A narrow winding road leads to villages perched high along the cliffs. The blue Mediterranean Sea dazzles below the bright sun. Colorful umbrellas dot the tiny inlets that make up the rocky beaches. Southern Italy is easily the most famous and stylish stretch of coastline in the world. I have lived in Italy for seven years. I had many opportunities to visit this area with my furry best friend. Finding the perfect base to explore is hard. Pet Friendly Hotels on the Amalfi Coast and Naples are more common than you might think. I want to share my personal experience to help you plan a dream trip for you and your dog.
Preparing for the Journey: The Rules of the Land
First of all, you must know the laws. Italy is a very dog-friendly country. Italians love their pets and treat them like real family members. However, you cannot just show up without the right papers. Your pet must have a working microchip. This chip must comply with ISO standards. These numbers are usually 15 digits long. Plus, you need to register your pet in the Italian ASL system. Failure to do this can lead to a fine of more than €200.00.
Gradually, I learned that the rabies vaccine is the most important part. The vaccine must be at least 22 days old before you can get a pet passport. I paid €24.90 for a new pet passport in the Campania region. If you come from outside the European Union, you need a special health certificate. Additionally, you might need a blood test to prove the vaccine works if you come from a high-risk country. Do not forget to keep your dog on a leash in public areas. The leash should be no longer than one meter in busy zones. Therefore, a sturdy and short lead is your best tool for city walks.
Naples: The Vibrant Gateway for Pups
My adventure began in Naples. This city is full of warmth and friendly faces. It is one of the most pet-friendly places in all of Italy. There are more than 400 structures that welcome animals in this city. I chose to stay at the Smart Hotel Napoli. It is located right at the Molo Angioino sea terminal. This location is perfect because it is only 100 meters from the ferry departures. They were so happy to host my dog. They provided a water bowl, a food bowl, and a comfy pet bed.
At that time, I explored the historic center. I walked along the Neapolitan seafront to keep fit. The Real Bosco di Capodimonte is a huge public park where my dog could stretch his legs. Plus, a new trend called Aperidog is taking over the city. These are special happy hour events at bars where dogs get their own delicacies. If you want a luxury stay, the Romeo Napoli Hotel is an excellent choice. It overlooks the Naples harbor. It has 82 air-conditioned rooms with comfortable interiors. Similarly, the Holiday Inn Naples is a smart choice near the central district. It is only five kilometers from the airport.
Naples is tailored for animals. You can even visit the Castel dell’Ovo, which is a romantic symbol of the city, with your dog. Later, I took my dog to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Leashed dogs are allowed inside the excavations. You just have to hold them in your arms when you enter the ancient buildings. This city truly opens its arms to four-legged travelers.
Vico Equense: Seaside Peace Near Sorrento
On top of that, I discovered the charm of Vico Equense. This town is a bit calmer than the busy center of Sorrento. I stayed at Hotel Mary. It is a very good hotel that allows cats and dogs to stay for free. It features a private beach area and an outdoor swimming pool. They have a dedicated pet area which is a very thoughtful touch. However, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant or the lounge. You must plan your meals accordingly.
Another great option is Hotel Le Axidie. This hotel allows up to two dogs per room for no extra charge. It is right near the beach. It is a perfect spot for long seaside walks. They even offer veterinary care if your dog feels unwell. You must email them before you arrive to let them know about your pup. At that time, I felt very relaxed in this town. It is quaint and much more low-key than the big resorts.
Sorrento: The Classic Choice for Dog Lovers
Sorrento is a beautiful base camp for any trip to the coast. It is centrally located and easy to reach from Naples. The train ride takes about one hour. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a top luxury pick. Dogs stay for free there. It has a very high rating of 9.7. Similarly, the Bellevue Syrene is a dream hotel in Sorrento. They accept dogs up to 5 kg in weight. They do not charge extra for your pet.
I also liked the Marina Piccola 73. It is a small boutique hotel right by the port. The interiors are filled with beautiful family antiques. Small pets are welcome in all 10 rooms. There is no extra charge to bring your friend. The rooftop terrace offers a stunning view of Mount Vesuvius. You can eat a hearty homemade breakfast while your dog snoozes at your feet. Alice and Roberta run the hotel and they are very helpful. They can guide you to the best beach clubs in town.
Sorrento has many great places to eat. Then-Adeptness7873 on Reddit recommended Semola Pasta Bar and Inn Buffalito. I tried the steak and local mozzarella at Inn Buffalito and it was delicious. Later, I walked to the San Francesco Cloister. It is a very peaceful spot. Though Sorrento is very touristy, it feels like a quiet home after a busy day of exploring.
The Path of the Gods: A Divine Hike with Fido
The most magical part of my trip was hiking the Path of the Gods. This trail is also called Sentiero degli Dei. It is suspended high above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legend says the gods took this path to reach the sea. It winds along dramatic cliffs and offers vistas of the Lattari Mountains. Most people start the hike in the village of Bomerano and finish in Nocelle. The official trail is about 7.8 kilometers long. It takes about three to five hours to finish.
The terrain is rocky and uneven. There are many stone steps and loose rocks. I suggest you start early in the morning. This helps you beat the heat of the summer sun. The path is wide enough to feel safe even if you do not like heights. However, some sections do not have safety rails. You must supervise your dog very closely near the cliff edges. Megan Meade noted that the trail is not always dog-friendly due to these unrailed parts. Therefore, a short leash is a must.
Gradually, you will reach Ulisse’s House. It is a rustic café halfway through the hike. I stopped there for a cold drink and a rest. Finally, the trail descends toward Nocelle. The views of Positano from here are breathtaking. Once you reach Nocelle, reward yourself with a lemon granita. You can then take a bus down to Positano or walk down more than 1,700 steps. My legs were tired, but the experience was worth every step.
Positano: The Vertical Dream for Paws
Positano is a picture-perfect dream. It has terracotta houses that look like they are clinging to the cliffs. I stayed at Hotel Poseidon. They really love pets here. Small and medium pets are welcome for no extra charge. They gave my dog a bed, bowls, and toys. On top of that, they even provide Italian pet-food. The view from my balcony was something I would never trade. I spent hours just staring at the sapphire sea.
Walking in Positano involves a lot of stairs. It is a vertical city. Though I am fit, climbing a gazillion stairs in the heat was a challenge. I suggest you avoid the lower beach area during the middle of the day. That is when the day-trippers arrive on ferries and make it very crowded. The streets are narrow and get very congested. Instead, explore the higher parts of the hill. You will find wonderful restaurants and quiet shops there.
The beaches in Positano are jaw-dropping. Spiaggia Grande is the most famous one with its colorful umbrellas. I also visited Fornillo Beach. It is smaller and more secluded. If you want a secret spot, try Laurito Beach. It is popular among the locals. Plus, the Ferdinando Beach Club in Positano allows dogs. We spent a whole afternoon there just soaking up the sun.
Praiano and Furore: Hidden Gems for Dogs
If you want to escape the chaos of Positano, go to Praiano. It is much quieter but has many great restaurants. I stayed at Hotel Margherita. They have a dedicated pet-friendly proposal. They reserve special rooms for pet owners that have a small outdoor garden for exclusive use. These rooms are soundproofed to ensure everyone gets a peaceful rest. They even have a mascot named Frida who helped them choose the best pet amenities.
You can buy a Margherita Pet Box at this hotel. It includes a pet ball, a bowl, and a dental bone. The hotel has large garden areas where your dog can play. You can also take your dog to the rooftop restaurant terrace. Nearby, you will find the Furore Fjord. It is a dramatic sea gorge with a hidden beach. It is one of the most unique spots on the whole coast.
Another authentic farm stay is Tenuta La Picola in Furore. It is a historic farmhouse from the 1600s. It is set away from the tourist chaos on a peaceful hilltop. They believe that holidays should be shared with all family members, including dogs. Every room has a panoramic view of the sea. They have an organic farm with olive groves and lemon orchards. Similarly, the air is filled with the scent of lemons here. It is a sanctuary where you can truly disconnect from the world.
Ravello: The Peaceful Hilltop Retreat
Ravello is the highest point of the coast. It is a very peaceful hilltop village. It is famous for its beautiful gardens and villas. The Belmond Hotel Caruso is a restored 11th-century palace. It is perched on a cliff edge 1,000 feet above the sea. They allow small pets in the rooms. You must keep them on a lead around the hotel grounds. The hotel has a spectacular heated infinity pool where the sea meets the sky.
The gardens are immaculate and filled with roses and lemon trees. I loved walking through the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens. Both of these iconic places allow dogs. You just need a leash and some sanitary bags. The view from the Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone is called the most spectacular in the world. It is a romantic hideaway from the crowds below.
Another top luxury hotel is Palazzo Avino. It is set in a 12th-century villa. It is 1000 meters high and the views are amazing. They allow pets but you must mention them when you book. The staff are impeccable and remember every guest by name. Therefore, you will feel like royalty here. If you want something more mid-range, try the Ravello Art Hotel Marmorata. It is located in a former paper factory on a peaceful inlet. It has its own private beach access.
Beachside Stays and Water Fun
Finding the right beach for your dog is essential. Italy is becoming more dog-friendly every year. Some beaches have special areas where dogs can run freely and swim. Facilities often include freshwater showers and doggy ice cream parlors. In the Campania region, Marina di Eboli has the Bau Bau Beach Village. It is the first tourism village in Italy dedicated to pets. It is very close to the Amalfi Coast.
Other dog-friendly beaches include Marina di Praia in Praiano and the free beaches in Amalfi. I also took a boat tour. Renting a private boat is the best way to see the beauty of the coast in one day. Many boat companies allow dogs on board. My dog loved the sea breeze on his fur. We visited the islands of Capri and Ischia by ferry. Dogs are accepted on these ferries as long as they are leashed and muzzled. You must buy a ticket for your pet, but the price is usually small.
Logistics: Getting Around with Your Dog
Navigating the Italian rail system is quite easy. Dogs and cats are welcome on trains. Small pets in carriers usually travel for free. For larger dogs, you must buy a ticket and they must wear a muzzle and remain leashed. I traveled on the Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains. These trains are very comfortable and have air conditioning.
Gradually, I found that public transport in Naples is also great. Subways, buses, and funiculars admit small and medium dogs. Just make sure you have a muzzle on hand. If you drive, be careful. Italian roads are narrow and twisting. Parking is often limited and expensive. I preferred taking the ferries to move between towns. However, ferries can be canceled if the weather is bad. Therefore, always have a backup plan.
Statistical Data for Pet Travelers
To help you plan, here are some numbers I gathered during my stay:
- Pet Passport Cost: €24.90 in Campania.
- Health Certificate Fee: €18.00.
- ASL Fine for No Registration: €200.00+.
- Naples Public Transport Fine (No Bag Collection): €25.00 to €500.00.
- Anantara Hotel Pet Fee: €50.00 per pet per night.
- Ferry Ticket to Amalfi (from Positano): €10.00.
- SITA Bus Ticket (Amalfi to Bomerano): €2.20.
- Scooter Rental Cost: Around €70.00 per day.
- Hotel Margherita Pet Box: Includes a ball, bowl, and dental bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amalfi Coast dog friendly?
The Amalfi Coast is a very welcoming place for pets. You will find that many hotels, beaches, and even some historical sites allow dogs on a lead.
What is the most pet-friendly hotel chain?
Anantara is a major hotel chain with very clear and detailed rules for pets in this region. Similarly, the Holiday Inn in Naples is a smart choice because it welcomes furry guests in its central location.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
Rules vary by hotel. Anantara hotels do not allow pets to stay alone in the room at any time. However, Hotel Margherita says you can let your dog rest in your room while you visit the swimming pool.
What is the most dog friendly city in Italy?
Naples is often listed among the most pet-friendly cities in the whole country. Plus, cities like Venice and Palermo are also known for having a high number of facilities for animals.
Is Positano dog friendly?
Yes, Positano is a great spot for pups. Many luxury spots like Hotel Poseidon provide items like a dog bed and special bowls. Though the streets are crowded, dogs are welcome in several beach clubs and shops.
Is it okay to leave a dog at a pet hotel?
Pet hotels and boarding services are very common choices for people visiting Naples. There are more than 400 structures in the city that welcome animal guests.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Italy is widely seen as one of the best countries in Europe for a pet-friendly holiday. The coast offers many nature trails and beaches where your dog can run and play.
Do you have to tell a hotel if you have a dog?
You must always notify the hotel that you are bringing a dog when you book your room. Some hotels like Palazzo Avino require this so the staff can prepare the room for your pet.
Is it better to stay at Amalfi or Positano?
Amalfi is a top choice if you love old history and famous churches. On the contrary, Positano is the best pick for a picture-perfect dream with colorful houses.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Italy?
Yes, many restaurants allow well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating areas. It is a good idea to check with the staff before you sit down with your pup.
Which country is the most pet-friendly?
Italy is one of the top countries for pets because Italians treat them like real family members. The country has many parks, beaches, and trains that accept dogs.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
ITA Airways did a test where pet owners could buy a full row of seats for larger dogs. Generally, small pets must stay in a carrier that fits under the seat.
Where to leave your dog while on vacation?
You can find many boarding homes and pet hotels in Naples if you cannot bring your dog along. However, many people choose to bring their pets to Italy because the country is so open to them.
Concluding words
A trip to Southern Italy with your best friend is a very rewarding choice. First of all, you will find a huge range of hotels that treat dogs with great care. You can spend your days on a boat or walking through the lemon gardens of Ravello.
Additionally, the public transport and beaches make it easy for your dog to join the adventure. Therefore, you should not leave your pup behind on your next visit. Italy is ready to welcome you both with open paws.
