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Travelling with Pets in La Spezia & the Cinque Terre
🇮🇹La Spezia, Italy·Updated 19 June 2026
La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre, and the regional train from La Spezia Centrale is the easiest dog-friendly way to reach the five villages. On Trenitalia regional trains, small dogs in a carrier up to 70x30x50 cm travel free, while larger dogs travel on a leash and muzzle with a reduced-fare ticket. Buses, ferries and trails all welcome leashed dogs with a muzzle to hand, so the whole gulf is reachable with a well-prepared pet.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Train (Trenitalia) to the Cinque Terre | Small dogs and cats in a carrier up to 70x30x50 cm travel free in first and second class (one carrier per passenger). Larger dogs travel on a leash with a muzzle on a reduced-fare ticket (half the standard fare). The frequent regional line from La Spezia Centrale links Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. | 💡 Carry the muzzle even if you do not need it; inspectors can ask large-dog owners to put it on. Avoid the busiest midday trains in summer. |
| Cinque Terre Card (Treno MS) | If you buy the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which bundles unlimited regional train rides between La Spezia, Levanto and the five villages with trail access, a large dog needs a child ticket. Small dogs in a carrier ride free as on any regional train. The card is sold at La Spezia Centrale station and park info points. | 💡 Buy the card at La Spezia Centrale before you set off; it saves queueing at the village stations and covers the trail fees. |
| Cinque Terre Trails | Dogs are allowed on the Cinque Terre National Park trekking trails but must always be kept on a leash. They cannot roam free because of wildlife and the narrow, busy paths. A leashed dog can walk the village-to-village routes; in summer heat the cliffside trails are exposed, so carry plenty of water. | 💡 Some trail sections have steps and ladders; check the dog can manage them and that the section is open before setting off. |
| Ferries & Boats (Gulf of Poets) | Small and medium pets are allowed on the gulf ferries linking La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici and the Cinque Terre, always on a leash and with a muzzle, kept in a bag or carrier where required. The scenic boat is a calmer alternative to the crowded summer trains and gives the best views of the coast. | 💡 Boats can sell out in summer and timetables are seasonal; check departures from the La Spezia Passeggiata Morin pier in advance. |
| City & Provincial Buses (ATC) | ATC buses allow one leashed dog per vehicle wearing a close-mesh muzzle; the dog must not block doors or disturb passengers. Small pets in a closed carrier up to 50x30x25 cm travel free, one per passenger. Guide dogs are always allowed without a muzzle unless requested. | 💡 Keep the muzzle on hand for ATC buses; drivers can refuse a large dog that arrives without one. |
| Taxi | La Spezia taxi drivers can accept or decline pets at their discretion. A dog in a carrier or a small calm dog is usually fine, but for a larger dog it is best to mention the pet when booking by phone so the driver agrees in advance. | 💡 For a station or ferry transfer with a big dog, phone the taxi rank ahead and confirm the dog is accepted. |
Useful transport links
Trenitalia regional trains and tickets: trenitalia.com. Cinque Terre National Park, Cinque Terre Card and trail status: parconazionale5terre.it. ATC La Spezia city and provincial buses: atcesercizio.it. Buy the dog reduced-fare train ticket or the Cinque Terre Card at La Spezia Centrale before heading to the villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on the train to the Cinque Terre from La Spezia?
Yes. On Trenitalia regional trains from La Spezia Centrale, small dogs in a carrier up to 70x30x50 cm travel free, and larger dogs travel on a leash with a muzzle on a reduced-fare ticket (half fare). The line stops at all five villages.
Do dogs need a ticket on the Cinque Terre Card?
With the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, a large dog needs a child ticket while a small dog in a carrier rides free. Buy the card at La Spezia Centrale or a park info point; it also covers the trail access fee.
Are dogs allowed on the Cinque Terre hiking trails?
Yes, but always on a leash. Dogs cannot roam free because of wildlife and the narrow, busy paths. In summer heat the cliffside trails are exposed, so carry plenty of water and check that your route's steps and ladders suit your dog.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in La Spezia
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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