admin Fed up with having to leave your dog behind every time you travel? If you’re looking for the best places to travel with a dog in Europe, we have just the solution for you!
From pet-friendly hotels and restaurants to wide open spaces perfect for running around and playing in, Europe is a gorgeous and easy destination to travel to with your dog. If you’ve been wondering, “can I travel around Europe with my dog?”, the answer’s a resounding yes! But, of course, Europe is vast and the myriad options can make your head spin. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the best destinations in Europe for you and your dog to have the perfect vacation.
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France
If you’re wondering which European country is most dog-friendly, it’s France. Consistently rated as the most pet-friendly country in Europe, France is one of the best places to travel with a dog in Europe. Be it the upscale Michelin star restaurants, exclusive boutiques, or the public transit system, your furry friend will be welcome everywhere. In fact, cafes in France are incomplete without a dog or two hunkered down beneath the table.
Stroll along the historic beaches of Normandy, hike up the pristine trails of the French Alps, or go wine tasting in the miles of scenic vineyards — France is the ideal dog-friendly destination for a holiday filled with walks, hikes, and outdoor activities.
Italy
Apart from being the land of pasta, pizza, and gelato, Italy is also a perfect place to have an unforgettable vacation with your dog. On the Italian beaches of Tuscany, Rimini, and Sardinia, pets are welcomed with open arms and pampered with grooming salons, private showers, educational sessions, and swimming lessons.
Or hop on over to Venice, the city of canals, and treat your pet to a traditional gondola experience and take your pick from more than 500 pet-friendly accommodations. Not only do you have the sun-soaked coastlines of Rome with several beaches for your dog to frolic around, but there are the stunning streets of Milan lined with several dog-friendly restaurants to satiate both you and your dog’s culinary interests.
Spain
Spain offers a wide range of beaches, dog-friendly restaurants, and open spaces where you can have a gala time with your doggo.
Home to five dog-friendly beaches, Barcelona is fast emerging as one of the best dog-friendly destinations in Spain. The promenade of Llevant beach tops the list with its vast leash-free zone that warrants lazy beach walks and some splashing in the waves.
The capital city Madrid is another pet-friendly destination housing a multitude of dog-friendly bars, cafés, and restaurants. Pop into Barcelona’s charming pet shop ‘Barkcelona’ where beautiful dog accessories and an enchanting ambiance await.
Croatia
Beautiful, bewitching, and balmy, Croatia is one of the best places to travel with a dog in Europe. Crikvenica, located along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, is an absolute charmer of a place for both travelers and dogs alike.
This seaside destination also houses Croatia’s first-ever dog beach — a long stretch of stunning beach where you can take your dog for a day in the sun. It’s the perfect place for you and your dog to lounge on the soft golden sands or take a dip in the ocean. And while you enjoy a sunset martini, your dog can relish a “dog beer”! Now that’s something you don’t find everywhere!
Greece
Cobalt skies, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches — Greece is not only an awe-inspiring travel destination but also one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Santorini, located in the Aegean Sea, is a paradise for dogs where all types of dogs are welcome — from the friendliest dog breeds to the silent, reserved ones.
Stroll through the old-fashioned alleys between blue-domed churches or watch a fiery orange sunset from your hotel’s flower-fringed balcony, the things to do on this dreamy island are endless. It also has some of the best dog friendly hotels in Europe! And we guarantee you this is one place both you and your dog would long to return to over and over again.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam, makes traveling with your dog a breeze. In this city of cultural richness and architectural wonders, its people are warm and welcoming towards tourists and pets alike.
Whether it’s inside a cozy café or the plush outdoor dining areas of upscale restaurants, dogs are welcome everywhere in this land of windmills, canals, and cheese markets.
If you plan to visit the Netherlands in the spring, be sure to pop over to Keukenhof and witness the gorgeous colors of the tulip blossoms. It’ll cost you less than five euros to get your furry companion on a train!
Belgium
The land of chips, chocolates, and waffles is also one of the best places to travel with a dog in Europe. Bruges, the Disneyland-like medieval town in Belgium famed for its enchanting canals, cobbled streets, and chocolate factories is a treasure trove of gorgeous places to explore with your dog.
Another must-visit place in Belgium is Wallonia, a city filled with gorgeous panoramic views, scenic countryside, and rich diversity. Be it high-end pubs and star restaurants or public transit systems like trains and buses, most places in Belgium are incredibly pet-friendly.
Germany
In this land of football, festivals, and free education, dogs form an integral part of society. From the vast, sprawling palace gardens to the spacious courtyards of ancient castles, Germany offers a host of outdoor spaces for your dog to roam around in.
And if you’ve been wondering, “can dogs travel on trains in Europe?”, they absolutely can! In Germany’s capital city Berlin, most public transit systems, shops, restaurants, parks, and even workplaces are exceptionally pet friendly. You just have to make sure your dog is well-behaved and trained to prevent any unwanted fuss and confusion.
Switzerland
Does the prospect of hiking the stunning trails of Matterhorn Alps with your dog in tow entice you? You can now manifest this dream into reality! From turquoise lakes, moss-covered forests to enchanting water fountains, Switzerland has more than enough places for your dog to sniff, explore, and frolic around in.
Most of the holiday cottages and city hotels in Switzerland are also exceptionally dog-friendly. So, go ahead and be picky in choosing your ideal accommodation in this land of mountains and meadows.
“In Switzerland, traveling in public transits is also easy, though you may need to purchase a separate half-price ticket for your dog.”
Here’s to Having the Best Holiday!
When it comes to planning holidays with dogs Europe’s list of destinations can seem endless. Whether you want to hike along pristine mountain trails, chill in bohemian cafes, lounge in the sun-soaked beaches, or explore the by-lanes of historic cities, traveling with your dog in Europe is easy, exciting, and highly rewarding.
For a hassle-free trip, ensure your dog has a European passport, an up-to-date vaccination record, an identity tag, and a certificate of good health. You can even travel to Europe by boat with a dog!
Also, acquaint yourself with the country-specific rules about traveling with a dog. With some careful planning and research, you’ll be having the time of your life with your pet friend.
