Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Parma and Modena

Before you go

What happens when you get there

Getting there

Bologna airport is the main gateway, about an hour to Parma and 40 minutes to Modena on the A1. Milan Bergamo and Milan Linate are around 1 hour 30 by road from Parma, and Parma has its own small airport. The Frecciarossa and regional trains on the Milan to Bologna line stop at Parma, Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana and Modena.

Buses in Parma

On TEP buses small dogs travel free in your arms on a lead and muzzled, or in a carrier up to 50 x 20 x 25 cm. Medium and large dogs pay a ticket, on a lead and muzzled, and aren't allowed on weekdays from 5.30 to 8.30 and 12.10 to 14.40, or on a crowded bus at any time. One dog per bus, and no wet or dirty dogs.

Buses in Modena and Reggio

SETA runs the buses in Modena and Reggio Emilia. Dogs travel on a lead and muzzled, one per passenger. Small animals are free and larger ones pay, and staff can refuse any animal for safety.

Taxis

Parma's taxi rules let drivers refuse animals. Book a pet-friendly taxi or transfer in advance rather than hoping at the rank.

Ferrari Museum

Dogs don't go inside the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, but the garden has free, sheltered, Ferrari-shaped kennels in three sizes with shade and water bowls, where your dog waits while you visit. The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena doesn't publish a dog rule, so ask.

Dairies, ham houses and acetaie

None of the Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, prosciutto houses or balsamic acetaie publish a dog rule. Cheese rooms and curing halls are food-production areas, so expect the dog to wait outside those rooms and ask when you book the visit. Family acetaie often have a courtyard or garden, which is where a dog is most likely to be welcome.

Restaurants

Trattorias and osterias often take dogs at the owner's discretion, usually at a table or on the terrace. Always ask. Starhotels Du Parc and Phi Medaglioni are the only hotels here with a written yes for eating areas.

Heat

The Po plain is hot and humid in July and August, often over 30°C, with little shade on the flat. Walk early. The hills around Castelvetro, Langhirano and the Val Ceno run a few degrees cooler.

Best walks

In Parma, the Parco Ducale beside the Ponte Verdi, with its tree-lined avenues and fishpond, and the Cittadella park. In Modena, Parco Enzo Ferrari, the city's largest park. In the hills, the Salse di Nirano mud-volcano reserve at Fiorano Modenese, about 5 km from Maranello, the vineyard lanes from Castelvetro out to Levizzano Rangone and its castle, and the Parco Regionale Fluviale del Taro between Fornovo and Parma. In Correggio, the porticoes of Corso Mazzini give a shaded lead walk.

When to go

Avoid July and August on the plain if you can. It's hot and humid, often over 30°C, with little shade, so if you do go, walk early and base yourself in the hills around Castelvetro, Langhirano or the Val Ceno, which run a few degrees cooler. If you're using Parma buses with a medium or large dog, plan around the weekday bans from 5.30 to 8.30 and 12.10 to 14.40.