Walking your dog is a fun and healthy activity, especially when you’re outdoors. Sometimes it can become a rewarding moment if you take less-traveled paths– Italy offers plenty of these, scattered across the mainland and islands. Here’s a short list of beautiful and unique itineraries to explore with your dog, for a Fido-proof excursion!
At Platamona Park, Sassari
For example, if you find yourself in northern Sardinia, include this hike among the routes to take with your dog. You can enjoy a walk with your four-legged friend at Platamona Lagoon Park, equipped with areas dedicated to dog sports. This lagoon is located in Asinara and shares its name with the adjacent beach, much loved by tourists in summer and locals year-round.
About 600 meters long, it’s a fairly easy trailwith a very distinctive view. Its vegetation is dense, typical of Sardinia and Corsica: you’ll walk surrounded by mastic, juniper, and buckthorn. The area is also rich in wildlife, inhabited by aquatic and bird species such as mallards and the rare Purple Gallinule. For this reason, the park is a Special Conservation Area and a hotspot for bird watching.
In Luserna, Trento
For a less typical but equally stimulating trek, head to Luserna. Located on the Alpe Cimbra, in the province of Trento, it’s one of the most beloved spots for walks through woods and meadows.
From here, four themed trailsdepart, including one called “From Stories to History” and the “Cimbrian Path of the Imaginary.” The first has historical significance, the second is dedicated to local traditions and legends.
Every season is suitable for exploring these trails. Being wide, they’re easy for both you and your dog. In winter, you can do them with snowshoes, making the atmosphere even more enchanting.
“From Stories to History” is about 5 kilometers long and it’s recommended to bring water, as there are no fountains or drinking water dispensers.
Along this route, you’ll find testimoniesin the form of metal statues that tell the story of the war’s impact on the local people’s lives.
The trail starts from Luserna’s central square, where you’ll find a sign to guide you. The first stop is Forte Campo, then Forte Viaz. From here, you can detour to what remains of the“Avez del Prinzep”, the tallest fir tree in the world. At this point, you can continue on another path, the “Giants of the Forest” trail.
The second trail in Luserna is the “Cimbrian Path of the Imaginary”which explores local traditions and legendstold through artworks and illustrations scattered along the route.
Again, it’s recommended to start from the village center and follow signs leading to a flat, wooded path, then immerse yourself in a forest that will take you to Malga Campo, where there’s a lake and a refuge. Here you can stop and savor local and traditional foods of the area.
At Giacomo Leopardi Park, Recanati
Recanati is a pilgrimage site for lovers of literature and poetry. This Marche village hosts Giacomo Leopardi Park where you can take a literary walk even with dogs, retracing the poet’s favorite places that inspired his works.
Start from the Hill of Infinity, the summit of Monte Tabor, whose panoramic view inspired Leopardi’s most famous poem, The Infinite. On the mountain, you’ll find a convent once inhabited by monks and nuns devoted to Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
A must-see stop is also the Tower of the Lonely Sparrow, dating back to the 13th century. The tower is located in the Cloister of the Church of Giovanni and Frediano..
You can observe these historical landmarks surrounded by rich fauna and flora.
The rocky walls host various bird species: peregrine falcons, black kites, and redstarts feed in the surrounding areas, animated by Mediterranean scrub coexisting with oak and beech woods, maples, yews, Turkey oaks, and downy oaks. A charming place, perfect for a dog-friendly itinerary!
These are just some of the dog-friendly itineraries we suggest you explore. Remember to equip yourself and ensure your travel companion always has what they need: leash, food, water, as well as bags and a scoop, are essential. Some areas require a muzzle as well. It’s crucial to avoid stressful situations so both humans and animals can enjoy the experience.
This applies whether you’re alone or planning to be in a group with other dogs, as in the case of Meeters-organized outings.