Camping with your dog in Tuscany: Your guide to the perfect holiday for your furry friend.
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With a motorhome, caravan, or tent, you have the best conditions for a holiday with your dog in Tuscany: pine forests, dog-friendly beaches, and plenty of space in the hinterland. This guide focuses on camping with a dog – choosing the right spot, rules at campsites and pitches, dog-friendly beaches near the campsite, and how to cope with the summer heat in your vehicle.
Camping with a dog: Short answer
- Dogs allowed? Yes, at most campsites, usually for a fee and on a leash. Some campsites only allow dogs in the off-season or limit the number.
- Beach: Dogs are usually prohibited on normal beaches in the summer – use designated dog beaches like the Dog Beach in San Vincenzo.
- Heat: Motorhomes heat up quickly. Choose shady pitches and never leave your dog in the vehicle during the summer.
- Papers: EU pet passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination are required. All entry and behavioral requirements can be found in our guide. Travel to Tuscany with your dog.
Finding the right campsite for dogs
Not every place that allows dogs is also dog-friendly. Pay attention to these points when booking:
- Dogs allowed per season: Some coastal campsites only allow dogs in the shoulder seasons. For example, according to ACSI, Campeggio Bocca di Cecina accepts up to three dogs on leashes during the off-season, as does Camping Maremma Sans Souci near... Castiglione della Pescaia.
- Shadow: A parking space under pine or oak trees is more important for your dog in the summer than a sea view.
- Subsurface: Gravel and asphalt get very hot in the sun – grass or forest floor are more pleasant for the paws.
- Dog shower: After swimming in the sea, you should rinse the salt out of your dog's fur. Many places have their own dog showers or dog areas.
- Proximity to the dog beach: A spot on the Etruscan Coast between San Vincenzo and Piombino saves long journeys to the nearest dog beach.
Camping Village Il Poggetto in the Florence region of Italy
- dogs allowed
- Great pool
- Good location
Miramare campsite in the Livorno region of Italy
- Directly at the sea
- small pool
- 100 pitches
- dogs allowed
Pitches and Agricampeggio with dogs
Dogs are allowed at most motorhome pitches in Tuscany ; however, at basic sites, the rule is: parking, not camping – so no dog run or table in front of the vehicle. Farms offering plenty of space for dogs to run around are agricampeggio ; ask beforehand if dogs are welcome and if there are any grazing animals.
Dog beaches near the campsites
Dogs are prohibited on most public beaches during the summer. Designated dog beaches are called "dog beach ," " bau beach," or "spiaggia per cani ." Two tried-and-tested spots on the Etruscan Coast:
- Dog beach San Vincenzo: The dog beach on Via della Principessa is located at the beginning of the Parco di Rimigliano. Dogs are allowed to run freely and swim at any time along a 200-meter stretch; within the park itself, dogs are permitted on a leash year-round.
- Pascià Glam Beach at Piombino: The beach resort in Località Perelli near Riotorto on the Gulf of Follonica is geared towards guests with dogs; sun loungers and parasols can be reserved online.
There are also dog-friendly sections in Versilia, for example in Viareggio , often requiring dogs to be kept on a leash. We present further dog-friendly beaches, including our recommendation near Marina di Grosseto, in our guide "Traveling with a Dog in Tuscany" . It's best to take your dog to the beach early in the morning or in the evening, and be sure to bring shade and plenty of drinking water.
Heat, parasites and safety in the camper
Heat in the camper van
In July and August, temperatures in Tuscany often climb above 35 degrees Celsius. A parked campervan can then heat up dangerously quickly – never leave your dog alone in the vehicle, even with the sunroof open. Plan your trips so that your dog can come along or someone can stay with him.
Protection against Mediterranean diseases
In the Mediterranean region, sandflies transmit leishmaniasis, mosquitoes transmit heartworm, and ticks are also a concern. Talk to your veterinarian a few weeks before your trip about protective collars, spot-on treatments, and preventative measures. In the evenings, your dog should sleep in the vehicle behind fly screens.
Securing during the journey
The dog must be secured in the vehicle, for example with a transport box, barrier, or safety harness. General rules for driving in Italy can be found in the overview of the Italian traffic regulations.
Traveling with a dog: cities, markets, restaurants
Many trattorias allow dogs, especially on the terrace – just ask: " Posso portare il cane?" Large art cities like Florence are hot and crowded in the height of summer; smaller towns like Colle di Val d'Elsa are more relaxed. Dogs are welcome at Tuscan farmers' markets on a short leash – but avoid the biggest crowds.
Best time to travel for camping with a dog
Spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (September and October) are ideal: pleasant temperatures, less crowded beaches, and more places that allow dogs. You should avoid the height of summer with your dog if possible.
You can find all other camping-related topics in our overview of camping holidays in Tuscany . If you prefer to travel with a solid roof: Holiday homes with dogs in Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about camping with a dog in Tuscany
Are dogs allowed on campsites in Tuscany?
Yes, at most campsites, usually for a daily fee and on a leash. Some coastal campsites only allow dogs in the off-season or limit the number, for example to three dogs. Check the rules before booking.
Where in Tuscany is my dog allowed to go into the sea?
Dogs are allowed on designated dog beaches, such as Dog Beach in San Vincenzo at Parco di Rimigliano or Pascià Glam Beach near Riotorto (Piombino). Dogs are usually prohibited on regular beaches during the summer.
Is my dog allowed at a motorhome pitch?
Yes, dogs are allowed at most campsites. However, camping is prohibited at basic campsites: dog kennels, tables or chairs in front of vehicles are not permitted there.
What documents does my dog need for Italy?
EU pet passport, microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination (the initial vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days before entry). See the guide "Traveling to Tuscany with your dog" for details.
Is my dog allowed on the ferry to Elba?
Yes, dogs are allowed on ferries from Piombino, usually for an extra charge and in designated areas such as the outer decks. The specific rules regarding leashes, muzzles, and carriers are determined by the individual ferry company.
