Vacation in Croatia with your dog: tips and must-knows

Choosing the right destination for you and your furry friend should never be a hassle. Among the many holiday hotspots that are trending nowadays, Croatia is a rising dog-friendly option, stealing the hearts of countless pet owners around the world.

Learn all about vacationing in Croatia with your dog on Ferryhopper and make the most of your “family” getaway with our top travel tips. Discover some of the best dog-friendly locations in Croatia and book your ferry tickets online. 🐾

Making memories in Rovinj

Is Croatia a dog-friendly destination?

The country of Croatia is a stunning holiday destination that caters to all, including dogs! From pet-friendly hotels to vast nature reserves that are open to people and pets alike, there’s plenty for you to do here with your little companion.

Note: when it comes to accommodation, keep in mind that many hotels might include an extra cleaning fee if you wish to bring along your dog.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly beaches across Croatia and its many islands, as well as beaches specifically designated for pet owners. In any case, it is always advisable to keep your dog leashed in crowded areas, especially in tourist hotspots. If a certain area is off-limits, there will usually be appropriate signage.

Additionally, several modes of transport in Croatia are open to dogs. Depending on the location and the company, there are dog-friendly bus services, trains and even ferries! Regarding the latter, keep reading to learn all about traveling in Croatia by ferry with your dog.

Traveling around Croatia by ferry: pet policies

There is a wide range of pet services and policies on Croatian ferries, depending on the company and vessel you’ve chosen. For the most part, however, dogs are more than welcome on Croatian ferries! Certain areas, such as enclosed public spaces, are off-limits for pets. Luckily, many ferries have open-air decks, pet-friendly cabins or designated areas where your pet can stay inside a carrier.

You should keep in mind that for certain Croatian operators, pet policies tend to be more strict on high-speed catamarans than on conventional ferries. The size of your dog is also taken into consideration. If you have any doubts about your ferry trip across Croatia, make sure to contact the company you’re traveling with.

Extra tip: if this is your first time cruising through the country, it is advisable to check out our ultimate guide about Croatian ferries. Apart from general pet info, it also guides you through vehicle transfer, ferry services and more.

Daydreaming about Croatian holidays and delicious treats

Dog-friendly holiday destinations in Croatia

Without further ado, let’s dive straight into the “fluffiest” destinations in Croatia for you and your dog.

Umag

The seaside towns of Istria are quite pet-friendly, and Umag is no exception to that. With plenty of beaches to choose from, your dog will be thrilled with your traveling choices.

For true lovers of nature, there are also dog-friendly campsites that are open to dogs, such as Kanegra, which gives you access to its stunning beach, perfect for walks and swimming.

Fun fact: Umag is easily reachable from Italy! Take a look at the Venice - Umag ferry route here, along with information about pet policies.

Umag, a place for only the coolest of dogs!

Rovinj

Before we leave the treasures of Istria behind, let’s take a look at the quaint paradise of Rovinj. This ferry town is home to around 9 dog-friendly beaches, comfortable accommodation options and veterinary services so that the needs of your pets are sufficiently taken care of. Regarding accommodation, you can choose between luxurious resorts and tranquil campsites. 

Tip: you and your dog can easily reach Rovinj from Italy, as well as from Slovenia. Regarding the Italy - Croatia ferry routes, check out our detailed guide.

Vis

The Croatian island of Vis offers countless opportunities for nature exploration with your dog. What steals the scene, however, is the famous Dog Beach (also known as “Vartalac”), the island’s official pet-friendly beach.

In general, Vis is a rather lowkey destination, meaning that you’ll have no problem wandering around with your dog smoothly and safely. The only exception, perhaps, is in July and August. For these months, make sure to secure a comfortable dog-friendly accommodation well in advance.

Tip: for similar off-the-beaten-path Croatian destinations, make sure to check out our dedicated article.

Approaching a pet-friendly beach in Vis

Dubrovnik

Enter Dubrovnik, the megastar of mainland Croatia. Whether you’re in the mood to explore its Old Town, hike through mountainous landscapes and visit world-famous sights, some of which are open to dogs as well.

Many parts of Dubrovnik are vehicle-free, meaning that you can safely wander around with your little companion. For lengthier and more thrilling walks, make sure to visit Mount Srd, which will also reward you with magnificent panoramic views.

Tip: from Dubrovnik, you can reach the Adriatic jewel that is Hvar. Take a look at the Dubrovnik - Hvar ferry route here.

Hvar

Last but certainly not least, here comes the world-famous island of Hvar. Often considered a party island, Hvar is actually home to beautiful landscapes and scenic settlements that you can explore with your dog. Its characteristic fields of lavender are definitely worth your time.

As for dog-friendly beaches in Hvar, some indicative swimming spots include Zavala, Gradina and Ivan Dolac.

Tip: apart from Dubrovnik, Hvar is also accessed by ferry from Split, another Croatian medieval wonder. We suggest that you plan a Split - Hvar day trip, which is nothing but smooth sailing.

Activities for you and your dog in Croatia

Holidays in Croatia allow you to reconnect with nature and go on adrenaline-pumping adventures, the perfect experience to share with your furry companion. Thanks to the country's stunning forest parks, scenic waterfronts and walkable cities, there’s plenty for you to explore here.

We highly recommend trying out the following dog-friendly activities in Croatia:

• Visit some of the best waterfalls in Croatia. Among our favorites is Skradinski Buk, found amidst the green lushness of Krka National Park.
• Explore the impressive grounds and squares of medieval Old Towns, such as the ones found in Dubrovnik and Split.
• Get inspired by the above-mentioned islands and explore more Adriatic jewels with an unforgettable island-hopping excursion. You can take a look at some of the best Croatian islands to visit, some of which are home to world-famous parks. Key examples include Mljet National Park and Lastovo Islands Nature Park.
• What about strolling along beautiful seafronts? The Makarska Riviera, home to the port town of Makarska, is about 60 km in length and is full of beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and hiking trails to explore with your dog.

Relaxing walks in Krka National Park

Ready to sail? Take a look at our interactive Map of ferries to discover more destinations in Croatia, plan your dog-friendly adventure step-by-step and off you go!