As July approaches with its soaring temperatures, escaping daily stress and finding a “place under the sun” becomes a priority. Choosing the perfect destination, budgeting, and deciding on accommodations are crucial steps. For those traveling with pets, thorough preparation and a list of potential destinations are essential.
The number of pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and beaches in Croatia is steadily increasing. Even at the most popular spots, you’ll find dogs enjoying the water. Many Croatian beaches now feature separate areas for pets, allowing you to bring your furry friend along for an adventure.
Planning Your Pet-Friendly Vacation
Traveling with pets is now easier than ever. Regions such as Dalmatia, Istria, and Kvarner are rapidly adapting to accommodate pets, ensuring that your dog will have a great time wherever you go. Here are some considerations for your trip:
1. Suitable Pets for Travel
While dogs are often the preferred travel companions, some travelers bring cats or parrots. It’s important to consider how your pet will react to new surroundings and climate. Dogs generally adapt well, but cats and parrots may find it more challenging. Ensure your pet is comfortable with travel and make necessary preparations, including regular breaks and a suitable environment.
2. Choosing Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Croatia offers a variety of pet-friendly accommodations. When selecting a place, ensure it meets your pet’s needs, such as access to a yard and a safe environment. Bring essential items like sunscreen, food, toys, and insect protection. Avoid crowded beaches and keep your pet hydrated and shaded.
3. Pet Transport
The most common mode of transport for pets is by car. Ensure your vehicle is a familiar and comfortable space for your pet. For international travel, carry an international veterinarian certificate, vaccination records, and a pet passport. If flying, check airline regulations as pets may travel in the cabin or cargo hold. For train travel, small pets and dogs up to 30 cm in height travel free, while larger dogs require a ticket. Ferries also allow pet transport, usually for free, provided pets are in a cage or protected area.
Top Dog Beaches in Croatia
Here are some of the best dog beaches in Croatia, perfect for you and your furry friend:
1. Podvorska Beach, Crikvenica
Podvorska Beach in Crikvenica is renowned as the world’s most equipped dog beach. It features amenities like showers, waste bins, natural shade, public parking, and even a dog restaurant serving doggy beer, chips, and cookies. This beach is a paradise for dogs and their owners.
2. Duilovo and Kašjuni Beach, Split
Split offers numerous dog beaches, including Duilovo Beach in Pazdigrad and the designated dog area at Kašjuni Beach. These beaches provide all necessary facilities, making them popular among locals and tourists. However, there are no dog-specific restaurants, so bring your own supplies.
3. Beach Punta Šilo and Vela Beach, Krk Island
Krk Island boasts several dog beaches, including Punta Šilo and Vela Beach in Baška. Punta Šilo is a pebble beach with modern amenities, while Vela Beach is a renowned family destination with a dedicated area for dogs. Both beaches offer a beautiful and welcoming environment for pets.
4. Doggy Beaches in Zadar
Zadar and its surroundings have numerous dog-friendly beaches. In the resort town of Zaton Holiday, there’s a specialized dog beach with all necessary amenities. Privlaka also offers a great beach for dogs, and nearby Šibenik features dog-friendly beaches and historical sites to explore.
5. Premantura and Portić, Istria
Istria is a top pet-friendly destination with numerous dog beaches. Premantura, located in the protected Kamenjak cove, offers a beautiful setting with Mediterranean views. Portić in Peroj is well-equipped with showers, umbrellas, and shaded areas. The scenic walk to Fažana from Portić is an added bonus.
Croatia: The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Destination
With its increasing number of dog-friendly beaches, Croatia is an ideal destination for pet lovers. Most beaches are public and free to use, although pets are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches. Look for signs indicating dog-friendly areas, usually marked with a circled dog icon or a special flag.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia with your furry friend this summer. Whether you’re exploring the Kvarner region, Istria, or Dalmatia, you’ll find pet-friendly options everywhere. Plan your trip, choose the perfect accommodation, and get ready for a memorable vacation with your pet in Croatia!
List of Pet-Friendly Beaches by Region
Kvarner:
- Crikvenica: Podvorska Beach, Mala Draga Bay
- Krk: Readgara, Vela Plaža in Baška, Kljak in Njivice, Mala Javna, Punta Šilo, Soline Bay
- Opatija: Punta Kolova, beach under Villa Frapart
- Rijeka: Kantrida Beach, Brajdica Beach, Mikulova Kava in Kostrena
- Rab: Beach Mel in Kampor, Dumići in Supetarska Draga, Škver, Artić
- Lošinj: Susak, Ilovik, Unije, Veli Lošinj, Nerezine, Artatore, Mali Lošinj, Čikat
- Cres: Beach in camp Kovačine, beach by the ACI marine
- Pag: Plat, Babe, Braničevica, Vlašići, Vrtić
Istria:
- Medulin and Pula: Beaches are open to pets between 8 PM and 8 AM until September 5th
- Poreč: Stari Červar, Blue Moon, part of the beach in the bay of camp Bijela, beach of the „Istra” camp, beach in the Tourist resort
- Novigrad: Beach in Camp Sirena, Aminess Laguna, Aminess Maravea
- Labin and Rabac: All beaches without the Blue Flag
- Pula: Dog beach Veruda, Galebove Stijene, Štinjaska Vala, Hidrobaza Beach, Verudela
- Umag: Part of the camp in Sol Polinezija, Stella Maris, part of the beach next to Park Umag camp, camp Finida, camp Kanegra
- Vrsar: Camps Portosole, Valkanela, Koversada
- Rovinj: Bays Lone, Cuvi, Kaštelan, Veštar, Cisterna
- Rabac: Girandella
Dalmatia:
- Vis: Komiža
- Split: Duilovo Beach, North-West part of Kašjuni Beach, Kvadar on Žnjan, Trstenik, Pazdigrad (after 8 PM)
- Dubrovnik: Slano Beach
- Pag: Camp Straško
- Trogir: Seget Vranjica
- Brač: Specialized dog beach on Bol, right before Zlatni Rat, Zastup Beach
- Hvar: Part of Zaraće Beach
- Murter: Podvrške next to Murter
- Vodice: Bristak Beach, Srima Beach, in front of the Old School Beach
- Omiš: Borak-Brzet
- Makarska: Cvitačka
- Korčula: Plitvine
Croatia’s dedication to pet-friendly tourism makes it an excellent choice for a summer getaway with your furry companion. With numerous beaches and amenities tailored for pets, both you and your pet can enjoy a fantastic holiday under the Croatian sun.