I have always believed that a holiday is only half as fun if my best friend cannot join. My best friend happens to have four legs and a very waggy tail. Therefore, I decided to explore Dog Friendly Cyprus. This island is famous for sunshine and history.
However, I wanted to know if it is truly a pet friendly cyprus for travelers like us. I spent weeks researching and months traveling from the shores of Larnaca to the mountains of Troodos. My journey was full of surprises. Some were great. Some were a bit tricky. I want to share every detail with you.
First of all, you need to know that Cyprus is a place of contrasts. The weather is gorgeous. The people are often very kind to animals. Plus, the food is incredible. On the contrary, the rules for dogs can be quite strict. You cannot just walk your dog anywhere you want. You need a plan.
You need to know the laws. Most importantly, you need to know where the hidden gems are. This guide is for mature travelers who love to tour with their furry companions. I will help you navigate the paperwork, the best dog friendly hotels cyprus, and the most beautiful trails.
The Journey Begins: How to Get Your Dog to the Island
Getting my dog to Cyprus was the first big hurdle. You must understand that the island has two different parts. There is the Republic of Cyprus in the south and Northern Cyprus, which is also called the TRNC. The rules for these two areas are very different. I traveled to the south because it is part of the European Union.
First, I had to get a microchip. This is not just any chip. It must be a 15-digit chip that meets international standards. I made sure the vet did the chip before the rabies shot. That order is very important. Later, my dog got the rabies vaccination. My dog was at least 12 weeks old at that time. After the shot, we had to wait 21 days before we could fly. This wait is a law. It ensures the vaccine works.
Additionally, I needed an Animal Health Certificate. A government vet must sign this within 10 days of your arrival. I also sent a message to the airport vet at least 48 hours before we landed. They need to know you are coming. If you come from a high-risk country, you might also need a blood test to check for rabies antibodies. My dog did not need this because we came from a safe list.
However, if you plan to visit the North, the rules are even tougher. You need an import permit from their vet department. This permit is only good for 30 days. They require a rabies blood test no matter where you come from. Your dog might even face 30 days of quarantine there.
I chose the south because there is no quarantine if you follow the rules. Plus, the Green Line does not allow animals to move from the North to the South. Therefore, you should pick one side and stay there.
There are also breeds that are not allowed at all. The law is very clear. Do not try to bring a Pit Bull Terrier or a Japanese Tosa. The Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are also on the banned list. If you have one of these, they will not let the dog into the country. It is a sad rule, but you must follow it to avoid trouble.
Legal Stuff: Registration and Fees
Once we arrived, the work was not done. You must legalize your dog on the island. This is a serious responsibility. First of all, I went to a local vet to get a health certificate. Then, I had to register my dog with the State Veterinary Service. Finally, I visited the local municipality to get a license.
I found that the license fee is a way for the government to control things. For a normal dog, the fee is €20.50 every year. However, if your dog is considered “dangerous,” the price jumps to €170 or €171. These dogs must also be neutered by law. You must renew this license every year, usually by the end of January.
I also learned about the fines. They are no joke. If you do not have a license, you could pay €200. If you walk your dog without a leash in public, the fine is €300.
The biggest one? Failing to clean up after your dog will cost you €300 on the spot. I always carry bags. It is the right thing to do. On top of that, you must put a “Beware of Dog” sign at your gate. It should have a picture of a dog so everyone knows a pet lives there.
Finding a Place to Stay: Dog Friendly Accommodation Cyprus
Search for dog friendly accommodation cyprus and you will find many options. However, I noticed that private owners are often more flexible than big hotels. Many locals love cats more than dogs, so finding a rental can be a challenge. Some landlords even put ads saying “no babies and no pets”.
I looked for a dog friendly villas cyprus and found some great spots. In Nicosia, you can find apartments for around €700 to €1,100 that allow pets. For example, a 2-bedroom place in Agioi Omologites was €800. If you want a big house, a 4-bedroom detached home in Makedonitissa can cost €4,500. In Limassol, a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Agios Nicolaos was €1,800.
When I spoke to landlords, I brought a “pet resume.” I showed my dog’s vaccination records and a letter from my old landlord. This helped a lot. I also offered a higher deposit to show I was serious. If you are looking for a dog friendly airbnb cyprus, always message the host first. Tell them about your dog’s size and breed. Small dogs under 8kg are usually much easier to place.
Many hotels also allow pets, but they have rules. Most will only take dogs up to 20kg. They might charge an extra fee of about €25 per day. Additionally, your dog usually cannot go into the pool area or the restaurant. Always check these details before you book.
Beach Days: Sun, Sand, and Wet Paws
One of my favorite things to do was visiting a dog friendly cyprus beach. The rules about beaches are a bit confusing, so let me explain what I learned. There are official dog beaches, and then there are “unorganized” beaches.
The law says dogs are allowed on all beaches that are not “organized”. What is an organized beach? It is any beach with sunbeds, umbrellas for rent, lifeguards, or toilets. If you see a Blue Flag, your dog cannot go there during the day. However, you can walk them there at night between 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM or during the winter months from November to March.
I visited a few of the seven official dog beaches. Here is my Dog friendly cyprus map of the best coastal spots:
- Spyros Beach (also called Kasianes): This is the best dog friendly beach larnaca cyprus. It is south of the airport. The water is clean and shallow. I loved it because the sand is nice for humans too.
- Acheleia Beach: This is a top choice for Dog friendly cyprus paphos. It is near the Paphos airport. It is a small, safe area where dogs can run free. It is very quiet, which is great for a relaxing day.
- Prolimnos Beach: Located west of Pissouri in the Limassol district. This beach is pebbly and the waves can be quite big. It is a bit hard to reach by car because the road has many potholes.
- Karavopetra Beach: This one is in the Monagroulli area of Limassol. It has calm waters and plenty of sand. It is very easy to access by car, which I appreciated.
- Glyki Nero A: This is in Paralimni in the Famagusta district. It is a small sandy beach. It is currently the only official spot in that area.
- Steratzia Beach: If you are in the Nicosia district, this is in Kato Pyrgos. It is a very secluded spot. You might need to ask a local for directions to find it.
- Kapparis (Potamia Beach): This is a fantastic free dog beach in Paralimni. They even provide free umbrellas and sunbeds for visitors. It is one of the most welcoming spots I found.
Gradually, I realized that many official dog beaches are a bit remote or rocky. They are not always the most beautiful parts of the coast. Therefore, you should bring your own shade and plenty of water. Also, always clean up after your pet. If you go to a beach where dogs are banned, you could face an €85 fine.
Exploring the Cities: Parks and Dining
When we were not at the beach, we explored dog friendly places cyprus in the cities. I was happy to see that many private businesses are very welcoming to pets.
Nicosia
Nicosia has some lovely spots. I visited the Rosewood Dog Park. It is huge, with about 6,000 square meters of space. They have a paddling pool and tunnels for the dogs. You have to book in advance, but it is worth it. I also enjoyed the National Forest Park of Athalassa. It has over 20km of trails. There is a specific section where dogs can go off-leash, but you must bring your own water.
For food, I found several Pet friendly restaurants Nicosia. Moondog’s Bar and Grill is a great place for burgers and beer. They have a “rock attitude” and a dog-friendly outdoor area. I also liked The Workshop and Golden Tiger. If you want a quick coffee, check out Get Fresh in the city center. There is also a lovely Pet friendly cafe Nicosia called Το Έρμα which I highly recommend.
Limassol
Limassol is also very active. I spent time at the Limassol Municipal Park for Dogs in the Zakaki area. It is an innovative park with three different sections. One section is for dogs on a leash, another is a large open space, and the third is for off-leash play. It is fenced and very safe.
When I was hungry, I looked for Pet friendly restaurants Limassol. The Shakespeare Gastropub was very welcoming. I also visited the Swan Pub in Akrotiri, which has a special “Dog Bar” corner outdoors. For a healthy meal, Seashells Healthy Living at St Raphael’s beach is a great vegan option with outdoor seating.
Larnaca
In Larnaca, I found Dog-friendly restaurants Larnaca near the beach. Capodecina is a great pasta bar. I also visited Refuel, which is a cafeteria that even offers special ice cream for dogs! It was such a treat to see my dog enjoying a cold snack on a hot day.
Walking the Wild Side: Hiking Trails
If you love nature, you must try the Caledonia trail Cyprus. This trail is in the Troodos Mountains. It follows the “Krios Potamos” river through a dense forest of pine and oak trees. It is about 3km long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. I must warn you, it is marked as “difficult”. The path can be rocky and steep. However, the view of the waterfall is breathtaking. I kept my dog on a leash, which is required by law.
Another great option is the Germasogeia Dam Nature Trail. It is only 20 minutes from Limassol. It is a moderate 1.5km walk with beautiful views of the valley and the water. If you go between February and June, the dam is full and the scenery is very lush.
Similarly, the Aphrodite and Adonis Nature Trail in Paphos offers amazing views of the Blue Lagoon. It is a circular trail of about 7.5km. It is difficult, so make sure you and your dog are fit for a 3 to 4-hour hike. Always bring extra water for these mountain walks.
Health and Safety: Keeping Your Pet Safe
The Mediterranean climate is beautiful, but it holds some dangers. First of all, let us talk about the heat. Cyprus can get hotter than 40°C in the summer. I never walk my dog during the hottest part of the day. We go out early in the morning or late in the evening.
Additionally, there is a disease called Leishmaniasis. It is carried by sand flies. It is very common on the island, with a rate of infection as high as 14.9% in some areas. You must use a special collar or treatment from the vet to protect your dog. I also make sure my dog stays inside at night when the flies are most active.
Another worry is poisoning. Sometimes, people put out poisoned bait for stray animals. It is a very sad problem. I always watch my dog closely during walks to make sure he does not eat anything off the ground. Finally, watch out for snakes in rural areas and the tall grass.
If your dog gets sick, the veterinary care in Cyprus is excellent. In Limassol, the Pet Care Animal Hospital offers 24-hour emergency services. They have modern equipment and very kind staff. I felt much better knowing help was available at any time.
A Visit to Remember: Paphos Animal Rescue
During my trip, I visited the Animal Rescue Cyprus shelter in Paphos. It is an enormous place. I saw thousands of dogs of every size and color. They have fluffy ones, tall ones, and short-haired ones. They also care for donkeys, horses, cats, and rabbits.
I met a volunteer who showed me around. The donkeys were wandering around freely, which was such a funny sight. They even followed us hoping for a cuddle! The rabbits were in a special corner, and I saw some beautiful ones named Bugsy and Snowy.
If you are looking for a pet for life, this is the place to go. All the animals are well-looked after and ready for adoption. If you cannot adopt, you can volunteer or make a donation. You can even sponsor an animal through their program. It was a heartwarming experience that showed me how much the people here care for animals in need.
Moving Around: Transport Tips
Getting around the island with a dog requires some planning. Intercity buses have very strict rules. They only allow small pets weighing up to 7 or 8kg. The dog must be in a carrier that is no bigger than 40 x 25 x 25 cm. Also, only one pet is allowed per bus, and it is up to the driver to decide.
Taxis are a better option, but you should book them in advance. Tell them you have a dog. Large dogs must be muzzled and leashed, and you are responsible for keeping the car clean. Honestly, having your own car is the best way to enjoy a Dog Friendly Cyprus. It gives you the freedom to visit remote beaches and mountain trails whenever you like.
FAQ
Is Cyprus dog friendly?
Cyprus is generally considered a pet friendly cyprus with established legal frameworks that protect the welfare of animals. While the island has been somewhat slow to embrace this lifestyle, it is gradually becoming more welcoming. Private businesses like cafes and restaurants are often very accommodating, though public spaces and organized beaches have strict rules that owners must follow.
How much is a dog licence in Cyprus?
The standard annual fee for a dog license is €20.50. However, if your pet is a breed deemed “dangerous,” the fee increases significantly to €170 or €171 per year. These specific breeds are also subject to mandatory sterilization by law.
Can I take my dog to live in Cyprus?
Yes, you can bring your dog to live on the island. To do this legally, you must follow the correct import procedures for the Republic of Cyprus or Northern Cyprus and then complete the registration and licensing process with local authorities once you arrive.
How to bring a dog to Cyprus?
To bring a dog to the Republic of Cyprus, the animal must have a 15-digit microchip followed by a rabies vaccination when it is at least 12 weeks old. You must wait 21 days after the vaccine before travel and obtain an Animal Health Certificate within 10 days of your arrival. If you are traveling to Northern Cyprus, you must also get an import permit and a rabies antibody titer test.
Final Thoughts on My Journey
Traveling through Cyprus with my dog was an adventure of a lifetime. The island is moving toward being a more pet friendly cyprus, even if it is doing so slowly. I loved the contrast of the blue sea and the green mountains. I enjoyed the warm welcome at the local cafes and the freedom of the off-leash parks.
First of all, make sure your paperwork is perfect. Follow the leash and clean-up laws to avoid big fines. Protect your pet from the sun and the local bugs. Most of all, take the time to explore. Whether you are dining in Nicosia or hiking the Caledonia trail Cyprus, you will find that the island has a lot of heart.
Cyprus is like a big, sun-drenched playground where the rules are the fence, but the fun inside is endless. Just remember to bring your leash, your water bottle, and a sense of adventure. Your dog will thank you with a thousand tail wags. Enjoy your tour!
