I spent many weeks thinking about the perfect place for a getaway with my furry best friend. I wanted soft sand, cool water, and a place where we both felt welcome. My search finally led me to the Baltic coast. Dog Friendly Holidays in Palanga, Lithuania are exactly what every pet parent needs. This town is a gem. It has a relaxing vibe and plenty of space for four-legged friends. I am so happy to share my experience with you. You will find that Palanga is one of the most welcoming spots in Europe for dogs.
The Preparation Phase
First of all, I had to make sure all the paperwork was in order. Traveling to Lithuania from within the European Union is quite simple. Your dog needs a microchip. This must be ISO-compliant. On top of that, a rabies vaccination is a must. My vet told me that the microchip must go in before the vaccine. If you do it the other way around, the vaccine does not count. You also have to wait at least 21 days after the primary shot before you can travel.
If you are coming from outside the EU, like the United States, things are a bit more detailed. You will need an EU animal health certificate. This form must be signed by an official state vet. Additionally, the certificate is only valid for 10 days for entry into the EU. I made sure to double-check every date. A small mistake could lead to a quarantine or even worse. Thankfully, Lithuania does not require a quarantine if you follow all the rules. Therefore, preparation is the key to a stress-free start.
Getting to Palanga
I decided to drive to the coast. Driving is the easiest way to travel with a pet in this part of Europe. The roads from Poland into Lithuania are good. I crossed the 70km border section and stayed away from Belarus. However, some people prefer to fly. airBaltic is a very dog friendly airline. They have a generous 12kg weight allowance for pets in the cabin. Other options include Lufthansa or LOT Polish Airlines.
If you like trains, there are some weekend services. Small pets in carriers under 8kg usually travel for free on Lithuanian trains. Larger dogs have to pay a half-price fare. You must keep them on a leash within one meter of you. Also, muzzles are a good idea for social safety. Public transport in the capital city of Vilnius is even better. Pets travel for free on buses and trolleybuses there. You just need a leash no longer than 0.5 meters and a muzzle.
Finding Dog Friendly Hotels
I was surprised by how many dog friendly hotels exist in this town. There are roughly 36 pet friendly hotels in Palanga. I spent a lot of time looking at the different policies. Some places are very cheap, while others are fancy.
First of all, I looked at the Amberton Green Apartments Hotel. They allow small breeds up to 15 kg. They charge a fee of €20 per night. Additionally, I checked out the Žilvinas Hotel. They allow pets in rooms with hard floors. Their limit is 10 kg, and the fee is €15 per night.
Later, I found the Baltic Inn. They have a tiered system for fees. Small dogs under 10 kg cost €25 per day. If your dog is larger, the price jumps to €50 per day. On the contrary, the Hotel Palangos Žuvėdra is very open. They charge only €10 per night and have no weight restrictions. This is a great deal for people with big dogs.
Similarly, the Grand Baltic Dunes Hotel welcomes pets for €20 per night. Some places even provide food and water bowls in the room, which is a nice touch. Plus, many of these hotels are part of a Pet Friendly Guarantee program. This means the fee you see online is the fee you pay at the desk. No surprises.
Exploring the Palanga Dog Friendly Beach
The main beach in the center of town is very busy. There are clear signs saying dogs are not allowed there. I saw many people and colorful umbrellas. It would be a headache to bring a dog into that crowd anyway. Therefore, I went looking for the official palanga dog friendly beach.
I found a wonderful spot in Nemirseta. This area is about 8 km away from the center of Palanga. It is a designated 300-meter beach area just for animals. To get there, I took the Klaipėda highway to the Nemirseta bus stop. I turned right and followed the road for about 50 meters to the parking lot.
The sand. The dunes. The freedom. My dog loved it. This palanga dog beach allows four-legged friends to splash in the water and play fetch. There are even waste bins to help keep the area clean. It is a quiet and beautiful place. Finally, a spot where we did not have to worry about rules.
On top of that, there is another option further north. The southern beach of Šventoji is also pet friendly. It has a 300-meter stretch specifically for people with pets. This area is located just north of the women’s beach. It is another great place to enjoy the sun without any stress.
Dining Out: Palanga Pet Friendly Restaurants
I never had to leave my dog behind when I went to eat. Many places are very palanga pet friendly. I saw many outdoor terraces where dogs are welcome. Some restaurants even let dogs come inside.
First of all, I must mention Meatbusters GastroPub. They are amazing. They welcome pets both on the terrace and inside the restaurant. They always provide a bowl of water and a special dog biscuit. My dog felt like a king there.
Additionally, I visited Floros Simpfonija. They have a very cool policy. They actually have a special menu for pets. They just ask that your dog stays off the soft furniture. They also provide water whenever you ask.
Similarly, Čagino Restaurant has a water dispenser available for animals. The Restaurant Pineta also keeps water ready for furry guests. If you are looking for a fancy meal, the Palanga SPA Luxury restaurant has a separate area by the fireplace for people with pets. During the summer, you can sit on their outdoor terrace.
Daily Activities and Parks
When we were not at the beach, we spent time at the Palanga dog walking and training area. This is a modern facility located at the intersection of Klaipėdos pl. and Sodų g.. The area is fenced in and very safe. It is even lit up at night so you can walk your dog after dark.
The park is split into two parts. The southern part has training equipment. I saw a snake, a tunnel, a climbing pyramid, and a balance beam. The northern part is just for walking. There are benches for humans and even a modern drinking fountain. It is a perfect place to burn off some energy.
Later, we visited the Palangos Parkas. This is a massive botanical park. It is very green and beautiful. You have to walk on foot here because vehicles are not allowed. I saw the exterior of the Amber Museum. While dogs are not allowed inside the museum, walking around the Rose Park nearby is very pleasant.
Adventure on the Curonian Spit
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Curonian Spit. This is a 98 km long sand peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get there, I took a ferry from Klaipėda. The ferries are frequent and easy to use.
The spit is a peaceful place with pine forests and giant dunes. We walked through the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė. This is a forest hill filled with wooden sculptures of demons and witches. There is no entry fee to walk through this area. Dogs are welcome to explore the trails with you.
Gradually, we made our way to Nida. This is a beautiful fishing village with bright wooden houses. The beaches there are golden and wide. It feels like a different world. The air is fresh and the environment is very quiet.
Practical Tips for Pet Owners
If your dog gets sick, do not worry. There are veterinary clinics in the area. EUROVETA is located in Šventoji. There is also a clinic run by V. Urbonovič on Bangų street in Palanga. It is good to have these numbers saved just in case.
Also, remember the rules for public spaces. Always carry vaccination papers. If your dog soils a public area, you must clean it up immediately. You are responsible for any damage your pet might cause. Most people in Lithuania are very kind to dogs, but they expect you to be a responsible owner.
Plus, keep an eye on the weather. Summer days can be long and beautiful. The sun stays up until 10:30 p.m. in the peak of summer. This means you have plenty of time for evening strolls. However, it can get windy. I saw red flags at the beach on some days because the waves were too high for safety.
Why You Should Choose Palanga
Palanga is more than just a resort town. It is a place where you can create memories with your best friend. The combination of dog friendly hotels, designated beaches, and welcoming restaurants makes it a top choice. I loved seeing my dog run on the Nemirseta sand. I loved sharing a meal at Meatbusters.
First of all, the town is affordable. You can find accommodation for as low as €27 per night on sites like Airbnb. Additionally, the natural beauty is hard to beat. The pine trees and the Baltic Sea provide a perfect backdrop for photos.
On top of that, the locals are used to pets. I saw many other travelers with their dogs. It felt like a community. Therefore, I highly recommend Palanga for your next holiday. You will not regret it.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed on the main Palanga beach?
No, dogs are not permitted on the main central beach, and visitors should watch for signs indicating forbidden areas. However, pet owners can walk 10–15 minutes away from the main beach to find more freedom, or use designated animal-friendly beach zones.
Where are the specific designated dog beaches located?
There is a 300-meter designated beach area in Nemirseta, approximately 8 km from Palanga’s center. Additionally, a 300-meter stretch on the southern beach of Šventoji, located north of the women’s beach, is also pet-friendly.
Is there a dedicated space for dog training in the city?
Yes, Palanga features a modern, fenced dog walking and training area at the intersection of Klaipėdos pl. and Sodų g. (Taikos g. 84). This well-lit park includes training equipment like tunnels and balance beams, as well as benches and a drinking fountain.
What are the rules for taking a dog on a train in Lithuania?
Small pets in containers weighing up to 8 kg travel for free. Larger dogs or those not in containers require a half-price ticket and must travel in 2nd or 3rd class carriages while wearing a muzzle and staying on a leash.
What vaccinations does my dog need to enter the country?
Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination administered by an authorized veterinarian at least 21 days before travel. Crucially, the pet must be microchipped before receiving this vaccination for it to be considered valid under EU rules.
Concluding words
Palanga is an accessible destination for pet owners, provided they follow local regulations and utilize designated zones. While the crowded central beaches are off-limits to pets, the specialized animal beaches in Nemirseta and Šventoji offer ample space for dogs to swim and play.
Visitors will find a wide range of pet-friendly accommodations, from luxury hotels like the Grand Baltic Dunes to campsites, alongside restaurants that often welcome dogs on outdoor terraces. By preparing the necessary EU Pet Passport and utilizing city amenities like the Taikos g. training area, travelers can enjoy a seamless seaside holiday with their four-legged companions.
