Portofino

The heart of the village: a small, flat square at the water's edge, ringed by terraces and pastel houses. At sea level and stair-free, it is the easiest place in Portofino for a leashed dog, with dog-friendly terraces around it.

A medieval fort turned villa above the harbour, whose grounds and terraces give the classic view over Portofino. The open-air climb and the gardens are dog-friendly on the lead; confirm the policy for the interior.

The lighthouse at the tip of the promontory, reached by a scenic open-air path continuing past Castello Brown. An easy, photogenic there-and-back that leashed dogs love; the path is exposed, so bring water.

The regional park covering the whole promontory, with around 80 km of mule tracks and coastal trails. Leashed dogs are welcome, up to three per person, making it the main place near the village for a proper walk.

A thousand-year-old abbey in a hidden cove reachable only on foot or by boat. Small dogs may enter only if carried, but there is a supervised dog-minding service at the entrance (book 48h ahead); the trail from Portofino is a fine leashed outing.

The area's dog beach, a free pebble stretch on the road to Paraggi in the Santa Margherita municipality, with a dog shower and fresh water. It is the one place near Portofino where a dog can actually swim in season.