Puglia is a region that can ensure many fun opportunities to do with your 4-legged companion. In fact, for those who love the sea and summer there are as many as 800 km of coastline between the Adriatic and Ionian seas to enjoy fine sandy beaches, cliffs and crystal clear water. On much of the Apulian coastline you can encounter many pet friendly facilities, including resorts, campsites, equipped lidos, restaurants and hotels.

At the same time, the Apulian hinterland with its parks, pine forests and wooded areas also allows for long walks with our dog. From the Murge to the Gargano, via the Itria Valley and Salento, exploring Puglia with dogs is not difficult.

Dog access to Puglia's free beaches

Those who have decided to spend a day at a free beach should know that dogs are allowed at all those that do not display an explicit written prohibition. In any case, every municipality in Puglia must contemplate at least one free beach With access for pets.

In fact, the region ensures the entry of dogs accompanied by their owners as long as precise safety rules stipulated by law are followed. The owner will have to equip himself with a health certification valid proof of the dog's health. Guide dogs for the blind are allowed access at all times.

Conversely, animals that are not up to date with vaccinations, are aggressive and females in heat are not allowed to enter. In addition, the dog must necessarily be microchipped or have an identification tattoo to avoid possible administrative penalties. Finally, it is good to say that dogs can make the swim in the sea with the owner, who will need to equip himself with the usual dustpans and bag for collecting needs.

Dog-accessible beach lidos in Puglia

Those who are concessionaires of equipped beaches must have precise facilities and comply with the appropriate laws to provide a pleasant experience for dogs, their owners, and all other people. The pet friendly lido must display dedicated multilingual signage and there must be bins for disposal of bags with needs.

In addition, such beaches must provide showers for the exclusive use of dogs, shade areas for them and ensure a water bowl. Beach managers must then check the dog's health records and documents. Today in Apulia there are several beaches dedicated to dog owners, spread across the main provinces. Here are some of the largest ones available.

Eden Salento Agri Beach - Pescoluse

Eden Salento Agri Beach is a beautiful beach resort in Pescoluse, in the province of Lecce. It is the first agri-beach and the only beach in the Ionian coast of Salento to allow four-legged friends to enter. Here they are offered kibble, dog showers, water bowls, a doggy kit and a play area. Dogs have access to the entire lido and can bathe in an area specifically for them.

Soleluna Lido Bau Beach - San Cataldo

On the Lecce Adriatic coast is Soleluna Lido Bau Beach in San Cataldo, a small hamlet in the municipality of Lecce. This establishment is a small paradise for animals who will be able to move around and have fun in complete freedom. Dogs will have bowls, sunbeds and a "bau service" under the umbrella.

Santos Bau Beach - Fasano

Those in the province of Brindisi can spend a nice day at the beach at Santos Bau Beach in Torre Canne, a hamlet in the municipality of Fasano. It was the first dog friendly beach of southern Italy. The pet part is separated from the rest of the lido and has dog umbrellas and all the classic beach amenities to make our friends' stay unique.

Lido Fantasy Beach - Vieste

Along Vieste's Lungomare Mattei is the Lido Fantasy Beach. It is very well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for pets, and many different activities can be enjoyed by renting canoes, inflatables and jet skis. There are a restaurant and a bar to which animals obviously have access.

Trekking in Apulia with your dog

Imagine exploring Puglia by going through forests, trails, pine forests and dreamy beaches, while your 4-legged friend is free to dive into the most unspoiled nature. To do so, simply take part in a few trails trekking open to animals. Let's look at some of the most evocative experiences you can have with your dog.

Daunia Mountains

We are in the province of Foggia, near the border with Campania. The Monti Dauni area is one of the best destinations for trekking with dogs because there are so many trails suitable for animals. There are more challenging trails, up to 20 km, or easier and smoother ones that also allow you to visit churches and shrines.

Nature Trail Vignanotica

This is a short 4.5 km trail on which to walk with your dog to breathe in the clean air coming from the Gulf of Manfredonia. Located in the Gargano, it is one of the easiest trekking trails and leads to the Bay of Vignanotica, among the wildest Gargano beaches. Along the way there are several pet friendly accommodations that offer private beaches to rest with your dog.

Water and Stone Trail

This is an unusual route through which you can admire the largest ancient aqueduct in Europe and it runs between Castellana Grotte and Alberobello. It is 7 km long and along the way will open up some landscapes truly breathtaking. For the safety of the dog, it is always good to use a leash in this area.