I spent a month traveling across the beautiful country of Albania with my two terriers. It was a journey of adventure and discovery. I found that Albania is a hidden treasure for people who love to travel with their pets. The natural beauty is everywhere.
Crystal-clear waters in the south meet historic stone cities in the mountains. I discovered that Albania is very pet friendly because the nature here accepts both people and their animals. However, I did face some challenges. Public transportation is limited. The culture also views dogs differently than people do in Western Europe.
Despite these hurdles, the experiences were worth every second. If you bring your dog here, you will find a unique charm. I want to share my best tips and favorite spots to help you plan your own albania with dog adventure.
Getting Started with Your Pet Adventure
First of all, you must know the rules for entering the country. I did my research well before I left home. Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip. Additionally, your dog needs a valid rabies shot.
This shot must happen at least 21 days before you travel. One very important thing to remember is that Albania only recognizes the one-year rabies vaccine. They do not accept the three-year version. You also need a Veterinary Health Certificate.
A licensed vet must prepare this within 10 days of your travel date. I had to get mine endorsed by the government vet in my home country. Plus, you should give your pet parasite treatment 24 to 72 hours before you arrive.
I entered the country through the Nene Tereza Airport in Tirana. The process was surprisingly easy. To be honest, no one even checked my dogs’ papers at the airport. I just picked them up from the cargo area and walked out.
However, you must always have your documents ready. You never know when an official might ask for them. Similarly, if you come from Italy, you can take an overnight ferry to Durres or Vlore. I found that companies like Adria Ferries are great because they offer pet cabins.
This makes the journey much more comfortable for everyone. Later, I will tell you more about getting around inside the country.
Saranda: The Heart of the Albanian Riviera
Saranda is a coastal gem that has so much to offer. I stayed there for a while and loved it. The city is very walkable. It has many levels with stunning sea views. I found some of the Best Pet Friendly Places to Stay in Albania right here in this city.
Where to Stay in Saranda
I highly recommend the Oruci Apartments. They are very welcoming to four-legged guests. Another fantastic choice is the Sol Levante Apartments. I stayed there for 90 days and it was ideal. The owner is Greek and very friendly.
The apartment has a private balcony, parking, and a green space for the pups. It is on a hill behind the town. This location is quiet but still walkable to the center. Additionally, Bougainville Bay Apartments often accommodate pets if you ask them ahead of time.
What to Do in Saranda
The Promenade is the heartbeat of the city. It is the perfect place to stroll while you watch the sunset. I walked my dogs here every evening. You will see many other people with their pets. It is a place to see and be seen.
If your dog is friendly and calm, they will love it. You should be aware that Saranda has resident street dogs. They are usually very calm and friendly.
On top of that, you can visit Lekursi Castle. It sits on a hill with a view of the city and the sea. Dogs are welcome on the patio cafe. I enjoyed a coffee there while my dogs rested by my side. We also hiked up to the Forty Saints Monastery.
It is a quiet spot where dogs can often run free if it is not crowded. Therefore, it is great for more energetic pups.
Dining with Your Dog in Saranda
I was happy to find that almost every restaurant has patio dining. Dogs are allowed on almost every patio but less frequently inside. I visited Natyra Restaurant with a group of friends. We had 9 people and 8 dogs!
The staff was wonderful and gave the dogs lots of attention. Another good spot is Kristiano Restaurant. It is at the south end of the Promenade and has a beautiful sea view.
Ksamil: Paradise for Water Lovers
Ksamil is only about 15 kilometers south of Saranda. It is a slice of paradise. I think it has the clearest water in the world. If you are looking for resorts pet friendly near me while in the south, Ksamil is your best bet during the off-season.
The Best Time for Ksamil
I visited Ksamil in March. This is the off-season. From mid-September to early May, the crowds are gone. During these months, the weather is perfect for beach walks. Many beaches that charge a fee in the summer are open and free for dogs to roam leash-free in the off-season. However, I do not recommend going in the high summer season. The beaches get very full. Dogs are not allowed on the paid beaches when it is busy.
Exploring with Your Dog
I took my dogs to Butrint National Park. It is a UNESCO heritage site. This was my favorite day out. The park is a mix of ancient ruins and nature. Dogs are allowed on a leash. I walked through the ancient Greek and Roman structures with my terriers. We even had a picnic in the castle while we looked at the view. Additionally, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is only 22 kilometers away. It is a natural spring with deep blue water. My dogs loved exploring the trails in the forest around the lake.
Gjirokaster: Walking Through History
Gjirokaster is a unique town in the mountains. It has amazing Ottoman architecture and steep hillside streets. I found it to be a charming escape.
A Castle Like No Other
The best part about Gjirokaster is the castle. Many castles in Europe only let dogs stay outside. This castle lets your dogs join you inside!. I took my dogs into the fortress. We looked at the old arms and the stone walls. The views of the mountains from the castle are stunning. It was a treat for us. My dog had never been inside a castle before.
Accommodation and Shopping
I will be honest. Finding a place to stay here can be a bit tricky. Many places say pets allowed, but they are not always very welcoming. I suggest bringing your own dog bed. This helps because some owners do not want dogs on the furniture. I stayed at Hotel Kalemi 2, which is a charming stone house.
The Old Bazaar is another great place to walk. The streets are made of cobblestones. These stones can be slippery when it rains, so be careful. I enjoyed browsing the souvenir shops. The owners were very friendly. They even let me bring my dogs inside the shops. My dog Abigail was very interested in the teddy bears sitting on chairs in the street.
Tirana: The Urban Pet Haven
The capital city is very vibrant. It is a great place for dogs that like the city life. There are many green spaces and trendy cafes.
Parks and Walks
The Grand Park of Tirana is a huge green area. It surrounds a large artificial lake. This is the best place in the city for long walks. I saw many locals jogging and walking their pets there. It feels like you are in the woods even though you are in the city. Additionally, Rinia Park is right in the center. It is smaller but has a dedicated dog park. My dog made many new furry friends there.
Trendy Pet-Friendly Spots
Tirana has a fantastic cafe culture. I visited Mulliri Vjetër. They have many locations and most welcome pets. The staff often brings a bowl of water for the dogs without me asking. For an upscale dinner, I went to Salt Restaurant. They have a spacious outdoor lounge where dogs can feel like VIPs. If you want some BBQ, Smoke House has a pet-welcoming patio.
Where to Stay in Tirana
If you are searching for places to stay pet friendly near me in the capital, try the Xheko Imperial Hotel. They welcome pets if you tell them in advance. Hotel Boutique Restorant GLORIA is also known for being very welcoming to dogs. I usually use Airbnb to find apartments with kitchens. I always message the host first to make sure my dogs are welcome. Most of them say yes if the dog is well-behaved.
Pogradec and Shkodra: Lakeside Living
If your dog loves the water but prefers a cooler climate, you should head to the lakes.
Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
Pogradec is on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The climate is milder than the coast. This makes it comfortable even in the summer. My dogs loved the lake breeze. There are many spots for dogs to swim and play in the water. It is a very peaceful and laid-back town.
Shkodra and Lake Shkodra
In the north, Shkodra is another fantastic destination. Lake Shkodra Resort is a very well-kept campsite. It has its own beach and access to the lake. The pitches have shade, which is great for the dogs. I found the atmosphere to be very friendly and clean. You can also visit Rozafa Castle while you are there. It is another historic site with great views.
Coastal Retreats in Vlora and Himarë
The coastline between the major cities has some hidden gems. I found some of the best albania dog friendly spots in smaller villages.
Qeparo and Himarë
I stayed in a gorgeous villa in the village of Upper Qeparo. It had three bedrooms and a private hot tub. This property was completely pet-friendly. It was a perfect place for a relaxing getaway. In Himarë, the beaches are a mix of sand and pebbles. I walked my dogs on the town’s sandy beach. Afterward, we had coffee at a seafront cafe. The staff welcomed my dogs with a smile.
Vlora and Lungomare
Vlora has a long promenade called Lungomare. It stretches along the coast. I enjoyed the fresh sea air while walking my dogs on the wide paths. There are many cafes along the way. In the off-season, the nearby beaches are great for dogs to run around.
Agrotourism: A Unique Farm Experience
Albania’s farms are starting to offer amazing stays. I found that these places are often very welcoming to pets.
- Agroturizem Huqi in Lalez Bay is a wonderful spot. They have charming wooden cabins surrounded by grapevines. It costs about 50 Euros per night for a cabin.
- Fustanella Farm is only 20 minutes from Tirana. It has an organic restaurant and a quaint guesthouse.
- Kantina Alpeta in Roshnik is a family-run winery. They have a cozy guest house made of stone and wood. A double room costs about 30 Euros.
- Farma Sotira in Leskovik is perfect for nature lovers. It is a rural farm with a vineyard and horse stables. They also have a camping area that is very pet-friendly.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
I want to give you some real advice to make your trip easier. Albania is a beautiful place, but you must be prepared.
Getting Around
The best way to travel is with a rental car. Public buses, known as furgons, are small minivans. Small dogs in carriers are usually allowed. However, large dogs on leashes are often rejected by bus drivers. If you do not have a car, you can use a taxi. I used Taxi Gazi Tirane. He allowed my dogs in carriers. He even said he would take large dogs outside of carriers. Always negotiate the price before you start your trip.
Pet Food and Supplies
I was surprised to find high-end pet food in Albania. You can find brands like Royal Canin in most cities.
Supermarkets like Big Market, Conad, and Spar carry both wet and dry food. On top of that, pet stores are becoming common in Tirana and Saranda. If you need something delivered, you can use an app called Wolt in the major cities.
Veterinary Care
I found that vet care is very affordable here. A health check at the airport costs about 50 EUR. General shots are only between 5 to 8 Euros. I used the Pet Care Veterinary Clinic in Saranda. Dr. Sheme Cela was excellent.
In Tirana, I visited O&B Vet Clinic. You can often walk right into these clinics without an appointment. If your dog has a very serious problem, you might need to go to Greece or Italy for a CT scan.
Stray Dogs and Safety
You will see many stray dogs in Albania. In the cities, they are usually community dogs. Locals feed them and they are quite passive. However, I did see some aggressive dogs in rural areas and on hiking trails.
I kept my dogs on a leash whenever strays were near. Gradually, my dogs and I got used to them. Additionally, you must be very careful about poison. Some people unfortunately put down poison for stray dogs. Do not let your dog eat anything off the street.
Weather and Water
The summer in Albania is very hot. Temperatures can go above 40 degrees Celsius. This is dangerous for pets.
I prefer to visit in the spring or autumn. If you are there in the summer, only walk your dog early in the morning or late at night. Do not walk them on hot pavement. Plus, you should not give your dog tap water in most cities. It is better to give them bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet to Albania?
First of all, you certainly can. You will need a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip. Additionally, your pet must have a rabies shot that is at least 21 days old. You also need a health certificate from your vet prepared within 10 days of travel.
What part of Albania is best to stay in?
It depends on what you enjoy. Saranda is a walkable coastal gem with many historical sites and sea views. On top of that, Tirana offers great urban parks and a vibrant dog-loving community for city lovers.
What is the nicest town in Albania?
Many travelers believe Saranda is the nicest because of the beautiful promenade and clear water. However, others call Gjirokaster a “mountain gem” because of its unique stone architecture and history.
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Albania?
Yes, they are. Though, you should visit during the off-season between September and May. Later in the summer, beaches become very full and pets are often not allowed on paid areas.
Where is better to stay, Saranda or Ksamil?
Saranda is better if you want a city feel with many restaurants and cafes. On the contrary, Ksamil is only 15 kilometers away and is better for quiet swimming in the clearest water in the world.
What is not polite in Albania?
It is not polite to ignore the local fear of animals. Many people here have a deep fear of dogs rooted in their culture, and adults even warn children that dogs might hurt them. Therefore, you should be respectful and give people plenty of space.
What is the prettiest part of Albania?
Ksamil is often called a slice of paradise with its turquoise water. Similarly, the Albanian Riviera is famous for its “unimagined beauty” and hidden beach coves.
Concluding Words
I am so glad I took the chance to visit Albania with my dogs. It is a country that is changing fast. It is becoming more and more welcoming to pets every day. I made memories that will last a lifetime. I watched my dogs run on award-winning beaches and explore ancient castles. The hospitality of the Albanian people is unmatched.
So why not pack your bags? Albania is ready to welcome you and your furry friend. It is an experience that promises joy and beauty. I hope my guide helps you find the Best Pet Friendly Places to Stay in Albania. Safe travels to you and your pups!
