La Spezia city itself has few dog beaches, but the Gulf of Poets towns of Lerici and San Terenzo, a short bus or boat ride away, run a summer dog ordinance: from 1 May to 30 September dogs may use the free beaches only between 20:30 and 05:30, while from 1 October to 30 April they can swim freely all day. Important: dogs are not allowed on the Cinque Terre village beaches at all, so plan beach days around Lerici instead.
A popular free beach in Lerici where dogs are allowed under the municipal ordinance, with summer access between 20:30 and 05:30 from 1 May to 30 September and free access in the off-season. Dogs must be registered, leashed, and owners must carry a muzzle and clean up after them.
Rules: On-leash, registered dogs only. Carry a muzzle and waste bags. Summer hours 20:30-05:30 (1 May-30 Sep); all day 1 Oct-30 Apr.
The sheltered free beach below San Terenzo castle is covered by the same Lerici dog ordinance, with restricted summer hours and free off-season access. The calm, shallow bay is pleasant for an early-morning or evening dog swim outside the busy daytime crowds.
Rules: On-leash, registered dogs only. Summer access 20:30-05:30 (1 May-30 Sep); free access 1 Oct-30 Apr. Muzzle to hand, clean up waste.
A pair of small, scenic coves between Lerici and Tellaro where dogs are welcome, with the same ordinance hours applying on the free stretches in high summer. The clear water and rocky setting make it one of the prettiest dog-friendly spots in the Gulf of Poets.
Rules: On-leash dogs allowed on free coves. Summer hours 20:30-05:30 (1 May-30 Sep); free access 1 Oct-30 Apr. Carry muzzle and waste bags.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hotel Firenze e Continentale
★★★★ · 8.8/10
€100/night
Albergo Teatro
★★ · 8.4/10
€60/night
The Poet Hotel
★★★★ · 9/10
€150/night
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