I decided to visit the south of Portugal with my furry friend. It was a big task. A dream come true? Absolutely. Faro is the heart of the region and offers a mix of culture and nature. It is the perfect spot for Pet Friendly Travel in Faro (Algarve), Portugal. I learned a lot during my trip. I want to share my experience so you can have a smooth journey.
First of all, I must talk about the preparation. You can not just hop on a plane with a dog. Portugal has strict rules. Your pet must have a microchip for identification. This chip must be in place before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine. The rabies shot must be up to date. Additionally, the pet must be at least 15 weeks old before it enters the country. I had to carry an EU passport or a health certificate at all times. I also had to contact the airport entry point 48 hours before we arrived. I sent them a specific form and the documents they needed. A simple task? Not really. It is necessary for a safe entry though.
The flight was the first big step. Not all airlines allow pets. I had to check with the airline before I bought my ticket. They have limited space for animals on each flight. Small dogs often stay in the cabin. Large dogs must go in the hold. I used a sturdy carrier. My dog needed enough room to stand and lie down comfortably. I put a label on the box with my name and address. I also put a familiar object inside to help him feel calm.
Finding a Place to Sleep
We arrived in the city and needed a bed. There are many pet friendly hotels algarve portugal. I looked at several options.
Hotel Ibis Faro Algarve is a solid choice. It is about 3 kilometers from the city center. It has a pool and is near the airport. The price starts at about $69. It has a very good rating of 8.0.
Best Western Hotel Dom Bernardo is another great spot. It is located in the heart of Faro. It is near the marina and many restaurants. The price is very low, starting at $40. The rooms are clean and the staff is friendly.
I also checked out Lemon Tree Stay. This place is exceptional. It has a 9.6 rating. It is in the city center. They provide food and water bowls for your pet. It has a terrace and a yard where dogs can relax. The cost is around $68 to $100.
For a luxury stay, Pousada Palácio de Estói is a dream. It is a 5-star hotel in a beautiful old palace. It has a spa and pools. The garden is lovely for walks. It costs about £108 per night.
Luxury Guest House Opus One is also high-end. It allows pets of any size. There is a fee of €25 per pet each night. It has a pool and a wine cellar. The rating is 9.0, which is excellent.
On top of that, I found some vacation rentals. Villa Bernarda is a 4-bedroom villa that allows dogs for no extra fee. Laguna Formosa is a bit further out but very nice. It costs around $287.
Additionally, I noticed that more hotels are catering to pet owners now. They provide beds and designated areas for animals. This makes the trip more comfortable. It also helps you meet other pet lovers. A community of travelers? I love that.
Moving Around the Algarve
We did not just stay in Faro. We wanted to see more of the pet friendly algarve. We used the train often.
The rules for trains are specific. In Portugal, you can take your dog on urban, regional, and long-distance trains.
Urban trains in Lisbon, Oporto, and Coimbra are great. Large and small dogs travel for FREE here.
Regional and InterRegional trains have different rules. Dogs on a leash must pay half a ticket. Small dogs in a carrier go for free.
Alfa Pendular and Intercidades are the fast trains. Small dogs in a carrier are free. Dogs on a leash pay a full ticket.
I had to follow several common rules on all trains. The pet must wear a muzzle and a short leash. You must bring updated documents like the vaccination record. The animal can not sit on the seats. It must not disturb other passengers with noise or smell. Also, only one dog per person is allowed.
Later, I thought about international travel by train. It is possible but harder. The dog must be in a box and weigh less than 10 kg. There is often a fee of €30.
Life at the Beach
The coast is the main draw. Praia de Faro is a famous spot. It has a lot of sand for dogs to play on.
However, you must know about the bathing season. This usually starts in May and ends in September or October. Authorities are very strict during this time. Many beaches have signs that say no dogs are allowed.
A good rule of thumb is to look for lifeguards. If there are lifeguards and lounge chairs for rent, dogs are usually banned. I looked for areas further down the beach away from the crowds.
Praia da Barrinha in Faro is a hidden gem. It is a very large, wild beach. It is peaceful and perfect for a quiet walk.
I followed several tips to keep my dog safe at the beach. I avoided the hottest hours to prevent heatstroke. I brought an umbrella for shade and plenty of fresh water. Sand can get very hot. I checked the ground to protect his paws. I also brought dog shampoo to wash him after he played in the salt water and sand.
Shopping and City Fun
Faro has more than just beaches. I visited AlgarveShopping in nearby Albufeira. This mall is “Pet Friendly”.
I followed their rules closely. Each person can bring only one animal. The mall allows a maximum of 10 pets at a time. My dog had to stay on a leash that was no longer than 1 meter.
We had to use the lifts to move between floors. Pets are not allowed on escalators or travelators. Dogs can not go into the restaurant areas, the kids’ play area, or the toilets. Some shops allow pets inside, and they have signs to show this.
The mall provides free waste bags at the meeting point. I made sure my dog was clean and well-behaved. Potentially dangerous breeds must wear a muzzle. These include Rottweilers and Pit Bull Terriers.
Similarly, I found that many local cafes in Faro welcome dogs. We enjoyed several meals while he relaxed by my side.
Health and Safety Concerns
I hope your trip is perfect. But sometimes things go wrong. It is important to know where the vets are.
BVet in São Brás de Alportel is a great clinic. They offer many services like vaccinations, surgery, and grooming. They even have a laboratory for quick results. If they are closed, they have an emergency number: 939 222 290.
Onevet Ani Mar Veterinary Hospital provides 24-hour intensive care. They are in Póvoa de Varzim but are part of a larger group. They treat severe bleeding, poison cases, and broken bones.
I learned about some local dangers too. Processionary caterpillars are a big risk in some areas. They live in pine trees and have toxic hairs. These hairs can hurt dogs and people. I stayed away from pine trees during our walks.
Disease is another worry. Leishmaniosis is common in southern Europe. It is spread by sandflies. It can cause weight loss, skin lesions, and joint pain. Heartworm is also a risk in Portugal. I used medicine to prevent heartworm before we traveled. Ticks are everywhere. I checked my dog for ticks every day.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening problem in the hot Algarve sun. I never left my dog in the car. I looked for signs like heavy panting or weakness. If he got too hot, I used cool water to lower his temperature.
Fun Activities for Tours
We joined a boat tour with Formosamar. They operate in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Most of their tours use catamarans. Guide dogs are always welcome. Other pets can join if they are in a carrier. They do not provide food or water for pets, so I brought my own.
The park has many trails for walks. It is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy the view. I used a harness for better control during our walks. I also carried a backpack with a water bowl.
Finally, I visited Cãovívio Pet Shop in Faro. They have a wide range of food and accessories. The team is very dedicated to animals. It was a good place to restock on treats.
FAQ
Is Faro, Portugal dog friendly?
Faro is a great city for pets because it has a mix of nature and culture. You will find many hotels and cafes that are happy to welcome your dog.
Is the Algarve dog friendly?
Yes, it is. The region has hundreds of kilometers of coast and a growing culture for pets.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Portugal?
Yes, they are. You can take dogs on trains and metros. Small dogs in boxes are free, and large dogs are often free on urban trains too.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Portugal?
Many local spots with outdoor tables allow dogs. You should eat early to avoid the big crowds in places like Lagos.
Is Faro ok for dogs?
It is a perfect spot. The Ria Formosa park has many paths for walks with amazing views.
How can I travel to Portugal with my dog?
Your pet must have a microchip and a rabies shot. You must also tell the airport entry point you are coming 48 hours before you land.
Are dogs allowed in stores in Portugal?
Malls like AlgarveShopping allow them if you follow their specific rules. Some shops have signs that show if your pet is welcome inside.
Which beach is best for dogs?
Praia da Barrinha in Faro is an excellent choice. It is a very large and quiet beach where you can relax.
Can you bring a dog on tap in Portugal?
Most airlines let pets fly, but you must check their rules first. They have limits on size and weight for each flight.
Can dogs go on beaches in Portugal?
Yes, but some beaches ban dogs during the busy summer months. However, official dog-friendly beaches allow them all year.
How do I travel with dogs?
First of all, you need a good carrier and all the right papers. You should also check the rules for trains or planes well in advance.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Portugal?
Urban trains are a very cheap way to go. Dogs of any size travel for free on these trains in cities like Lisbon and Oporto.
Concluding words
Faro is a fantastic place for a trip with your pet. It has amazing hotels, wild beaches like Barrinha, and the beautiful Ria Formosa. You must follow the rules for transport and safety to have a good time. A perfect holiday? It is waiting for you and your furry friend. Plan your trip now and enjoy the sun with your best friend.
