The best of the Cinque Terre is outdoors and on foot, which suits a leashed dog perfectly: the coastal footpaths, the reopened Via dell'Amore and the village lanes climbing to castle viewpoints. Interiors like churches and museums generally do not admit dogs, but you will hardly miss them here. The three highlights below are all open-air and welcome dogs on a leash.
The famous cliff-hugging Lovers' Path between Riomaggiore and Manarola reopened in 2024 after a long closure, and it is flat, short and spectacular. Leashed dogs can walk it, though it requires a Cinque Terre Card and, in peak periods, a booked time slot.
💡 Book a slot online in summer; it sells out and can only be walked one way at busy times
The iconic coastal trail linking the five villages is the classic Cinque Terre hike, with vineyard terraces and sea drops the whole way. Leashed dogs are welcome, but the path is narrow, stepped and hot, so it suits fit dogs in the cooler months.
💡 Start early to beat the heat and crowds, and turn back if your dog is struggling on the steps
Vernazza is the prettiest of the five, its little harbour ringed by pastel houses and topped by the medieval Doria Castle tower. Leashed dogs can wander the lanes and climb to the panoramic castle terrace for one of the best views on the coast.
💡 The harbour steps and castle climb are steep, so take them slowly with an older dog
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
I Tibei Affittacamere
★★★★ · 9.8/10
€120/night
Affittacamere Lo Scoglio
★★★★ · 9.8/10
€120/night
Al mare Affittacamere
★★★★ · 9.8/10
€120/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Cinque Terre also welcome your dog.
