Perugia

The Pisano family's 13th-century marble fountain at the top of the city, between cathedral and Palazzo dei Priori. Sit on the steps with your dog: this is Perugia's open-air living room.

The 13th-century aqueduct turned pedestrian lane floating above the rooftops, running to Porta Sant'Angelo. Car-free and gently graded: the best dog walk in the center.

The panoramic gardens at the end of Corso Vannucci, a balcony over the Tiber valley all the way to Assisi. Sunset here with the dog is a Perugian ritual.

The monumental 3rd-century BC Etruscan gate, still standing at the mouth of Via Ulisse Rocchi. An obligatory photo stop on the university-district loop, leashed dogs welcome.

The big flat park at the foot of the Minimetrò: a jogging loop along the Genna stream, a small lake and an equipped fenced dog run. Where Perugia's dogs actually run free.

The dog-friendly beach of Passignano sul Trasimeno, 30 minutes away by train: grass, pebbles and warm shallow water. The classic swimming escape from Perugia.