ho said having a dog made traveling impossible? Discover eleven destinations in Europe that are ideal for traveling with your dog.
The relationship between you and your dog is surely a fabulous one. He’s the one who brings you unconditional love and affection. He’s there, his muzzle gently resting on your lap on depressing evenings. He looks at you expectantly and shudders every time you plan to spend time with him. On the other hand, if there’s one thing you love as much as your beloved pet, it’s traveling! Perhaps you think these two passions are incompatible? On the contrary, it’s perfectly possible to travel with your dog. Some of the world’s paradises are even better discovered this way.
So here are eleven European destinations to experience alongside your canine friend!
1. Greece
One of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe is Greece. In this scattered country, one of the most paradisiacal in the world, dogs are clearly welcome! Many accommodations accept pets, like Santorini. The island boasts a wide range of dog-friendly hotels.
If you’re enchanted by the white and blue houses suspended above the sea, the old-fashioned alleys spanned by flowers and the Mediterranean-style cuisine, don’t hesitate any longer. Travelling to Greece with your dog promises an incredible vacation. And did you know that Greece is a leader when it comes to allowing dogs to swim?
2. Corsica
Our little French Isle of Beauty is a veritable haven of peace and nature for your pet. With its unreal stretches of beach, wild, fragrant scrubland, secret coves, medieval fortresses set in limestone and perched on promontories, and white rock soaking up the sun… Corsica is undoubtedly the stuff of dreams for many a travel enthusiast.
Good news: traveling with your dog on the Isle of Beauty is extremely easy. Dog-friendly activities include cani-randoing.
3. Spain
In Barcelona, the cultural city of tapas, bulls and late risers, your dog is welcome!
On the outskirts of the town, you’ll find the Llevant beach, with its space and facilities strictly reserved for dogs. Within the city, numerous green spaces are also open to dogs. And since traveling with your dog shouldn’t be an obstacle to any enjoyment, the Spanish have thought of opening a number of dog-friendly restaurants.
Outside Barcelona, you can also visit the Costa Brava and Malaga for a getaway with your pooch.
4. Switzerland
In the land of cows, turquoise lakes and people on time, we love dogs! Yes, if you want to travel with your dog, consider Switzerland. Its long, green expanses, punctuated by spectacular natural features, are great playgrounds for pooches. In terms of activities, from cani-VTT to cani-rando and ski-joëring in winter, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the country with your dog.
5. Italy
Depending on the region or city you choose, many Italian beaches are dog-friendly(Tuscany, Rimini, Sardinia, San Vincenzo or Rome). They welcome your pet with open arms, and are designed to pamper it with swimming lessons, educational sessions, grooming salons, urinals, showers and more.
In the land of pizze and gelati, traveling with your dog is also easy, with numerous campsites open to dog-friendly stays. In famous and prestigious cities like Venice, many hotels proudly display their dog-friendly accommodation facilities.
6. Austria
Here’s another destination to travel with your dog if you’re a mountain lover: Austria. From country cottages with endless green spaces for dogs to play in, to dog-friendly mountain hotels, this country is ideal for a vacation with your pooch.
Austria’s national parks are also dog-friendly. And Vienna’s capital, a city of refinement and grace, also welcomes pets. Even in Vienna’s famous cafés and in some of the city’s best-kept parks.
7. Germany
When it comes to traveling with your dog, Germany’s capital is a no-brainer. In Berlin, most public transport systems accept your pet on board, even if it’s a large one. Many parks, stores and restaurants roll out the red carpet for your adorable companion. And if you’re in Berlin for longer, you’ll also find that some workplaces are dog-friendly.
Why is this? Because in Germany, most dog owners attend training courses for their pets and for themselves.
8. Belgium
With our neighbors, kings of fries and waffles, traveling with your dog is particularly pleasant. Especially in Bruges. In this small, Disneyland-like town of human scale and charm, your dog is more than welcome. You can discover its famous cobbled streets, enchanting canals and chocolate shops to the rhythm of your four-legged best friend’s footsteps! Many of the town’s pubs and cafés are clearly dog-friendly.
As for the rest of Belgium, you should know that most trains in the country accept dogs for a small fee.
9. The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, you’re sure to enjoy traveling with your dog. As the capital of freedom and open-mindedness, it’s also open to your pet.
Your pooch’s frantic running or imposing size won’t disturb the laid-back attitude of the Dutch. Bring him inside a café, a restaurant or at your feet on a sunny terrace. To make the most of the city’s cultural and architectural attractions, there’s no need to pay extra for public transport.
If you set out to explore other towns, such as Keukenhof for its tulips in spring, you’ll need less than five euros to get your companion on a train!
10. Croatia
Beautiful and enchanting thanks to its mild climate and varied landscapes, Croatia has conquered the souls of travelers. This excellent seaside destination boasts numerous dog-friendly beaches. Inland, numerous national parks, offering spectacular hiking and supernatural landscapes, also open their doors to dogs.
11. Czech Republic
When it comes to European fairytale cities, many travelers think of Prague. This beautiful capital, brimming with historic treasures, has gradually become dog-friendly.
Restaurants have gradually opened their doors to dogs, sometimes even offering them a small meal. The same applies to parks, such as Letna Park, or certain hotels located right in the heart of the capital. If you’re traveling with your dog, it’s also an ideal destination, since transport is free for them.
So now, what’s stopping you from opening your diary, canvassing boarding kennels and planning your future vacation with your four-legged best friend?
The only thing you need to be aware of are the country-specific rules for traveling with a dog. For most destinations in Europe, make sure your faithful friend :
- European passport,
- Up-to-date vaccinations (especially against rabies),
- Identification by tattoo or chip,
- A certificate of good health.