I have spent many months traveling through the Balkans with my furry best friend. One of my favorite stops was a city that many people skip. Bitola is a hidden treasure in the south of North Macedonia. I want to share my personal experience to help you plan your trip. Pet Friendly Travel in Bitola, North Macedonia is easier than you think. However, you must know the rules before you go.
The Long Road to Bitola
I remember my drive from Meteora, Greece. It was a three-hour journey. I arrived at the border and saw the longest line of cars I have ever seen. People were so bored that they got out of their cars to just hang out on the pavement. I even left the car to find a bathroom and returned to find the line had not moved at all.
It took me an hour and a half to cross into North Macedonia. Do not panic if this happens to you. I was lucky because the time changed by one hour when I crossed the border. Therefore, I gained back the hour I lost while I was sitting there. I reached Bitola around 1:00 PM. It was a chaotic start.
The city was packed with cars and people when I arrived. I felt like there was nowhere to park. The streets are very narrow and cars are parked on both sides. I eventually found a spot on the side of the road. Pet travel macedonia involves some driving stress, but the city makes up for it.
Visas and Entry Rules for Travelers
Many people ask me, “do i need a visa for macedonia?” It depends on your passport. If you are a citizen of Serbia, you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You can even enter with just a biometric ID card. However, you must report to a police station within 24 hours to register your stay. This is a rule for all foreign citizens.
Additionally, you might wonder which countries need visa for macedonia. While the sources do not list every single country, they mention that Serbian citizens are exempt. I must mention that information about which countries need visa for chile is not in my sources.
You should check a government website for that information. Plus, if you want to work or study in North Macedonia, the rules change. You would need to contact the Ministry of the Interior for a different permit.
North Macedonia Pet Travel Paperwork
You cannot just drive across the border with a dog without papers. You need the right documents. First of all, you must have a veterinary health certificate. This document must be issued by an official veterinarian. On top of that, a pet passport is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
If you are coming from the United States, your health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited vet. It must also be endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of your travel date. If your pet is coming from a country listed in “Annex II,” you do not need a rabies titer test. You only need to show that the rabies vaccinations are current. If you come from a country not on that list, you must have a rabies titer test.
Gradually, I learned that the border officers can be very strict. One traveler was told that only a pet passport was okay, even though they had other legal papers. The officer even argued about the breed of the dog. He thought a Boston Terrier was a French Bulldog. It took an hour and a phone call to a supervisor to fix the mess. Therefore, I always carry extra copies of every document.
Finding a Place to Sleep
Bitola has some great spots for you and your dog. I stayed at a place called Ano Apartments. It is a contemporary apartment right next to the historic clock tower. The host, Jelena, is a “Superhost” and she welcomes furry friends. It is a minimalist space that feels very modern. It has one bedroom and can fit up to four guests. Plus, it offers free parking on the premises.
Another option is Hotel Theatre. It is only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the main pedestrian street. I loved that they have a resident cat to keep you company if you do not have your own pet. They allow large and small pets. They also have a beautiful courtyard garden where you can relax. A studio in their annex building costs about $48.
Similarly, you can check out White & Wood. They allow dogs of any size for no extra fee. Cats are also allowed if you ask first. If you prefer an apartment, L&L Luxury Apartments allows two pets of any size for free. There is also Citalna Rooms, which is a pet-friendly bed and breakfast.
Later, I found more options on Airbnb. At Ogi’s Home is right in the city center. The host has a cat and a rabbit, so they love pets. Another good choice is Tamu wooden cabin. It is a handmade cabin at 950 meters altitude. It offers mountain views and total solitude. It is only 12 minutes from the city center but feels like a different world.
Exploring Shirok Sokak
The heart of Bitola is a street called Širok Sokak. It is nearly one kilometer long. This street is entirely pedestrianized. It is the place where everyone goes to refuel and reconnect with friends. I saw thousands of people sitting at cafes. They sit shoulder-to-shoulder. It is the most famous street in the country for a reason.
I spent hours just walking up and down this street. I visited the Manaki Cinema. The Manaki brothers were film pioneers in the Balkans. I also admired the Clock Tower, which is 33 meters tall. No one is exactly sure how old it is, but it might be from 1830. There is even an “I love Bitola” sign nearby for a quick photo.
However, you should be ready for the stray dogs. There are many stray dogs in the city center. They are usually very “chilled out”. They might wait next to your table while you eat. They are most active at the start and end of the day.
I saw a large pack of them running down the street during a sunrise walk. They did not bother me, but it can be scary if you are alone.
Eating Out with Your Pet
Finding pet friendly places skopje is one thing, but Bitola is also very welcoming. Most cafes on Širok Sokak let you sit at the outdoor tables with your dog. I found that dogs are generally widely accepted in North Macedonia.
I had a great meal at a restaurant called Elysium. I asked if I could go in with my dog and they said yes immediately. It is a very neat place. I tried the national food. Ajvar is a roasted red pepper spread that you put on bread. It is not spicy and tastes very soft. I also tried Tavche Gravche, which is a traditional bean dish. It is savory and very filling. My total bill for two main dishes, bread, and a beer was less than $15 (about 13,900 won).
On top of that, I tried some quick bites. I went to a takeaway pizza place. I asked for four slices, but the man gave me a whole pizza for only $7. It was not the best pizza I have ever had, but it was cheap. Pizza Sweden is another popular takeaway spot on the main street. People love to grab a box and walk around.
Additionally, Cafe Aero is a stylish spot for coffee or cocktails. I also liked GT Caffe because it felt very family-friendly. If you want traditional Balkan food, Ravenna is a good choice. Just remember that stray dogs might visit your outdoor table there.
Hiking in Pelister National Park
If you and your dog love nature, you must go to Pelister National Park. It is very close to Bitola. The views are diverse and beautiful. You can hike to the highest peak, which is 2601 meters high. There are two glacial lakes called the “Pelister Eyes“.
First of all, you must follow the rules. You must lead your pets on a short leash at all times. You are not allowed to collect any wild plants. You must collect all your waste before you leave. Camping and bonfires are strictly prohibited because of the fire hazard. You must stay on the marked paths and hiking trails.
I started my hike at Hotel Molika. There is an unpaved trail that leads to the Kopanki mountain hut. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to get there. There is also a “Rocky trail” that is more interesting but harder. I heard there are bears and deer in the woods, so be careful. One hiker thought they heard a bear grunt, which was quite scary.
Finally, I suggest you check the weather. I was hiking when it started to pour rain. I had to run back to the car. The mountains can be unpredictable.
Money and Shopping
Shopping in Bitola is a bargain. I went to a store called LC Waikiki. I bought four pieces of clothing for less than $100. In fact, it was only about 89,000 won.
The grocery prices are even more shocking. I found frozen pizza for less than $1. A two-liter bottle of Coke was about $1.40. Ten eggs cost less than $2. I filled my cart with groceries and only spent about $13. It is cheaper than Turkey and Bulgaria.
However, you must carry cash. Most restaurants and cafes on Širok Sokak only take cash. There are several ATMs on the upper half of the street. I noticed that the Stopanska Bank ATM always had a line of locals. I used that one and had no problems.
Parking and Logistics
Parking is the weirdest part of Bitola. There are signs for “pay parking” zones, but no machines to pay. You have to pay by SMS text message. The problem is that it only works from a Macedonian phone number. I only had an eSim for data and WhatsApp, so I could not send the text.
I was lucky because a man in a neon vest helped me. He was walking up and down the street. My friend Ryan gave him some Euros, and the man used his own phone to pay for our parking. It was a strange situation.
If you are coming here, know that the language barrier is a bit harder than in Greece. Many shopkeepers do not speak English. I had to use hand gestures to find a bathroom once.
Additionally, the driving culture is interesting. Drivers in North Macedonia are good at making concessions. They let people cross the street even if there are no traffic lights. It felt very respectful.
Important Safety and Health Info
The security situation in the country is stable. However, do not leave your valuables in your car. There is a risk of theft. I always take my bags with me.
If your pet gets sick, there are vets in Bitola. Mano-Pet-Vet is a pet shop and vet clinic on Kuzman Josifovski street. There is also the Veterinary Clinic Bunevski. A vet named Nikola Bunevski works there. It is good to have these numbers in your phone just in case.
For humans, the emergency numbers are:
- Police: 192.
- Ambulance: 194.
- Fire Brigade: 193.
Why You Should Visit
I think Bitola is a perfect spot for mature travelers. It is compact and easy to walk. The coffee culture is amazing. You can sit for hours and just watch the world go by. The history is rich and the people are generally kind.
Pet Friendly Travel in Bitola, North Macedonia offers a mix of city life and mountain adventure. Though the border is a hassle, the cheap prices and beautiful views make it worth the trip. On top of that, your dog will love the parks and the attention from local children.
Finally, do not forget your green card for your car insurance. It is mandatory. Use your headlights at all times of the day. If you get a traffic fine, you must pay it at a bank. Never pay cash to a police officer.
Bitola is waiting for you. Pack your bags, grab your pet’s passport, and hit the road. It is an experience you will never forget. I know I will be going back soon.
“Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we have ever known.” – Carl Sagan.
FAQ
Which country is Bitola, Macedonia?
Bitola is a city in the Republic of North Macedonia.
How safe is Bitola for tourists?
The security situation in the country is stable. One visitor mentioned that the neighborhood near the police station feels very safe.
Is Macedonia a rich or poor country?
The country is very affordable for travelers. Prices for food and goods are much lower than in many other European nations.
What is the cost of living in Bitola?
It is very low. You can buy a whole pizza for $7 or a huge burger for $5. A full dinner with beer for two people costs less than $15.
How to fly with a pet?
You need an official health certificate and a pet passport. Additionally, you must have your paperwork endorsed within 10 days of your trip.
What size dog can fly in the cabin?
Small dogs that fit in a carrier under the seat can fly in the cabin. Hotels in Bitola accept both small and large pets.
Concluding Words
Bitola is a fantastic destination for people who love to travel with their dogs. You must be ready for long border lines and specific paperwork like pet passports. However, the city offers amazing coffee culture on Širok Sokak and beautiful hiking in Pelister National Park.
The prices for food and rooms are very cheap. You will find many friendly apartments and cafes that welcome your furry friends with open arms.
