I love to travel with my best friend. My best friend has four legs and a tail. He is a dog. We recently visited a place that surprised me with its warmth. That place is Thessaloniki. It is a vibrant city in Northern Greece. It is the second largest city in the country. It is also very welcoming to pets. This city sits by the sea. It has history. It has great food. Most importantly, it has plenty of space for your dog to enjoy the sun.
Are you planning a trip? I will share my journey with you. I want to help you find the best thessaloniki pet friendly accommodation. I will also tell you about the best parks. We will look at pet friendly restaurants thessaloniki together. Pet Friendly Thessaloniki is a reality, not just a dream.
Planning Your Trip To Northern Greece
First of all, you must prepare. Travel with a pet requires rules. Greek law is very clear about this. Dogs are allowed in every outdoor public space. However, they must be on a leash. You must be in control of your pet at all times. Additionally, you must carry your dog’s health book or passport.
If you come from outside Greece, you need a microchip. This chip must meet ISO standards. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccine. Also, the rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old before you enter the country. Plus, you need an original Rabies Certificate signed by a vet. I recommend you start your paperwork 30 days before you leave.
Once you arrive, you might want to travel inside Greece. You will need a European Union Pet Passport for that. You can buy one at any Greek vet clinic. It is a simple document. It keeps all medical history in one place. Do not forget to bring it to every vet visit.
Finding the Best Stay: Pet Friendly Hotels Thessaloniki
Where should you sleep? This is a big question. Finding a good booking thessaloniki pet friendly hotel is easy if you know where to look. There are about 100 properties in the city that welcome pets. This includes 36 hotels and over 60 vacation rentals.
ONOMA Hotel: A Top Choice
I stayed at the ONOMA Hotel. It is wonderful. Dogs of any size are allowed in specific rooms. The best part? There is no extra fee for your dog. They even welcome cats. They provide food and water bowls. This makes life very easy. It is located near the Vardaris area. Guests give it a high rating of 9.2.
The Modernist Thessaloniki: Style and Comfort
If you want something stylish, look at The Modernist. It is in the city center. It has an exceptional rating of 9.8. The staff are very helpful. They make human and pet guests feel welcome. They offer food and water bowls. Additionally, they have a rooftop garden and a terrace. You can sit there with your dog and relax. It is close to the port and Aristotelous Square.
Antigon Urban Chic Hotel: Luxury Without Fees
Another great option is the Antigon Urban Chic Hotel. It is a 5-star hotel. It allows pets to stay for free. This is a huge benefit. They have a review rating of 9.6. They provide water bowls. On top of that, they have a terrace and balconies. It is very central. You can walk to the Church of Panagia Chalkeon in minutes.
Other Noteworthy Spots
- Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel: This is a 5-star spot in the city center. It is very affordable, starting at about 72 dollars. There is no pet fee.
- The Excelsior: A luxury hotel with a 9.6 rating. They allow pets in rooms and provide bowls.
- The Met Hotel: This is a stylish choice with a pool and a rooftop terrace. It is near the port.
- Colors Urban Hotel: A vibrant hotel that is very friendly. They have clean rooms and a delicious brunch.
- Le Palace Art Hotel: This is another confirmed pet friendly hotel in the heart of the city.
If you prefer a home feeling, you can look for an airbnb thessaloniki pet friendly listing. Many apartments are located in the Ladadika district. This area has cobblestone streets and a great vibe.
Exploring the Outdoors: Parks and Walks
Thessaloniki has many green spaces. A long walk is good for the soul. The city’s waterfront is the best place for this.
The New Waterfront Dog Park
The largest dog park is in the New Waterfront Park. It is near the Concert Hall. This park is special. It is dedicated exclusively to dogs. Here, your dog can run and play without a leash. It is a safe environment. Many owners meet here to talk and share advice. It is by the sea. The breeze is lovely.
The Five Neighborhood Dog Parks
The city is growing. The municipality is creating five new dog parks in different neighborhoods. These parks will have fences. They will have double doors for safety. Plus, they will have exercise equipment. You will find jumping tables and ramps. Look for these in:
- Polykleitos Regou park.
- Ancient Agora square.
- New Switzerland park.
- Pasha Gardens.
Pasha Gardens: A Hidden Mystery
I visited Pasha Gardens. It is near the old city walls. It has strange stone structures from the early 1900s. It feels like a fairytale. Many people walk their pets here. It is a peaceful escape from the city noise.
The Waterfront Promenade
A walk from the port to the White Tower is a must. It is 3.5 kilometers of regenerated boardwalk. You will see the famous Umbrellas sculpture by Zongolopoulos. It is a great spot for a photo with your dog. Locals gather here on weekends. The sunsets over the Thermaic Gulf are stunning.
Dining and Socializing: Pet Friendly Cafe Thessaloniki
You will get hungry. Luckily, pet friendly restaurants thessaloniki are easy to find. Most places with outdoor seating are happy to have your dog. However, dogs are usually not allowed inside for sanitary reasons.
Aristotelous Square
This is the heart of the city. It has many outdoor cafes. You can sit and watch the world go by. Your pet can lounge at your feet while you enjoy a Greek coffee.
Rotonda Cafe
I found a charming spot called Rotonda Cafe. It is a family-owned business. It is near the ancient Rotonda monument. They have beautiful trees that provide shade. This is very important in the summer. They offer coffee, beer, and ouzo meze. The owners, Yannis and Yanna, are very friendly. It feels like a pillar of the neighborhood.
Tips for Polite Dining
Always ask before you sit down. It is a polite thing to do. Make sure your dog does not disturb other people. You must clean up after your pet. Bring plastic bags for poop. Also, bring a bottle of water to pour on their wee. This is the law.
Transportation: Moving Around the City
How do you get from A to B? This can be tricky.
The Metro
The Thessaloniki Metro is coming soon. It will be pet friendly. You can take your dog or cat inside. They do not need a muzzle. However, they must be in a small cage or a special bag. Guide dogs for people with disabilities are excluded from these rules. They can walk on a leash.
Trains and Buses
The ETR trains from Athens to Thessaloniki have rules. Small pets are allowed in cages. The cage must not be bigger than 50x40x70. Unfortunately, there is no way to transport large dogs on these trains. Guide dogs are the only exception.
The local buses are run by OASTH. Transportation can be slow. Some buses only come every 20 minutes. If you have a large dog, this might be hard.
Taxis and Rentals
If you need a pet friendly taxi thessaloniki, you can try the PetBacker app. It helps you find drivers who bring your pet to places. Some taxi drivers in the city might be happy to help, but others might not. It is better to use an app or book in advance. Renting a car is another good idea. It gives you more freedom to visit beaches further away.
Shopping with Your Dog
Many people ask, is ikea thessaloniki pet friendly? Malls are a bit different than the street. Mediterranean Cosmos is the biggest mall. It is a nice trip for the weekend. However, pet-friendly stores are not very common in malls.
cosmos thessaloniki pet friendly options are limited mainly to the outdoor areas. Always check the specific store policy before you enter. Most big grocery stores like Masoutis or LIDL do not allow dogs inside.
Fun and Events: The Pet Festival
If you visit in early 2025, you are in luck. The Pet Festival 2025 will take place from January 31 to February 2. It is at the Zootechnia expo. This is a massive event.
- Dog Shows: You can see all breeds.
- Agility and Frisbee: These are fun sports for active dogs.
- Workshops: They have a basic obedience workshop. You can learn how to walk your dog on a loose leash.
- Grooming: There is even a Pan-Hellenic Grooming Championship.
Services for Your Furry Friend
Sometimes your dog needs a spa day.
Grooming at City Paws
I found City Paws in the heart of the city. It is at the corner of Proxenou Koromila and Agias Sofias. They specialize in dog grooming. They can handle all breeds. They do bathing, drying, trimming, and brushing. They even do hand stripping for double-coated pets. Their goal is to make the dog feel comfortable. They use premium products.
Training and Boarding
K9doorways offers training courses and seminars. They do private lessons for basic training. If you need to leave your dog for a day, look at PetBacker. They have over 317 sitters and walkers in Thessaloniki. They provide a cage-free home environment. This reduces stress for your pet. They even include free pet insurance for each booking.
Health and Safety Tips
Thessaloniki can be very hot. You must keep your dog safe.
The Summer Heat
The pavement gets extremely hot in the sun. It can burn your dog’s paws. Walk your dog on the cool side of the street or in the grass. Never leave your dog in a parked car. It gets too hot, even in the shade. A dog can panic and suffer from sunstroke.
Insect Bites
Summertime brings bugs. Fleas and ticks are enemies. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm. Gnats are responsible for kala-azar. Greece is a Mediterranean country where these diseases are common. You must use bug protection for your four-legged companion.
Veterinary Care
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has a Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. They have an Animal Hospital. They also have a Wildlife Rescue Team called OPAZ. This team has treated over 2500 wild animals, like hawks and dolphins.
In Greece, costs for vet care have risen due to inflation. However, the government has a new law. Municipalities must now operate clinics and shelters. Some groups, like unemployed people or those with disabilities, can get free vaccinations and sterilization for their pets.
Beaches for Dogs
Can I take my dog to the beach? Yes, you can. The law allows dogs on any beach in Greece. But you must respect the rules. Use a leash. Bring fresh water. Find a spot in the shade.
Agia Triada Beach
This beach is a coastal area in the Thermaikos municipality. It is about 116.5 kilometers from the center. It provides a tranquil atmosphere for dogs and owners. Though it has some pollution issues, it is easy to reach.
Swimming in the Sea
Dogs are allowed to swim. However, you should go far from other people. Some people do not like swimming next to pets. If the beach is crowded, you might get a fine. Find an isolated spot. This gives your dog more space. Be careful with their ears. Water can cause infections.
Culture and Local Life
Thessaloniki is a city of students and history.
The Student Vibe
There are many students because of the Aristotle University. You will see them at Navarino Square. This area is full of hip coffee shops. It is where modern meets ancient. You will see ruins of the Roman Palace of Galerius right next to modern buildings. It is also full of cats and dogs.
History and Landmarks
Visit the White Tower. It is the symbol of the city. It was an Ottoman fortress and a prison. Now it is a museum. You can walk to the top for amazing views of the sea. The ticket is about 6 to 8 euros.
Another spot is the Arch of Galerius, known as Kamara. It was built in 303 CE. It celebrates a victory over the Persians. It is a common meeting point for people.
Local Food
Locals love to eat bougatsa in the morning. It is a pastry. They also hang out at tavernas. They drink Greek wine, tsipouro, or ouzo. You can join them. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Small tips of 50 cents to 2 euros are normal.
Summary Checklist for Your Trip
Before you go, check this list:
- Microchip: Is it ISO compliant?
- Rabies Vaccine: Is it more than 21 days old?
- Pet Passport: Do you have the blue EU book?
- Leash: Do you have a sturdy one?
- Water Bottle: For drinking and for cleaning wee.
- Accommodation: Did you check the pet policy on your booking thessaloniki pet friendly site?
- Apps: Download PetBacker for sitters and OASTH for buses.
Thessaloniki is a warm city. It has many layers of history. It has people who love animals. I saw many happy dogs walking along the water. I saw people sitting in cafes with their pets. It is a place that feels like home.
Gradually, you will find your own favorite spots. Maybe it will be a small cafe near the Roman Forum. Maybe it will be the shade of a tree at Pasha Gardens. Therefore, do not be afraid to explore. The city is walkable.
Final thoughts? Traveling with a dog requires more work. You must plan. You must follow laws. But the reward is great. You get to share the world with your best friend. Thessaloniki is a perfect place for that journey.
I hope this guide helps you. The sea is waiting. The history is waiting. Your dog is waiting for an adventure. Go and enjoy Pet Friendly Thessaloniki! It is an experience you will not forget.
FAQ
Is Greece a pet-friendly country?
The law in Greece states that dogs are welcome in every outdoor public space. You must keep them on a leash and carry their health records at all times. Many tourists bring their pets along for a holiday in this Mediterranean spot.
Is English widely spoken in Thessaloniki?
English is common among people between sixteen and forty years old. It is very easy to find someone who speaks English in the city center because of tourism.
Is the Holiday Inn Thessaloniki pet-friendly?
The Holiday Inn Thessaloniki is a five-star hotel that allows pets. Guests often give it high marks for its pet policies. It is located in the Vardaris area.
Is Thessaloniki pet friendly?
The city is very pet friendly for travelers who want to visit with a dog. It offers over 100 properties that allow pets, including 36 hotels.
Is Greek ok for dogs?
Greece is a great choice for a holiday with a dog. Many tourists visit islands like Lefkada with their four-legged friends and feel a positive welcome.
Why is Thessaloniki so popular?
The city is a vibrant hub with a beautiful 3.5 kilometer waterfront promenade. It has a deep history and a lively food culture that people love.
Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room?
Hotels like The Excelsior allow pets in guest rooms. You should always ask the hotel about their specific rules before you leave a pet by itself.
What is the most pet friendly hotel chain?
IHG is a major chain with a highly rated pet friendly hotel in this city. The staff at this property are often called outstanding by guests.
Can I take my pet on holiday?
You can take your pet on holiday if you prepare the right paperwork 30 days in advance. You will need an EU Pet Passport for travel within Greece.
Concluding words
Thessaloniki is a top choice for you and your dog. You can find over 100 pet friendly places to stay in the city. Preparation is the key to a happy trip with your four-legged companion. A walk along the 3.5 kilometer boardwalk is the best reward for you both. The city is full of history and warm people. Pack your bags for this Greek adventure.
