by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste; Elisa Lodi, Trieste Councilor for Municipal Property and Sport
The city of Trieste has completed construction of its first public beach dedicated to dogs, creating a designated seaside area for pets and their owners along the Barcola waterfront.
The project, known as Bau Beach, cost €336,000, with most of the funding provided by the municipality and additional regional support following storm damage that struck the coastline in late 2023.
The beach includes a dedicated access ramp to the sea, protective railings, a gated entrance, a freshwater shower for dogs, and a pebble shoreline designed for safe entry into the water. Two offshore breakwaters were also built to help protect the site from rough seas.
Construction began in 2023 but was delayed after severe storms damaged the Barcola promenade and required the reconstruction of a retaining wall and additional coastal defenses. The beach partially opened during the summer of 2025 before the remaining work was completed this year.
City officials said the project responds to growing demand from residents and visitors traveling with dogs. More than 20,000 dogs are registered in Trieste, and planning for the facility began in 2019 in collaboration with a local water rescue dog organization.
