There is something special in walking alongside your dog, immersed in nature, with the backpack on the shoulder and the sound of the wind among the trees. An experience that strengthens the link with our faithful companion and gives a regenerating break from daily frenzy. But what are the best paths in Italy for those who want to venture with the beloved trusted?
Fortunately, there is no shortage of possibilities: equipped paths, postcard panoramas and structures ready to accommodate six -legged travelers. Let’s see the unmissable destinations for a trip on foot with your dog.
Via Francigena (Tuscany)
The Via Francigena is one of the most famous paths in Europe (over 3000 km, 4 states crossed, by Canterbury – in England – up to Santa Maria di Leuca, in the province of Lecce) and the stretch from San Gimignano Porta to Siena is among the most suggestive. A 49 km route between soft hills, medieval villages and country paths.
For those traveling with their dog, this route offers several advantages: the paths are well reported, there is no shortage of sources of water and villages along the route-Colle Val d’Elsa, Monteriggioni and, of course, Siena-offer several pet-friendly structures. All with a panorama that seems to have come out of a Renaissance painting.
Cycle tourism on the Via Francigena, 9 itineraries to be made by bicycle to discover the Terre di Verdi
The Langhe: between villages and vineyards
For those who love good food, wine and sweet hills, the Langhe are a perfect choice. The itinerary starts from Alba, in the province of Cuneo, and develops in a ring through the Piedmontese hills, touching enchanting villages such as Morra and Barolo.
Here, the dog is welcome everywhere: restaurants, farmhouses and even Castelli welcome four -legged friends without problems. And then there is the truffle: in the Langhe, the dog is not a simple travel companion, but also a protagonist, thanks to the traditional excursions in search of the precious hypogean mushroom.
Green tourism: discovering the Langhe
Via Maira: the wild beauty of the Alps
For those looking for a more demanding journey, Via Maira is an excellent option. Located in the province of Cuneo, this route crosses the valley of San Michele, between forests, waterways and alpine valleys.
It is a perfect itinerary for those who want to walk with their dog without worrying about excessive heat, thanks to the constant presence of shadow and water. Along the way there are several shelters and structures ready to welcome the walkers with their hairy friends.
Cinque Terre and Riviera di Levante: sea view and Mediterranean nature
For those who dream of combining trekking and sea, the path that crosses the Cinque Terre is an unmissable option. From Monterosso to Levanto, you walk between vineyards, lemoners and woods of Mediterranean scrub, with the sea always to do as a background.
Dogs are welcome in many structures in the area, and the itinerary can be traveled in about five days, with panoramic stages and regenerating breaks in the coastal villages.
The imposing statue of the Monterosso giant: one of the magnificent symbols of the Cinque Terre
Way of silent villages: the charm of Umbria
In the heart of Umbria, at the foot of the Amerini Mountains, a 91 km ring is developed, divided into five stages, which crosses small forgotten villages and lush woods.
The path of silent villages is a journey into quiet and uncontaminated beauty, with paths that wind between chestnuts and holm oaks. Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without meeting the insane of tourists, with their dog always in tow.
Travel tips: how to prepare best
Traveling with the dog requires some more precautions, but with the right organization the experience becomes unforgettable. Here are some practical tips:
Have a good trip!
