Are you planning a holiday on Lake Garda with your dog, and is your furry friend the first name on the passenger list? Perfect, you are in the right place. Actually, welcome to the club: the club of those who never leave without a leash and treats in their pocket.
Forget the usual generic guides. Lake Garda is transforming: with new investments in the Garda Cycle Path and a strong push towards eco-sustainable tourism, this year will be golden for those seeking nature, relaxation, and pet-friendly hospitality.
But be careful: "Dog Friendly" doesn't just mean the dog is allowed in. It means they are truly welcome. At NowMyPlace, we have selected experiences where your four-legged friend is a valued guest, not "luggage" to manage. Here are our insider tips for enjoying the lake, from boat decks to secret hills.
On the Boat with Fido: The Rules No One Tells You
Many people give up on boat tours for fear of strict rules, but public ferries and private tours are actually quite different.
- On Public Ferries (Navigarda): Dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle; alternatively, small dogs must be kept in a pet carrier.
- On NowMyPlace Private Tours: Here, everything changes. If you book a private tour with a skipper (excluding historic Riva speedboats), small dogs are welcome aboard without a muzzle.
Expert Tip: We want you and your dog to be comfortable. On our private tours, your dog can even hop onto the sunbathing cushions, but there is a "Golden Rule" of etiquette: always bring a personal towel or mat. It’s a small gesture that ensures hygiene and allows your dog to relax on a soft surface while you enjoy the sunset at Punta San Vigilio.
Want to try? Discover our motorboat tours and enjoy the lake from a unique perspective.
Beyond the Crowds: Secret Treks and Morainic Hills
Everyone knows the beautiful (but crowded) Ponale road. But if you are looking for tranquility, new scents for your dog, and zero stress, let us share a local secret. Move slightly inland. The Morainic Hills (between Solferino, Pozzolengo, and San Martino della Battaglia) are their ideal playground: white gravel roads, total silence, and countryside scents that will make them jump for joy. And you? You’ll enjoy sunsets that Instagram can’t even do justice to.
Other hidden gems we recommend include:
- Bassa Via del Garda: A historic and unbeaten path, ideal for those who love culture as well as nature.
- Tremosine and Gargnano: High-altitude trails with breathtaking lake views where the air is fresher – perfect in summer!
- Lessinia: Just a short distance from the lake, it offers immense spaces for dogs that need to run, amidst mid-mountain trails and pristine forests.
6 Unique Experiences to Book Now (Large and Small Breeds)
Don't leave your dog in the apartment. We have tested 6 activities for you where all sizes are welcome:
- Wild Mushroom Hunting: Watch your dog sniff the air and the ground. They are in their element. An incredible olfactory experience for them, an authentic adventure for you.
- Alpaca Walk at Lake Garda: A curious encounter with these gentle and cuddly animals.
- Olive Oil Tasting in a Mill: You taste the "green gold" of Garda, while he lies in the shade of centuries-old olive trees. Perfect silence. No rush. Just you and the scent of the lake rising from the valley.
- Farm Hike in Trentino: Pure air and genuine hospitality at a traditional Maso.
- Visit to an Educational Farm: In the Upper Garda area, perfect for families with children and dogs.
- Picnic Among the Vineyards: Many of our partners offer gourmet baskets to enjoy on the grass. Your dog is happy here, and so are you.
Note: Even our Photo Experiences are Pet-Friendly! A professional will capture your dog's best expression with the lake background. An indelible memory. Visit our blog on Photo Shoots on Lake Garda for inspiration.
Things to See and Do with Your Dog: Beaches, Restaurants, and Events
The best time? It depends on you. If your dog suffers from the heat, avoid July and August. Spring and Autumn (especially October-November) are wonderful: incredible colors, few tourists, and perfect temperatures for walking hours without ever getting tired.
- Dedicated Beaches: Mark down Braccobaldo Beach in Peschiera and Fido Beach in Manerba. Here, services are designed specifically for them.
- Restaurants: Most farmhouses (agriturismo) and restaurants with terraces accept dogs (preferably on a leash). A tip: always ask when booking to get a table in a quieter corner.
- Events Not to Miss:
- February: Lake Garda in Love (Sirmione) - Romantic walks on 6 or 8 legs.
- June/July: Foiling Week (Malcesine) - Enjoy the catamaran show from the beach.
- October: Lake Garda Music Festival (Limone) - Music and international atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions we get asked. Write to us to complete this valuable list of useful information for a worry-free holiday with your dog.
Do dogs pay on Lake Garda ferries? On public Navigarda boats, they pay a reduced ticket (guide dogs travel free) and must wear a leash and muzzle. On NowMyPlace private tours, access is permitted and more flexible for small dogs.
Are there restrictions for dogs on boats? On our private tours, we accept small dogs. The rule is: a well-behaved dog equipped with a personal towel to sit on the speedboat cushions.
What is the best time to visit Lake Garda with a dog? The shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) are ideal. The climate is perfect for walks, and trails like Monte Baldo or the Rocca di Manerba are less crowded.
Where can my dog swim in Lake Garda? There are specific equipped beaches where your dog is welcome to enter the water. The best ones are Braccobaldo Beach in Peschiera del Garda and Fido Beach in Manerba del Garda. Outside these dedicated areas, rules vary by municipality, so always look for specific signs. If you want total privacy, a private boat tour allows you to swim offshore with your dog far from the crowds.
Can dogs enter restaurants on Lake Garda? Generally, yes. Most agriturismos and restaurants with outdoor terraces or gardens gladly welcome animals, often offering a bowl of water. For indoor spaces, the policy is at the manager's discretion. Our advice is to always mention the dog when booking to be assigned a spacious, quiet table.
Is a muzzle required for dogs on Garda? It depends on the transport. On public ferries, a leash and muzzle are mandatory (or must be kept at hand). It’s different if you choose a private experience: on NowMyPlace boat tours, for example, small dogs are allowed without a muzzle, provided they are well-behaved and have their own towel. In public outdoor places and cycle paths, a leash is sufficient.
How much does it cost to take a dog on a boat on Lake Garda? On public navigation boats, a ticket is required (often at a reduced rate). However, for many exclusive experiences on NowMyPlace, such as private boat tours (excluding historic Rivas) or wine and oil tastings, small dogs are considered free guests. Always check the specific activity description to get the green light for pets!
Conclusion
Lake Garda is increasingly open to four-legged friends. And do you know the best part? Watching your dog run happily on a beach at sunset, or fall asleep tired (but satisfied) after a day of trekking. These are the holidays you remember forever.
Not sure which activity to choose for your dog's size? Write to us on WhatsApp or contact us via email (info@nowmyplace.com)! We are Local Experts, but above all, we are humans with dogs in tow. We understand exactly what it means to organize a 6-legged vacation.
P.S. If during the trip your dog looks at you with those eyes that say "thank you human, this was the best holiday of my life", send us a photo. We will publish them (with your permission) in our "4-Legged Holidays" gallery. Because beautiful stories must be shared.
