We arrived in the heart of the Balkans and felt a rush of excitement. Our goal was to find the perfect spot for Pet Friendly Travel in Tetovo, North Macedonia. It is a city that feels like a hidden gem tucked away under the massive Sharr Mountains.
First of all, let me tell you that this trip changed how I view travel with a furry friend. We found that North Macedonia is a place of striking mixes. You see Roman, Ottoman, and Communist styles all in one spot. It is a nature lover’s dream. However, you must prepare well before you hit the road with your pet.
Preparation and Visa Realities
Before we even packed our bags, we had to look into the paperwork. Many people ask about the north macedonia passport visa free countries list to see if they can enter easily. It is important to know which countries need visa for macedonia before you book a flight to Skopje International Airport. We found that most travelers from the EU or the US have a smooth time, but the rules for your pet are a bit more strict.
I learned that north macedonia pet travel requires a very specific set of documents. We call this a “pet passport,” but do not confuse it with an official EU Pet Passport. Your pet needs a 15-digit microchip that meets ISO 11784 or 11785 standards.
This chip must be in place before the rabies vaccine. Plus, the vaccine must happen at least six months before you enter the country. If you do not follow these steps in order, your pet might face quarantine or even worse. Therefore, you should check your dates twice.
A rabies titer test is another big step. You do not need it if you come from a country the EU calls “rabies-controlled”. However, if you come from a high-risk area, your vet must do the blood test at least 30 days after the vaccine. Additionally, your pet needs a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. It sounds like a lot of work. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
The Drive to Tetovo
We drove north from Mavrovo National Park toward Tetovo. The drive takes about an hour. First of all, the toll roads are surprisingly cheap. I paid only 30 Macedonian Denar at a toll booth, which is about 20p in British money. It is a bargain! On top of that, the highway is quite easy to navigate. Though, once you reach the city, things change.
The city of Tetovo has around 50,000 people and sits in the foothills of the Sharr Mountains. I have to be honest with you about the parking. It was a nightmare. I spent 45 minutes looking for a spot. Many signs are in Macedonian.
I had to use a translation app to find out that you must text a number to pay for parking. Since I had no mobile data at that time, I had to park 1.5 kilometers away from the center just to find a free spot. My advice? Get a local SIM card immediately.
Where to Stay with Your Pet
Finding a place to stay was our next big task. We looked for pet-friendly vacation rentals in North Macedonia and found some great options near Tetovo.
One of my favorite finds was the Classic Tiny House above the city. It is a mountainous house about 2 kilometers above Tetovo. It offers a massive panoramic view of the urban landscape and the mountains. It is not a modern hotel; it runs on solar panels and is quite vintage. If you love nature, you will love it. Plus, it has a fully fenced backyard, which is perfect for a dog. The host, Salajdin, has been hosting for three years and is very helpful.
If you prefer to be closer to the mountains, check out the Popova Shapka ski center. We looked at Villa 99, which is a very spacious house with four bedrooms. It can hold up to eight guests and, most importantly, it is pet-friendly. The balcony has a great view of the quiet neighborhood. It costs about $57 to $77 per night.
Another top-rated spot is Villa Krompir in Popova Shapka. A guest named Irena from the Netherlands gave it a high rating of 9.6 out of 10. It is cozy, clean, and has central heating you can control. Victorian Heights is another hotel that welcomes pets and has a high rating of 9.2. It has a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk.
Finally, if you need a place for your pet to stay while you do some non-pet activities, there is a Pet Hotel in Brvenica, Tetovo. It has eight apartments for pets. It costs about 400 Denar per day. They require your pet to be microchipped, vaccinated, and free of parasites. It is a safe option if you need a break.
Exploring the Parks of Tetovo
We wanted to stretch our legs, so we checked out the local parks. Nin Park is the biggest one in the area, covering 23.0 acres. It has a playground, a soccer field, and is listed as dog friendly. It is a great spot for family activities. Similarly, Жена парк covers 1.9 acres and is suitable for a quick walk. If you are near the center, the Mosque Garden is a small 1.2-acre space that is also good for walking.
Gradually, we realized that the best way to travel north macedonia with a pet is to get out of the city and into the wild. The nature here is truly untouched. Though, you must be careful. There are many stray dogs in the region.
Most are peaceful, but some can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Some locals are also a bit wary of dogs because of these strays. I noticed people crossing the road to avoid us. It is a different culture than Italy or France. Therefore, give people space and always keep your dog on a leash.
Hiking in the Sharr Mountains
The real highlight of our trip was the Sharr Mountains (or Sar Planina). This massif covers 840 square kilometers, and 20% of its peaks are over 2,000 meters high. We started our journey at the Popova Shapka ski center, which is a 30-minute drive from Tetovo.
We decided to hike to Titov Vrv, the highest peak at 2,748 meters. The trail is over 21 kilometers long and is very challenging. You will climb over peaks like Sin Vrv (2,550m) and Bakardan (2,702m). At the top, there is a 10-meter high brick tower built in the 1950s. The view from up there is hard to put into words. It feels like the heart of Europe, yet it is completely undiscovered. We hiked for hours without seeing another soul.
Later, we explored the Leshnica Valley. The last ice age left “miraculous scars” in this terrain. You can hear the Leshnica waterfall from a distance. The valley is surrounded by massive cliffs like Sreden Kamen (2,465m). It is so lush and green that I had to remind myself I was in Europe and not a jungle. The trail is about 5 kilometers long and is much easier than Titov Vrv.
One thing to note is that it is hard to find local guides or park rangers online. The area is quite deserted. Plus, there is not much local culture or home-stay options with local food in the mountains yet. It is mostly large hotels or Airbnb condos. However, if you are an independent traveler, you will love the freedom.
Local Sights and Culture
You cannot visit Tetovo without seeing the Pasha Mosque, also known as the Colorful Mosque. It was built in the 1830s and has vibrant paintings all over the outside and inside. I was lucky enough to be invited inside to see the magnificent chandelier and the frescos on the dome. It truly took my breath away.
Another historic spot is the Tetovo Fortress, built in 1820 during Ottoman rule. It is high on a hilltop and offers a wondrous view across the Polog Valley.
Sadly, it is in bad shape and mostly in ruins. I saw old decaying staircases and broken walls. I even found that some parts of the fortress are now used by wild animals. It smells like animal poop in some corners, so watch your step! Still, it is a fascinating place to explore for an hour.
Near the river, there is also an Ottoman bridge that people still use today. There is even a Turkish bath that has been turned into an art gallery. The Ottoman influence is everywhere. Similarly, the food has that same vibe.
You can find baklavas everywhere, though some travelers find the rest of the food to be just “so so”. I found a premium hamburger for 200 Denar, which is about £2.80. A margarita pizza is the same price. It is very affordable for a mature traveler on a budget.
Important Laws and Safety
Macedonia takes animal welfare seriously. The Law on Protection and Welfare of Animals was passed in 2014. It says animals must be treated as conscious beings. Owners must protect them from pain, hunger, and fear.
If you fail to provide water or food, you could face a fine. For example, a legal entity can be fined 1,500 Euros for not following the law. A person can be fined 200 Euros.
At the border, be prepared for anything. One traveler with a Boston Terrier named Yoki had a stressful time. The border officer insisted the dog was a French Bulldog and thought the paperwork was fake! It took an hour and a phone call to a senior officer to clear it up. Always bring clear photos and every bit of paperwork you have.
Additionally, your pet must be muzzled and on a leash when you arrive at the airport. You should also give advance notice to the vets at the airport so they are there to inspect your pet when you land.
FAQ
Why is Tetovo famous?
This city is well known for the Colorful Mosque and its vibrant 1830s paintings. It also features the Tetovo Fortress and a historic Ottoman bridge that people still use today. Wondrous views of the valley are a big draw for visitors.
What is the population of Tetovo Macedonia?
The city has a population of around 50,000 people.
Which country is Tetovo in?
It is located in North Macedonia.
Is Tetova worth visiting?
Nature lovers should visit because the scenery is a solid 10 out of 10. It is the brightest hidden gem in Europe with surreal mountain peaks. Worth the trip? Absolutely.
Which is nicer, Croatia or Montenegro?
One traveler believes Montenegro is heading in the right direction for visitors.
Is Islam growing in North Macedonia?
I do not have data on growth. However, Ottoman rule lasted for 500 years and left a deep mark on the culture and buildings.
Which city is closer to Tetovo?
Skopje is about one hour away by car. Gostivar is also very near the city.
Do they speak English in Macedonia?
You can find professionals like vets who speak great English. Many signs are in Macedonian, so travelers often use a translator app.
Concluding Words
Our journey through Tetovo was a mix of wild nature and historic ruins. On the contrary to more popular spots like Lake Ohrid, Tetovo feels raw and real. A mountain peak? Yes. A struggle? Maybe. A victory? Always.
We saw wild horses as the sun dipped below the mountains, and it was one of the most magical things I have ever seen. North Macedonia might be the brightest hidden gem in all of Europe. If you follow the rules and prepare for the parking, you and your pet will have an adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, pack your bags and go. The Sharr Mountains are waiting for you.
Quick Stats for Your Trip:
- Titov Vrv Height: 2,748 meters.
- Nin Park Size: 23.0 acres.
- Toll Road Cost: 30 Denar.
- Pet Hotel Price: From 400 Denar.
- Number of Peaks over 2,000m: More than 70.
Have you ever seen a place so green? It is unbelievable. Just remember to check the north macedonia pet travel rules one last time before you go. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!
