Emilia-Romagna offers unforgettable experiences for everyone.

RECOMMENDED 6-LEGGED ITINERARIES

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All that's left is to decide where to go!

Cities of art
Visiting the cities of Emilia-Romagna with your pet is easier than you think.

Many museums, palaces and archaeological areas allow pets*, including:

  • Tricolor Hall in Reggio Emilia
  • Domus of the Stone Carpets in Ravenna
  • Veleia Romana in the Piacenza area

In Bologna, on the other hand, it is possible to explore the city in the company of your furry friend (free of charge if small in size) even from the comfort of tourist buses and trains.

Many cities in Emilia-Romagna also offer dog-sitting services (by reservation and for a fee) while owners visit a museum or take part in a show, no longer having to choose between going on vacation with the dog or visiting places of culture. These include museums in Bologna, while the Castle of San Pietro in Cerro in the Piacenza area provides it free of charge by reservation.

Cultural tourism within paw's reach, in short!

Reggio Emilia, progetto Curiosa Meravigliosa
Reggio Emilia, Curiosa Meravigliosa project, ph.Anna Benelli, archives Municipality RE

Other insights:

*while it is not generally allowed in religious buildings.

Ravenna, Pet al Museo Arcivescovile
Ravenna, Pet visiting the Ravenna National Museum, ph. Fabio Bullini, Archivio Visit Romagna

Nature Parks

If in addition to art you love to immerse yourself in nature, Emilia-Romagna offers numerous opportunities to explore the area with your four-legged friend thanks to a dense network of trails.

From the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna to the Interregional Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello, there are trails and trekking paths where dogs can accompany their owners among centuries-old plants and bodies of water, where in some cases they can cool off, for a memorable shared experience.

Not to mention the Po Delta Park where it is possible to go on boat trips with the dog.

The only caution before leaving to avoid nasty surprises and not disturb the native fauna: although it is usually necessary to keep them on a leash and carry a muzzle, it is essential to always consult the official website of the Park Authority to take note and respect the regulations provided in the different areas.

Bagno di Romagna (FC), Pets sul sentiero degli gnomi
Bagno di Romagna (FC),Two pets exploring the Gnome Trail ph. Roberto Masi, Visit Romagna Archives

Riviera

No problem even if you are looking for a beachfront summer vacation !

From the Lidi di Comacchio to Cattolica, the entire coast offers a wide range of pet-friendly amenities.

From the new waterfronts perfect for sea-view walks away from traffic, to the many bathing establishments equipped to accommodate animals on the beach that offer diversified services: dedicated umbrella areas, sunbeds or mats for the 4-legged, showers and small pools, dryers, agility trails, sand walking areas, but also free training courses. For fun in safety!

Bathing in the sea allowed at set times: again, in order to avoid unpleasant inconveniences the advice is to read up on the regulations provided by the municipality, destination of the vacation.

Cesenatico (FC), Pet al porto
Cesenatico (FC), A pet at the Western Pier of Cesenatico, ph. Roberto Masi, Visit Romagna Archives

Pet friendly beaches

The Riviera, however, can also be experienced and discovered in the other seasons, when empty beaches become perfect for long walks by the sea, immense spaces where furry friends can play in peace while their owners enjoy the relaxing power of the sea.


Amusement parks

Adrenaline and outdoor fun guaranteed for the whole family (even for members with tails).

In fact, the main theme parks of the Romagna Riviera (Mirabilandia, Italia in Miniatura, Fiabilandia, the Cattolica Aquarium, Oltremare) are all Pet Friendly.


Dog walking areas

Even on vacation, it is important that your tailed friend can run around freely.

In Emilia-Romagna there are numerous dog walking areas; here are those in the main cities:


Accommodation and catering facilities

Hospitality, it is known, is at home here and there are more and more tour operators who, loving pets, have arranged their facilities to suit pets and warmly welcome them by offering dedicated services to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Emilia-Romagna is rich in pet-friendly facilities: in fact, there are more and more hotels, campsites, residences, tourist resorts, bed & breakfasts, and farm holidays, which have also provided services for four-legged vacationers with their pet owners. On the Riviera, some family pet hotels offer dog entertainers and menus dedicated to furry friends.

There are also numerous restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors (some of which make ice cream even for pets) that warmly welcome furry guests.

Rimini, Pets al Grand Hotel
Rimini, Pets at the Grand Hotel, ph. Roberto Masi, Visit Romagna Archives

Animal rescue center and long-distance adoptions

Given your sensitivity on the subject, we would also like to point out an extra activity you can do in the area, but also before or after your stay, to help animals less fortunate than your faithful furry companion.

We are talking about long-distance adoptions of animals rescued from the wild that, after being cared for, are released back into the wild:


Useful tips for a pet-friendly trip

✔ Always carry fresh water, collapsible bowls and hygiene bags.

✔ Check in advance for access times to pet-friendly beaches and regulated access to parks

✔ In city centers and parks, always use a leash for everyone's safety.

✔ Choose pet-friendly facilities: many offer kennels, bowls and dedicated spaces.

 

Choose Emilia-Romagna for an unforgettable vacation with your faithful companion! 🐾


Tourist Insights

Last update 03/06/2025
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