Dog Friendly resorts Croatia

I am a traveler who never leaves my dog behind. To me, a vacation is not a real vacation without my furry friend. I recently spent a long time on the road in a camper with my dog, and I found out so much about the Adriatic coast. Many people ask me, is croatia dog friendly? My answer is a big yes! The country has beautiful beaches, old cities, and many dog friendly hotels in croatia.

First of all, you need to know the rules before you pack your bags. A trip with a pet requires careful thought. You must be responsible for all laws in the Republic of Croatia. If you come from the United States or a non-EU country, the rules are very strict.

Essential Rules for Your Best Friend

You must have a working microchip for your pet. A vet must scan this chip before they give any shots. Rabies vaccinations are also a must. Your dog needs this shot at least 21 days before you enter the country. Additionally, you need an EU Pet Passport or a special health certificate. For some places, like Finland or Ireland, you even need a treatment against tapeworms.

Do not forget to bring a written paper that says your pet is not for sale. You are responsible for all costs if your pet does not meet the health rules. At that time, a pet could even be sent back or put in quarantine. It is better to be safe than sorry!

Later, I will talk about how to get around this stunning coast.

Moving Around the Coast

A car is the best way to see the country with a dog. I opted to rent a car because it gave us freedom. We found hidden gems like Trsat Castle. Trains are an option, but the lines are not very big. Small pets that fit on your lap travel for free on trains. However, larger dogs need a ticket that costs 50% of an adult fare. They also must wear a muzzle and stay on a leash.

Buses are a bit more difficult. There is no set law for dogs on buses. It is up to the driver to let you on or not. If you are flexible, you can try it, but a car is much better for a stress-free trip.

The Jadrolinija Ferries

The ferries are a big part of the local life. I took many rides with my dog. Formally, dogs are only allowed on the deck. In practice, if it is not too crowded, pets can sometimes sit inside. Our dog sat on my lap and no one told us to move.

Do resorts allow dogs? Many do, and many even provide special boat rides to islands. On high-speed boats or catamarans, small pets under 8 kg can stay in a bag. The bag must not be bigger than 45 x 35 x 25 cm. For all other dogs, the trip on a fast ferry is not allowed unless there are pet boxes on the deck. Therefore, check the ship type before you book!

On international routes, dogs must wear a muzzle and stay out of restaurants and lounges. Plus, they are allowed in cabins. Service dogs have more freedom and can go into all areas.

Additionally, you should know that dog friendly resorts croatia often sit right by the water.

Top Dog Friendly Resorts and Hotels

When I look for a place to stay, I want luxury and a warm welcome. What resorts allow dogs? I found several great choices.

Valamar Hotels & Resorts

Valamar is a giant in the local travel scene with 45 properties. They have 24 hotels and 12 campsites. They have a program called “Wow Wow”. This program makes every furry guest feel like a star. You get a welcome pack in your room with a treat and a toy.

They have “Wowsome” dog parks where your friend can run without a leash. These parks are safe and fenced. I saw one at the Lanterna Premium Camping Resort. The hotels even have a list of local vets and dog photographers.

Here are some specific Valamar spots that I loved:

• Valamar Crystal Hotel in Poreč.
• Valamar Sanfior in Rabac.
• Valamar Koralj Romantic Hotel on Krk Island.
• Valamar Club Dubrovnik.

Gradually, more places are adding these perks.

Lošinj Hotels & Villas

No family member is left behind at this resort group. Their program is called PAW – Pets Are Welcome. You can bring your dog to hotels like the Bellevue, Alhambra, and Aurora.

Upon arrival, you get a kit with a bed, a bowl, and a mat. For long stays, they even give you dog beer and dog popcorn! They even have special pet menus in the restaurants for an extra fee. However, leashed dogs cannot go to the pools or wellness areas.

Other Great Stays

• Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: They have a VID – Very Important Dog – treatment. There is no weight limit for dogs here.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Split: This place has a spa and pools. The extra charge is about kn 264 per night.
• Lone Hotel in Rovinj: It is a five-star dream. It is right on the beach.
• Hotel Park Split: A luxury spot near Bacvice Beach. They charge about kn 30 per night for a pet.

Similarly, you can find many apartments and villas if you want more space.

The Best Beaches for Dogs

A visit to the beach is the best part of the summer. Croatia has many spots just for dogs. Podvorska Beach in Crikvenica is the gold standard. It has a dog-friendly restaurant and showers. There is another one like it on Rab Island called Monty’s Dog Beach. Your dog can chill on a luxury bed while you have a drink!

Istria Dog Beaches

• Pula: Visit the port by Stoja camp or the beach by the Verudela lighthouse.
• Rovinj: Coves like Lone and Cuvi are perfect for exploration.
• Umag: Dogs can go on every beach inside the camps like Park Umag.

Kvarner Dog Beaches

• Krk Island: Vela Beach in Baška is a marvel with golden sands. It has a fenced area for dogs.
• Lošinj: There are eight different pet-friendly beaches here.

Dalmatia Dog Beaches

• Split: Kašjuni Beach has a section specifically for dogs. You can take bus number 12 to get there.
• Dubrovnik: Mandrač Beach is a small spot with calm water.
• Vis Island: Vartalac Beach in Komiža is the only one where pets are welcome on the whole island.

Also, do not let your dog swim at a Blue Flag beach. It is forbidden and you might get a fine. Look for signs that say dogs are allowed. If there is no sign, a dog on a leash is usually fine.

Fun Activities to Do Together

I love to be active. Croatia offers many tours that allow pets.

National Parks

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and biggest. It is adembenemend beautiful! I took my dog on the long 14 km route. Dogs must be on a leash and stick to the paths. They can even go on the park buses and boats! Krka National Park is also very pet friendly. You can walk among the waterfalls with your dog.

Historical Sites

In Pula, the Pula Arena is a massive Roman amphitheater that allows dogs. You can explore the whole area together. In Dubrovnik, you can walk the 1,940 m city walls with your pet on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed on the walls in some parts of the summer. Always check first!

Boat Tours

You can join a private boat tour to the Elafiti Islands. The boat rides offer perfect views of the town walls from the sea. Many private tours for “Taste Dalmatia” welcome dogs.

Gradually, I found that many museums also have tactile sessions or audio guides if you have special needs.

Eating Out with Your Dog

Most restaurants have outdoor tables where dogs can sit. I found that many places are very kind. They often bring a water bowl for the dog without me asking.

In Split, I recommend Fantažija: Kitchen & Wine. The staff is very friendly and they give out treats. Konoba Atlantida is another top choice. It is a traditional tavern with local specialties. If you want a casual vibe, go to Basta for pizza. They have a great outdoor area.

In Dubrovnik, I liked Rudjer. It is in a beautiful location and is very pet friendly. In Jelsa on Hvar Island, your dog is welcome on the terraces of the wine bars.

Therefore, you will never go hungry while you travel.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary: Croatia and Bosnia

This is a trip I will never forget. It combines history and beauty.

• Day 1: Start in Zadar and drive to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. See the old stone bridge over the Neretva River. Then, continue to Dubrovnik.
• Day 2: Explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Walk the narrow streets and see the palaces. You can even take a buggy tour of the countryside.
• Day 3: Take a ferry to Korčula Island. Dogs are allowed on the ferry. Explore the medieval town with a guide.
• Day 4: Join a private boat tour to the Elafiti Islands. Stop at Vrbova Bay for a swim.
• Day 5: Head home with a happy dog.

On top of that, you can add a stop at the Biokovo Nature Park. It has a Skywalk that is 1,228 meters high! The views are breathtaking.

Pro-Tips for a Cool Vacation

Croatia can get very hot in the summer. I found it was too warm for my dog on some days. James was an adventurer, but he needed a break from the heat.

My top tips are:

1. Go in the Spring or Autumn: The weather is much better for paws.
2. Bring a Beach Tent: Keep your dog in the shade with a small fan.
3. Check for Vets: Know where the local vet is before you arrive.
4. Watch for Pests: Be careful of the pine processionary moth caterpillar. It can cause skin reactions on dogs. Also, watch out for poisonous snakes and wild boars.
5. Pack the Essentials: Do not forget food, bowls, and poop bags.

Additionally, research local rules for each city. Some cities have local laws that are different from the national ones.

Statistical Data at a Glance

To help you plan, I gathered some numbers:

• 90+: The number of waterfalls in Plitvice.
• 14 km: The length of the longest dog-friendly path in Plitvice.
• 1,940 m: The length of the Dubrovnik City Walls.
• 1,228 m: The height of the Skywalk Biokovo.
• 8 kg: The weight limit for pets in bags on catamaran lounges.
• 45 x 35 x 25 cm: The maximum bag size for small pets on catamarans.
• 20-25 Euro: The typical nightly fee for dogs at luxury hotels.
• 10%: The cancellation fee if you cancel a local ferry ticket.

Finally, do not worry if you see a “no dogs” sign in a quiet place. Many locals ignore them if the dog is well-behaved and clean.

Croatia is a land of magic. It has the clearest water I have ever seen. Whether you are in the “New Tuscany” of Poreč or the “Pearl of the Adriatic” in Dubrovnik, you will have a great time. The people are kind. The food is fresh. Your dog will love it as much as you do.

Are you ready for your next adventure? I hope this guide helps you have the best trip ever with your canine companion. Croatia is waiting for you!.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where to go with a dog in Croatia?
• You can visit a wide variety of locations including Plitvice National Park, which offers dog-friendly hiking trails. Other popular destinations include the historic streets of Dubrovnik, the vibrant city of Split, and the scenic islands of Hvar and Krk. Coastal towns like Rovinj and Crikvenica are also highly recommended for travelers with pets.

• Is Croatia a dog friendly country?
• Croatia is generally considered a very pet-friendly destination where many accommodations and restaurants welcome animals. The country provides numerous dog-friendly amenities, including dedicated beach sections and specialized hotel programs. However, some travelers find that it may not be quite as pet-friendly as other Western European nations like Italy.

• Are dogs allowed on beaches in Croatia?
• Yes, dogs are allowed on many beaches, often in specific designated sections. Generally, pets can be taken to any beach that does not have a “no dogs allowed” sign. It is important to note that dogs are strictly prohibited from swimming at Blue Flag beaches.

• Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Croatia?
• Many restaurants across the country are dog-friendly, particularly those with outdoor seating or courtyards. In some cases, well-behaved dogs may even be allowed to sit inside with their owners to escape the heat. It is always best to look for signs or check with the staff before entering.

• Is Dubrovnik dog friendly?
• Dubrovnik is a pet-friendly city that offers several activities where dogs are warmly welcomed. You can take your dog for a walk through the historic Old Town, though pets are not permitted on the city walls.
  
• What beach is the most dog friendly?
• Podvorska Beach in Crikvenica is frequently cited as the gold standard for dog-friendly beaches in Croatia. It features a safe environment where pets can roam freely and even includes a specialized dog-friendly restaurant.

• How do I bring my dog to Croatia?
• To enter the country, you must provide an EU Pet Passport or an EU veterinary health certificate. Your dog must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before arrival. Additionally, some specific requirements for tapeworm treatment may apply depending on your port of entry.

• What is the unspoken rule in Croatia?
• One observed unspoken rule is that “no-dogs” signs in parks or ferry sitting areas are sometimes ignored by locals and visitors if the pet is well-behaved. These rules are typically only strictly enforced during the high tourism season.

• Which city is the most dog-friendly?
• Rovinj is often highlighted as one of the most atmospheric and favored cities for pet owners. Zagreb also stands out for its abundance of parks and green spaces that invite dogs to play.

• Are dogs allowed on public transport in Croatia?
• Dogs are allowed on public transport, though rules vary between carriers. On trains, small pets in carriers travel for free, while larger dogs require a muzzle, a leash, and a half-price ticket. Buses often accept small dogs at the driver’s discretion, and pets are formally allowed on the decks of ferries.

• Which beach is best for dogs?
• Monty’s Dog Beach and Bar in Crikvenica is considered one of the best spots because it is fully equipped for canine needs. The beach offers amenities like dog ice cream, drinking stations, and luxury ligbeds for owners and their pets.

Concluding words

Croatia has established itself as a premier destination for pet owners by offering a range of inclusive resorts and specialized programs like Valamar’s “Wow Wow” initiative. From the pebble shores of Istria to the historic landmarks of Dalmatia, travelers can find high-quality accommodations that provide welcome kits and even pet-specific menus. By ensuring your pet meets the necessary EU health requirements and planning for the Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy a seamless holiday across Croatia’s most beautiful regions.