I recently returned from a trip to a tiny piece of land that juts into the blue Adriatic Sea. This place is the coastal town of Piran, Slovenia. I spent four amazing days here in July of 2024 with my dog. The experience was truly special. Many people wonder, is slovenia dog friendly? I can tell you from my heart that it is one of the most welcoming places for pets in all of Europe. The country sits tucked between Italy and Croatia. It offers a mix of history, mountain views, and a beautiful coastline. If you want to plan Dog Friendly Holidays in Piran, Slovenia, you are in for a treat. This town is famous for its Venetian architecture, winding streets, and a long pier.
Dog friendly holidays in europe can sometimes feel like a lot of work. However, Slovenia makes it feel easy and natural. Most Slovenians love dogs. Many own them themselves. You will see them hiking in nature or walking through the old town centers. First of all, I want to share the details you need to know before you pack your bags.
Understanding the Rules for Your Furry Friend
Before you cross the border, you must follow specific rules. Slovenia is part of the European Union. Therefore, standard EU rules apply. Your dog must have a working microchip. This transponder must be ISO-compliant with 15 digits. Additionally, your pet needs a valid rabies vaccine. You must wait at least 21 days after the shot before you can travel. If you are coming from outside the EU, like the United States, your pet also needs an EU health certificate and maybe a rabies titer blood test.
I learned about a very specific local law while I was there. Piran passed a law that says dog owners must pour water over their dog’s urine. One angry restaurant owner yelled at me because my dog peed near the edge of a patio. Therefore, I highly recommend carrying a water bottle with you at all times. It is a small price to pay for such a beautiful destination. Also, you must keep your dog on a leash in most public places. Slovenians usually keep their pets close. You only see them running free on private land or in marked areas.
The Journey to the Coast
I found that the best way to travel through Slovenia with dog is by rental car. I picked up a cheap rental in Koper and drove it to Ljubljana. Plus, many rental companies do not charge extra for one-way trips. When you reach Piran, you will find that you cannot park in the town itself. It is a car-free zone to protect the old streets. However, there is a large parking garage about 1.5 kilometers away.
A small bus runs between the parking garage and Tartini Square in the heart of the town. This bus costs 1€ per ride. You must pay by card only. The best part? Dogs are allowed on the bus. Usually, the bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes. At that time, I waited for half an hour once because it was running late, but that was rare. If you prefer to walk, the path to the town is scenic and leads you right to the water.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
There are many options for pet friendly slovenia accommodation. In fact, Piran has over 40 hotels and vacation rentals that allow pets. I stayed at the Art Hotel Tartini and I absolutely loved it. The staff was so friendly to my dog. They provided a dog bed, a water bowl, poop bags, and even treats. My room had a view of the main square, but it was not too loud. The air conditioning worked very well. This was great because the temperature hit 95°F (35°C) while I was there.
If you prefer apartments, you can look at the Monfort Apartments. They allow dogs of any size for no extra fee. Similarly, there is a two-bedroom home in Secovlje that is very welcoming to pets. Ljubljana, the capital, actually ranks 9th in Europe for dog-friendly hotels. About half of all hotels there allow dogs. Therefore, you will have plenty of choices for your holidays in piran slovenia.
Beaches for Every Pup
One of the best things about Piran is the water. The town is on a piece of land surrounded by the sea. On the southwest side, you will find big rocks and ladders that go into the water. On the north side, there are pebble beaches. I saw several dogs in both areas. There were no signs saying dogs were not allowed. I spent a lot of time on the north side cooling off in the water.
There is also a beautiful Piran Punto Beach which is a small area suitable for dogs. A stretch of beach between Piran and Fiesa is another great spot where dogs are welcome. However, you must be careful at Lake Bled or other high mountain areas. Swimming is sometimes forbidden in high mountain lakes to protect the nature. In Piran, the sea is generally open for your furry friends to enjoy.
The Star of the Coast: Monty’s Dog Beach
If you want the ultimate experience, you must visit Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar in Portorož. It is the first real dog beach in Slovenia. It is located at the beginning of the former Lucija beach. This place is a “pawradise”. It has a playground for running, shaded rest areas, and a bar with treats. They even have a dog menu and a certified agility park with 9 obstacles.
Entrance to the beach and use of the playground and showers are free of charge. They have showers for both small and large dogs. I was blown away by the service. You can even rent beach equipment like umbrellas. The bar serves non-alcoholic drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails for the humans. It is the perfect place to watch your dog make new friends while you sip a drink. Though it is man-made, the beach is pristine and perfect for a day of play.
Exploring the Trails
I love walking. Piran has some of the best trails for slovenia with dog adventures. There is a paved walking path that leads from the north side of Piran all the way to Fiesa Beach. This walk is about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long. It took me about 20 minutes from the center of town. The path is easy and has a beautiful view of the sea. On top of that, it is suitable for baby strollers. The path is very flat and safe.
Gradually, I explored the Piran circular paths. One path is about 9 kilometers long and takes about two and a half hours to finish. It circles the whole town and shows it from many photogenic angles. If you want something longer, try the Strunjan walking path. It is 12 kilometers long and goes along the edge of the highest cliff of the eastern Adriatic. The views are so exceptional that words cannot describe them.
Visiting Moon Bay
I must tell you about Moon Bay. It is supposedly the most beautiful beach in Slovenia. It is located in Park Strunjan. It is dog-friendly. To get there, you have to hike through the park or go up some small back roads. There is a treacherous stairway that leads from the cliff down to the beach. I am so glad I went there. The water is gorgeous and the hike has stunning views.
I parked my car near Strunjan Beach, which is not dog-friendly. However, I was able to get a quick bite at a restaurant there before heading to Moon Bay. The walk connects the two peninsulas. It provides a pleasant way to see the Strunjan Nature Park. You will see olive groves and vineyards growing on the cliffs. It is a geological wonder with layers of rock plummeting into the sea.
Dining with Your Dog
Dining out was a pleasant experience. In the summer, almost everyone sits outdoors. I found that the majority of these outdoor seats were dog-friendly. Gostilna Ivo is an excellent spot for watching the sunset. They have a lot of fresh fish options. I also visited the Rooftop Crudo & Sushi Bar for drinks. It has a nice view of the old town rooftops.
For a quick lunch, I went to Fritoli Pri Cantini. They have a simple take-away window with tables in the old town square. I also enjoyed Žižola in Tartini Square. We went there for breakfast one morning and drinks another night. Additionally, the Pizzeria Pino inside my hotel was very convenient. Most restaurants brought a bowl of water for my dog without me even asking.
Sightseeing and Tours
I highly recommend a walking tour. I took one with a guide named Jan. He shared the history of the city and showed us the most important sights. My dog was allowed on the entire tour. It ended at his shop where we tasted local foods and wines. It was very affordable and fun.
We also visited the Duomo di San Giorgio. Dogs cannot go inside the cathedral. However, they can step inside the entrance door so you can see the interior. I did not go up the church tower because dogs are not allowed there. Similarly, dogs are not allowed on the Walls of Piran. These walls protected the city and offer great views. I tied my dog’s leash to a fence at the entrance for five minutes so I could see the view. If I had known, I would have left her at the hotel to spend more time there.
Cultural Experiences for Dogs
I was surprised to learn that many museums in Slovenia are becoming dog-friendly. The Slovenian Museum Association has special labels for this. A “Museum Accessible to Dogs” allows you to bring your dog on a tour of all exhibits. A “Dog-Friendly Museum” provides a safe place for your dog to wait while you look around.
You must follow certain rules, though. Only properly trained, obedient dogs are welcome. They must be kept on a leash. Also, dogs are not allowed on public tours with large crowds. I think this is a wonderful way to include our pets in our travel plans. It makes pet friendly slovenia even more impressive.
Taking the Train or Bus
If you do not have a car, you can use public transport. Dogs are welcome on Slovenian Railways trains. Small domestic animals in cages or baskets travel for free. Small dogs can also sit on your lap. Larger dogs must wear a muzzle, be on a short lead, and sit on the floor. You have to pay half the price of a second-class ticket for a large dog.
One important thing to remember is that large dogs are not allowed on ICS trains. These are the fast tilting trains. Also, if a bus replaces a train for any reason, dogs are not allowed on those replacement buses. If you are in Ljubljana, you can take dogs on city buses outside of peak hours. Peak hours are 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The dog must be clean and have proof of rabies vaccination.
Practical Advice for Travelers
I discovered a few more tips that might help you. Slovenia uses the Euro. Most young people speak English. This makes communication easy. If you need a vet, there are many clinics in cities like Koper and Ljubljana. I saw several pet shops where dogs were allowed to go inside, just like at home.
The weather can get very hot in the summer. I saw the temperature reach 95°F. Therefore, you should always have water for your dog. I also suggest using a GPS tracker on your dog’s collar. It gives you peace of mind if they ever get off the leash. Finally, do not forget to check the opening hours for the Piran Aquarium. It is very pet-friendly. It is a great way to spend a few hours.
FAQ
Is Piran dog-friendly?
Yes, it is very dog-friendly. People are generally pleased to see dogs in the winding streets and on the pebble beaches.
Is Portoroz or Piran better?
Both offer unique experiences. Piran is a medieval “salt town” with historic architecture. Portorož is a “hidden gem” known for its sandy stretches and Monty’s Dog Beach.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Slovenia is a top choice because it is a “wonderfully dog-friendly country” with beautiful mountain scenery and coastline.
Is Piran, Slovenia worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is “incredibly photogenic from every angle” and has a rich Venetian history.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Slovenia?
Yes, dogs are often allowed inside, and outdoor seating in the summer is almost always dog-friendly.
What is the nicest coastal town in Slovenia?
Piran is often cited as a favorite for its medieval charm. Izola is also a beautiful fishing town with a dedicated dog beach.
Which is better, Koper or Piran?
Koper is the largest coastal town with a bustling port. Piran is smaller and medieval. It is known for its photogenic narrow streets.
What is the most beautiful town in Slovenia?
Piran is described as extremely photogenic. Lake Bled is another very picturesque destination.
Is it okay to speak English in Slovenia?
Yes, most young people speak English.
Where to take a dog on holiday in Europe?
Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy are excellent options with many dog-friendly beaches.
Where to stay in Piran?
Top choices include the Art Hotel Tartini, Monfort Apartments, and Hotel Piran.
Which is more beautiful, Slovenia or Croatia?
Both are stunning. Slovenia is known as the “green heart of Europe”. Croatia is a favorite summer destination with many dog-friendly spots.
Concluding words
Dog Friendly Holidays in Piran, Slovenia offer a perfect mix of history and seaside fun. You can enjoy pet friendly slovenia through its welcoming hotels, scenic walking trails, and specialized dog beaches like Monty’s. Traveling slovenia with dog is easy by car or train. This coastal gem is a true “pawradise” for any traveler and their furry best friend.
