If you’re visiting Lake Como with a dog, you’ll find a mix of lakeside promenades, shaded woodland trails, and large green parks. The best options depend on whether you want an easy stroll or a proper hike.
Easy Lakeside Walks
Lake Como Greenway
A scenic route along the western shore connecting several villages.
Roughly 10–11 km, but easy to split into shorter sections.
Great lake views, historic villages, and mostly gentle terrain.
Dogs are welcome on lead.
Start from:
Greenway del Lago di Como
Como Waterfront
Flat, easy walking ideal for older dogs or warm days.
Continuous lakeside paths and green spaces.
Good sections include:
Lungolago Viale Geno
Giardini a Lago
Best Green Parks
Villa Olmo Park
Large lawns, mature trees, and lakeside paths.
One of the most dog-friendly green spaces in Como city.
Excellent for a relaxed morning or evening walk.
Visit:
Parco di Villa Olmo
Tremezzo Lakefront Park
Beautiful lakeside gardens with plenty of shade and open space.
Nice stop if you’re exploring the central lake area.
Visit:
Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli
Best Nature Trails
Spina Verde Regional Park
Over 1,000 hectares of woodland and hillside trails above Como.
Panoramic viewpoints, archaeological sites, and forest walks.
Suitable for energetic dogs and owners looking for longer outings.
Main access:
Parco Regionale Spina Verde
Valbasca Valley
Quieter woodland area just outside Como.
Streams, forest paths, and fewer tourists.
Visit:
Valbasca
Moltrasio–Laglio Panoramic Path
Elevated trail above the western shore with spectacular views.
Better for active dogs comfortable with uneven terrain.
Start at:
Via Verde: Sentiero Panoramico da Moltrasio a Laglio
Near Bellagio
If you’re staying around Bellagio, consider:
I Giardini di Villa Melzi (check current pet-access rules before visiting the gardens themselves)
Lakeside paths around Bellagio and nearby villages.
The easy Greenway sections between Lenno, Tremezzo, and Griante.
For a full day outdoors
A favourite combination is:
Morning walk on the Greenway.
Lunch in Tremezzo or Lenno.
Afternoon exploration of Parco Regionale Spina Verde or the Moltrasio–Laglio panoramic trail.
This gives your dog a mix of water views, village exploration, and proper off-road walking.
Note Some Important Rules for Dogs
Walking a dog in Italy requires strict adherence to both national and local laws, which heavily emphasise animal welfare and public safety.
You must always keep your dog on a lead/leash (maximum 1.5 meters), carry a muzzle at all times, and clean up all waste.
Mandatory Daily Walks – General Requirement: Italian animal welfare laws require dogs to be walked daily. City-Specific Laws: Some cities take this very seriously and stipulate exact walk quotas. For example, Turin requires dogs to be walked at least three times a day, while Rome requires a minimum of one walk.
Equipment & Control
The Leash: In all public spaces and cities, your leash must not exceed 1.5 meters in length. Retractable leads should be kept locked or left at home in busy historic centers.
The Muzzle: By national law, you are legally obligated to always carry a muzzle with you when in public. While your dog does not need to wear it at all times, you must be able to put it on immediately upon request by local police, conductors, or other authorities.
Identification & HealthRegistration: All dogs in Italy must be microchipped and registered in the Anagrafe Canina (canine registry). Visitors should ensure their dogs have an EU pet passport or official veterinary health record proving rabies vaccination. For visitors from the UK please check with bodies such as the RAC for the latest information. UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry to the EU . You you must get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian (OV). This must be obtained within 10 days of your travel date.
