Cortona with a Dog: What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay

Visiting Cortona with a dog is a wonderful way to discover Tuscany through scenic walks, historic hill towns, nature and great food. Surrounded by the countryside of the Valdichiana and just a short drive from Lake Trasimeno, Cortona offers plenty of opportunities for enjoying a holiday with your four-legged companion.

In this guide, you’ll find useful tips on where to stay in Cortona with a dog, where to go for walks and where to eat, as well as a few ideas for exploring the surrounding area together.

Where to Stay in Cortona with a Dog

Just a few kilometres from Cortona’s historic centre, Monastero San Silvestro is surrounded by a large green park, making it a particularly convenient choice for guests travelling with a dog.

Dogs are welcome on a leash in all the property’s outdoor communal areas, so they can stay with their owners while enjoying the park and other outdoor spaces.

The grounds also include a dedicated fenced dog area, where dogs can safely run, play and spend some time off the leash.

An Apartment with a Private Fenced Patio

For guests travelling with a medium or large dog, there is a particularly convenient option: a ground-floor apartment with a small private fenced patio.

The outdoor space is directly connected to the apartment, allowing you to keep your dog close while relaxing outside without having to remain indoors.

Together with the large park and dedicated dog area, this makes organising your days easier when enjoying a dog-friendly holiday in Cortona.

Walking Around Cortona with a Dog

Cortona’s historic centre is best explored at a leisurely pace. Its narrow streets, beautiful squares and panoramic viewpoints make it possible to discover much of the town while walking with your dog.

If you feel like walking a little further, you can head uphill from the historic centre towards the Girifalco Fortress, enjoying panoramic views along the way.

Alternatively, leave the town centre behind and explore the countryside around Cortona, with its quiet roads, olive groves and sweeping views across the Valdichiana.

During the summer months, it is best to plan walks early in the morning or later in the afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day and always carrying enough water for your dog.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Cortona

After a walk, another question inevitably comes up: where can you eat in Cortona with a dog?

Several restaurants in the historic centre state that they welcome pets.

Tra questi si possono considerare Trattoria Toscana in Via Dardano, L’Ortino di Cortona in Via del Marzocco e Al Tocco in Via Benedetti.

Another option is Organika, near the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, which also offers outdoor seating.

Pet policies can change, and access may depend on available space, the time of year and the size of your dog. We therefore recommend contacting the restaurant before your visit and mentioning that you will be bringing a dog when making your reservation.

From Cortona to Lake Trasimeno with a Dog

Soggiornando a Cortona si può facilmente dedicare una giornata anche al Lago Trasimeno, alternando così borghi e città d’arte a passeggiate nella natura.

The area around the lake offers several walking routes and trails to explore.

One of these is the Via del Trasimeno, a circular route of approximately 160 kilometres divided into different stages. Of course, there is no need to walk the entire route: simply choose a section that suits the time you have available and turn it into an enjoyable hike of a few hours.

Taking the Ferry with Your Dog

A trip to the islands of Lake Trasimeno can also become part of your holiday. Dogs are allowed on the ferries, subject to the applicable rules and conditions for travelling with animals.

There are also public beaches around the lake equipped to welcome visitors with pets.

Before planning your day, you can check the latest information about pet-friendly holidays at Trasimeno Lake.

Cortona with a Dog: A Holiday to Enjoy Together

Travelling with a dog often means discovering a destination from a different perspective.

A walk through the countryside around Cortona, a few hours by the shores of Lake Trasimeno, lunch outdoors or an unplanned afternoon can become just as memorable as visiting museums and monuments.

After a day exploring Cortona, the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno, you can return to the peaceful surroundings of Monastero San Silvestro, enjoy a walk together through the grounds or let your dog run freely in the dedicated fenced area.

Because the best holidays are the ones where nobody has to stay at home — not even those with four paws.