Holidays in Gallipoli with your Dog
Where to take it to the beach, what rules apply in Puglia, what to pack and how to protect it from the heat. And all our apartments accept pets.
Every summer, one of the questions we receive most often is: "Can I bring my dog?". For the apartment, the answer is always yes: all our apartments a Baia Verde, Lido San Giovanni and to Residence Rosa Virginia accept pets. For the beach, however, there are precise rules to know before you leave. This guide collects what we explain to our guests who arrive with a four-legged friend.
Can you take your dog to the beach in Gallipoli?
Yes, but not on all beaches. In Puglia, animal access to the sea is regulated by the Regional Law no. 56 of 2018 and by the Region's beach ordinance, which distinguish between two situations:
- Free beaches: each Municipality must identify at least one stretch of free beach where animals are allowed, marked with specific signs. Outside these areas, it is best to assume that the dog cannot enter.
- Beach clubs: each beach club decides in its own regulations whether to accept animals and under what conditions, and must make it visible at the entrance. Beach clubs equipped for animals display a dedicated sign.
The rules can change from one season to the next. Before you go, check the signs at the entrance to the beach or the communications on the website of the Municipality of Gallipoli.
The rules to follow on the beach
- Leash always, maximum 1.5 metres long: it is a national rule that applies in all public places, including the beach.
- Muzzle always with you, to be worn if the beach club staff or an officer asks you to.
- Scoop and bags: waste must be collected immediately.
- Fresh water and shade: are needed if the dog stays on the beach for a long time, and are the first defence against heatstroke.
- Swimming in the sea is not guaranteed: it depends on the regulations of the beach club or the stretch of beach. Ask before letting it enter the water.
Beach clubs that accept dogs in Gallipoli and the surrounding area
On the Gallipoli coastline and along the Ionian coast towards the south, there are beach clubs that declare they accept animals. Here are a few:
| Beach club | Area | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Por Do Sol | Baia Verde, Gallipoli | Equipped beach club on the southern coast road |
| C'est la Vie Beach | Gallipoli | Equipped beach club with pet access |
| Lo Scalo | Torre Suda (Racale) | Rocky coast, south of Gallipoli |
| Lido Pazze | Torre San Giovanni (Ugento) | Sandy beach |
| Agri Beach | Pescoluse | Beach club designed specifically for dogs |
Documents to bring
Always keep these documents with you: some beach clubs ask for them at the entrance and they are needed in case of checks.
- Microchip and registration in the canine registry: in Italy they are mandatory for all dogs.
- Health record with updated vaccinations, issued by your vet.
- If you are arriving from another European Union country: European pet passport, with a valid rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before the trip.
- If you are arriving from outside the EU: the rules change depending on the country of departure. Check with your vet well in advance.
Tips from those who live here: heat, sandflies and wheat ears
The heat
In July and August, during the hottest hours of the day, the sand, asphalt and paving of the historic centre become scorching and can burn paws. Plan walks early in the morning and after sunset, always carry fresh water and never leave your dog in the car, not even for a few minutes.
After swimming
Salt and sand irritate the skin: rinse your dog with fresh water as soon as you return. In apartments with an outdoor shower, such as the Tamerici and Ground floor studio, you can do it before entering the house.
Sandflies
In Southern Italy, sandflies (phlebotomines) can transmit leishmaniasis, a serious disease for dogs. They are active especially from sunset onwards. Before you leave, ask your vet for a suitable repellent antiparasitic, and in the evening avoid keeping your dog outdoors for long near vegetation.
Dry wheat ears (grass seeds)
In summer, fields and uncultivated flowerbeds fill with dry wheat ears that can get stuck between toes, in ears and in the nose. After every walk, check paws and ears.
Pet-friendly apartments in Gallipoli
All our apartments accept pets. If you are travelling with a dog, however, some are more comfortable than others: on the ground floor, with an outdoor space all to yourself and, in some cases, a outdoor shower to rinse it off after the sea.
| Apartment | Sleeps | From the sea | Why it is comfortable with a dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamerici 01 | 2–6 | 120 m | Ground floor, equipped patio, outdoor shower, private parking space |
| Tamerici 02 | 2–7 | 120 m | Ground floor, equipped patio, outdoor shower, private parking space |
| Tamerici 03 | 2–6 | 120 m | Ground floor, equipped patio, 2 outdoor showers, private parking space |
| Ground floor studio | 1–2 | 440 m | Fenced garden, outdoor shower |
| 1-bedroom apartment Lilly | 1–3 | 440 m | Ground floor, large outdoor patio |
| 1-bedroom apartment Carlo | 2–5 | 440 m | Ground floor, private patio, independent entrance |
| 1-bedroom apartment Milena | 2–5 | 440 m | Ground floor, private patio, independent entrance |
| Green 2-bedroom apartment | 2–5 | 440 m | Ground floor, large outdoor patio, independent entrance |
Do you prefer Lido San Giovanni? The 2-bedroom apartments at Residence Rosa Virginia, 100 metres from the sea, also accept pets.
Are you planning your days at the beach? Also read the guide to the beach clubs in Baia Verde e where to park in Baia Verde.
Frequently asked questions about Gallipoli with your dog
Yes, but only in the free beach areas indicated by the Municipality with specific signs and in beach clubs that accept pets. In Puglia, this is established by Regional Law 56/2018, and each beach club decides in its own regulations whether to admit animals. The dog must be on a leash and waste must be collected immediately.
Yes, all our apartments in Baia Verde, Lido San Giovanni and at Residence Rosa Virginia accept pets. When you contact us, let us know that you are travelling with a pet and what size it is: we will recommend the most comfortable apartment and confirm all the details of your stay.
You need the microchip with registration in the canine registry and the health record with updated vaccinations, which some beach clubs ask for at the entrance. Those arriving from another European Union country must have the European pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination.
The most comfortable ones are those on the ground floor with outdoor space: the 2-bedroom apartments Tamerici 01, 02 and 03 in Baia Verde, 120 metres from the beach, have a patio, outdoor shower and private parking space. The Ground Floor Studio at Residenza Marina has a fenced garden and an outdoor shower.