9 Dog friendly activities in Croatia

My husband and I loved visiting Croatia with our dogs. We found it to not only be an incredible country filled with great food, idyllic beaches, and important historical sites, but it was also incredibly pet-friendly! And yes even compared to other countries! Mishka and Lilo say to trust me as hey are seasoned dog travelers!

We loved exploring everything from the impressive walls of Dubrovnik to walking in old-city Split which is inside Diocletian’s palace. These were our favorite dog friendly activities in Croatia:

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is, in my opinion, the best pet friendly activity in Croatia! If you’re planning on doing the full hike in Plitvice, don’t worry, they are allowed on the boat and buses. Remember that all dogs must be on leashes at all times and always stick to the paths.

If you’re going in the summer, the wooden paths get very hot and you might encounter other dogs. Keep your dogs safe with lots of water, a leash, and protecting their paws. 

We had to go very early to not only avoid the mass of tourists, but also to avoid the worst of the heat. I was very thankful we found a couple of benches along the way that had shade where I could recover and catch my breath before continuing on.

Krka National Park is also pet friendly!

2. Pula Arena

When in Pula, you cannot miss the Pula Arena, or Pula Amphitheater. Thankfully, if you’re traveling with your dog you can still visit it! You can explore the whole area with your pet. The underground had an exhibit of ancient machines to make olive oil and wine, as well as the amphorae to transport them in. Mishka and Lilo posed for me in a couple of Instagram worthy spots. We loved walking around the arena, and we also found out some of their events are pet-friendly, just ask.

The Pula Citadel is also pet friendly and has an amazing view of the city.

3. Brijuni Islands

Visit Brijuni Islands as the national park is a pet friendly activity in Croatia. Go on a trail walk, see the remains of a Roman villa, or discover old dinosaur footprints. Dogs are only allowed on a leash and in designated areas.

3. Vižula Archeological Park and Medulin Riviera

Vižula Archeological Park is pet-friendly and has the largest Roman imperial villas on the eastern Adriatic coast. While in Medulin, visit the Medulin Riviera with lots of hiking trails. This area is incredibly beautiful and full of history as well as an escape from cities full of tourists.

4. Cape Kamenjak

Cape Kamenjak is another national park with trails and beaches you can enjoy with your dog. It was beautiful and felt remote even though you can find some local beach bars. It was hands down my favorite beach in Croatia, not only because of the calamari sandwich—which yes, I mention it all the time— but also, because it just felt so peaceful and away from the stress of life!

There are so many trails you can walk with your dogs, or go to a beach like we did. Don’t forget to stay for the sunset as we saw one of the most incredible sunsets from the Bunker in Kamenjak.

We first tried going through one of the park entrances but something was wrong, so they sent us to another. Thankfully, the workers spoke Italian (and I do, too) so it was easy to communicate. There was also a lot of parking spots where I had planned to go— Mala Kolumbarica Beach— so it was easy getting there by car.

5. Diocletian’s Palace

In Split, Diocletian’s Palace is pet friendly. Yes, it is because the old city itself is built inside what was Diocletian’s palace. You are free to roam around with your dog, but, unfortunately, you cannot go into Jupiter’s Temple, the Cellars, or the Cathedral. You can see the Cellars from the outside when you walk around, hear typical Croatian singers in the Vestibul, and a performance from the courtyard. There is so much to see and experience with your dog in Split, from the old city to the Riva promenade. 

Take a walking tour of the Old Town so you get all the history of Split or explore Marjan hill on a hiking tour.

We also found that the restaurants were very accommodating to dogs and would sit us inside without issues!

6. Walk Dubrovnik’s Walls with your dog

Of course Dubrovnik would be on your list of cities to visit in Croatia. And if you’re wondering what you can do in Dubrovnik, Croatia with a dog, the main activity is to walk the Dubrovnik City Walls with your dog. Go on this 1,940 m walk all around the city, and don’t forget to keep your dog on a leash. Do a sunset or early morning tour to avoid the heat and crowds!

Of course, walk around the old city and find all the other important sites like the Jesuit Stairs, Asimon Tower, or walking along Stradun.

7. Trsat Castle is dog friendly

We found Trsat Castle by accident. As we were driving from Pula to Split, we spotted the castle and my husband asked to go visit. We took the detour and it was worth it!

Trsat Castle is a well-preserved castle in Rijeka. It is an old fortress with a small garden and a little cafe. You can walk along the walls and get an amazing view of the coast, or go inside the castle and learn more about the history. We loved this unplanned activity with our dogs in Croatia!

8. Enjoy the amazing Adriatic Sea with your dog

You can go to one of the many dog friendly beaches around Croatia.

You can also go on a boat tour, rent a private boat, or take a ferry to go to the different islands as they are a good dog friendly activity in Croatia. If you do, always have them with a life-vest just in case. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, they can always get tired! Mishka was only without his for the photo!

Ferries are a dog friendly way to travel around Croatia. Most of the time they are only allowed on deck, but during the off-season no one will enforce this rule. We brought our dogs inside during high-season but no one told us to leave. Don’t take up an extra seat or disrupt other’s and you and your dog will be fine! Check the specific ferry company for pricing on the ferry ticket for your pet.

9. Olive oil or wine tasting are dog friendly activities

Go to a winery or go olive oil tasting. Most of these take place outside or in terraces making them a great dog friendly activity in Croatia!

We went to Chiavalon and loved their olive oil and their hazelnut spread! Of course we went there for the olive oil and bought a lot, but we bought so much of their hazelnut spread and even ordered another box to Italy recently! Our dogs were welcomed without an issue.

Always check if a specific place is dog friendly.

There is so much to explore in Croatia with your dog, from beautiful national parks to roaming around ancient cities. Most dog friendly activities are outdoors, but who wouldn’t want to enjoy the beautiful Adriatic sea, Croatian beaches, and fairy-tale waterfalls? You will not get bored traveling around Croatia with your dog. 

Also don’t forget to check the tips to make your dog as good a traveler as Mishka and Lilo!