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Dog-Friendly Greece: Travelling in Greece with a Dog

On my trip around Europe with my dog in 2017 and 2018, Greece was the final country that we visited. It was mid-September and the perfect way to end our European travels, with some beach time on various islands and the mainland, enjoying the long Greek summer, along with our pup.

However, Greece isn’t the most dog-friendly country in Europe , plus can be difficult to reach, so I’ve put together some tips for if you’re planning on travelling in Greece with a dog.

Don’t forget to protect your dog from Leishmania if visiting Greece during the warmer months. Read my post to find out more and preventative steps.

Travelling to Greece With a Dog

When travelling to Greece with your dog, the first thing to organise is how to get to Greece. Note that the standard EU rules apply for dogs travelling to Greece directly from other EU countries , with a microchip, pet passport and rabies vaccination at least 21 days before required.

Flying to Greece with a Dog

If you’re travelling with a small dog, the easiest option is to fly into Athens with your dog in the cabin. We flew with Aegean Airlines, who allow dogs in the cabin , with dogs able to be easily added when booking your tickets online.

Pets up to 8kg are allowed in the cabin, with a charge of €65 internationally or €35 domestically (as of 2024). Previously, Aegean Airlines could even provide you with a free cardboard pet carrier at their domestic airports, but these are no longer available. Make sure your carrier is ventilated on all four sides – I’ve heard reports that this is enforced.

Check out their pet policy for more details, plus details on flying pets in the hold.

Driving to Greece with a Dog

If driving to Greece, be aware that unless you drive into Greece from Bulgaria, many of the countries in the Western Balkans are not part of the EU, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania.

This means that you need to be aware of the individual requirements for each country, plus for re-entry into the EU. For some of these countries, you require a rabies titre test to re-enter the EU with your dog (click here for more information, plus a link to the list of countries).

I recommend having the rabies titre test done before leaving the EU (which means no waiting time applies) and having it recorded in your EU pet passport. However, I’ve also heard reports that often checks aren’t done for dogs. But it’s best to be fully prepared, in case they are.

Can you take a Train to Greece?

Unfortunately, Greece is not well connected to the rest of Europe by train.

At times, there has been a train from Sofia to Thessaloniki, although recently it only has been running as far as Kulata, on the Bulgarian side of the border. There was also a train from Belgrade to Thessaloniki which hasn’t run since 2020. In either case, an additional 5 1/2 hour train trip would be required from Thessaloniki in the north down to Athens.

For the latest details, I recommend checking The Man in Seat 61 , although don’t get your hopes up!

Dining Out in Greece with a Dog

For the majority of the year (and especially the tourist season), the weather in Greece is ideal for outdoor dining. As such, it’s probably better to dine outside with your dog, rather than ask to eat inside. I didn’t see any locals dining inside with dogs, so I don’t think it’s that common, especially outside of Athens.

At one cafe in Delphi, we asked to sit inside as there were no outdoor tables, and they allowed us, but only just inside the door. However, a pizzeria near our apartment in Athens had a sign stating it was dog-friendly, so there are some dog-friendly places around. Keep an eye out or ask nicely!

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in Greece

Generally in Greece, dogs are only allowed on pubic transport if they are small and carried in a carrier bag.

We took our small dog multiple times on the metro in Athens without any issues. The metro services both the port of Piraeus and the airport, although a surcharge applies for airport tickets.

Small pets are allowed on the metro in Athens if they are in a carrier under 50 x 40 x 70cm in size, with no fee charged. Your dog should already be in its carrier bag when entering the station.

We also took the bus on Santorini and encountered similar rules. Actually, the first bus we boarded allowed us on board with our dog on our lap. However, when we went to board a second bus, it was insisted that our dog was in a bag. We ended up buying a cheap beach bag to get our dog back to our hotel, where our proper pet bag was located.

Unfortunately, there were no rules listed online or at the bus stop, and even our hotel owner who had dogs didn’t know what the rules were! If in doubt, always take your dog in a carrier bag.

If you are travelling with a larger dog , they are not as often allowed on public transport and the rules are more complex. If getting around Athens, check out i-pet taxi . Regular taxis may also permit dogs inside, but it is up to the driver.

Looking to travel to the Greek Islands by ferry? Read my post about how to get to the islands , whether flying or on ferry, plus my recommendations on getting around on the islands.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Greece

While travelling around Greece, we had no issues finding dog-friendly accommodation options. We stayed in a mixture of hotels and Airbnbs, both on the Greek Islands and the mainland.

However, there are many hotels in Greece that don’t allow dogs, with only 20% of hotels in Athens listed as dog-friendly on Booking.com in my survey of dog-friendly hotels in Europe .

It’s good if you can be flexible. On the plus side, at each of the hotels we stayed at, we were not charged extra for our dog. In fact, both our hotels on Mykonos and Santorini had resident dogs that we also met.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Greece

During my month-long visit to Greece during 2018, I discovered that there were limited options for dog-friendly sightseeing in Greece (and limited information online about the many places dogs weren’t allowed!) Luckily though, the situation has since improved.

Are Dogs Allowed at Archaeological Sites in Greece?

One of the top attractions for most visitors to Greece are the multitude of archaeological sites, whether it’s the Parthenon in Athens, or other renowned sites like Delphi, Olympia and Delos.

While pet dogs were not allowed at any archaeological sites, only guide dogs, during my visit to Greece, fortunately the rules changed in 2023 , bringing Greece more in line with other countries such as Italy and France.

These days, dogs are allowed to join you at many of the less busy archaeological sites, a total of 120 sites, including Ancient Messina, Delos, Mycenae, Philippi and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. Dogs need to be on a leash no longer than 1m or carried, be accompanied by an animal health card (pet passport) and larger dogs require a muzzle.

Note that pet dogs are not allowed throughout the entire sites – they are not allowed inside monuments, theatres, temples, vaulted tombs, or on mosaic floors. Presumably they are not also allowed in museums, if present.

There are also many busier archaeological sites that still don’t allow dogs, including the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi, Knossos in Crete and Olympia. There are plans for 110 sites to instead offer cages at their entrances for pets to stay in.

Unfortunately, I cannot find an online listing of which sites do and don’t allow dogs. This is not surprising given that there was previously no mention online that dogs were not allowed at any sites – only signs at their gate! Either wait to find out at the entrance or enquire with the local tourism authorities in advance.

And of course, the same rules don’t apply to the many stray cats at most sites, and the stray dogs at some of these sites! Be wary of stray animals when visiting any of the sites with your dog.

More Dog-Friendly Sightseeing Ideas in Greece

There are also some other great dog-friendly attractions in Greece to consider visiting. At the famous cliff-top monasteries of Meteora , dogs are welcome to join you at the view points and for hiking. Just keep your dog on a leash, due to the huge drop-offs. Plus if you visit inside any of the monasteries (I recommend visiting at least one or two), take turns to wait outside.

We also took a boat cruise past the monasteries in the autonomous region of Mt Athos. While it’s necessary to apply to visit, and women and children are strictly forbidden, everyone is welcome to take a cruise along the coast line. I checked in advance whether our dog was allowed on our cruise boat, and was given the okay.

My other recommendation if you’re heading to Greece with your dog is to spend some time at the beach.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Greece

Technically, dogs are allowed on all beaches in Greece, just as humans are also allowed on all beaches, even ones that appear private in front of hotels. However, make sure you’re courteous with taking your dog to the beach.

Ideally choose a quiet stretch of sand, keep your dog on a leash if it can’t be controlled by voice, and clean up after it. If your dog wants to go in the water, try and stay well clear of other bathers.

As summer is very hot in Greece, I recommend visiting early in the season or at the end of summer. When I visited Corfu in mid-October, the water was still lovely and warm.

A Final Note on Stray Dogs and Cats in Greece

No matter where we went in Greece, there were stray cats everywhere. Whether on the islands, in Athens, or at the many archaeological sites, there was always some stray cats nearby. This includes when dining outside at restaurants.

If your dog is not a fan of cats, with mine eager to chase any that he sees, keep your dog on a firm leash, or try to distract them. Stray dogs weren’t as common, but are also an issue. We didn’t have any problems with the stray dogs, but if your dog has an issue with stray dogs, be wary.

We did however have an issue with a stray cat on the island of Santorini. While wandering the narrow laneways of Oia, the popular sunset town, we turned around a corner and a cat launched itself at our dog. It was with a kitten, and according to locals, it was probably getting in first after having had issues with local stray dogs.

Our dog ended up with a minor tear in his ear, as well as a few scratches (and more on the legs of my husband). Luckily there’s plenty of vets in Greece, including multiple on Santorini, and after the vet patched his ear and we had a few chilled out days, our dog ended up healing fine.

While this could have happened in any country, it’s still a warning for the greater likelihood when there’s so many stray cats.

You May Also Like

• Travelling to the Greek Islands with a Dog
• Dog-Friendly Bulgaria
• Is it Possible to Visit Turkey with a Dog?

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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25 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Greece: Travelling in Greece with a Dog”

Thank you for this information. I am planning to go to Greece with my dog and I would like to visit some places, but as you mention, most of those places don´t allow dogs inside. Could you recommend me what to do or where to leave my dog? Thank you for this very useful post for dog lovers!

Lizbeth – great to hear about your plans! It’s tricky to work out what to do. There were a couple of places where we stayed for awhile and could leave our dog in our apartment. But not all dogs are happy with this, and some places specify this is not possible. We had been planning on taking turns visiting some other places (while the other stayed with our dog), but while we were in Greece in October it turned cold and rainy for a few days, and it was safe to leave our dog in our car during our visits. But always be very careful about this, and this is not possible with the warm weather in summer.

Lizbeth, I am an other Dog lower… And I plan to go for all October to Greece with my Honey-Hope 9 years old Teckel… I read this blog and I find it very useful… Thank you to Shandos… for her advises…

Top how you put this all together. this is very informative. Thank you !

Thank you Ensing!

Dear friend,

Thank yoy for the article, true and informative. Not only Greece is not dog-friendly, but it is rather the complete opposite. So make a difference as tourists or visitors and complain about abuse and absence of animal welfare laws. Maybe you can make a difference!

Definitely Greece is not as dog-friendly as many places, and the situation could improve. Wishing the best in campaigning for improvements!

Thank you so much for great and informative post!

Thank you thank you for all this info. Do you know if you can get away with bringing a dog in a backpack carrier to Delphi and other no dog areas?

Unfortunately, you probably can’t. I tried to visit the non-ticketed area at Delphi along with my dog (which had no signage), and I was told by a security officer that my dog wasn’t allowed. I didn’t have my dog in a backpack, but they seem to be quite strict, so doubt a backpack would make any difference.

Thank you for this information. Very helpful! Am going to spend the winter in the penepolese, let’s hope not swamped with cats! Did you find the vets reliable there?

Thank you so much for this information. My husband got a job in Switzerland and we’re here for three years with our two small dogs. I want to travel with my two dogs all around Europe and have been considering staying in Greece for a month. But that doesn’t seem like it will be as easy as Italy where we traveled in a month with no problems.

Yes, unfortunately Greece is not as dog friendly as Italy, although it’s easier with small dogs or if you have your own car. I found it frustrating that I could visit the ruins of Greek temples in Italy with my dog, but not in Greece!

Thank you for all this information on Greece. We’ve been living here for more than two years now (our dog is also a dachshund) and I still figure it out. For example now im searching for ferries to Santorini and Mykonos but I will most likely opt for slower bigger ones, as I dont like the idea of kennel section on speed boats. With archeological sites, unfortunately it is the case. Sometimes, however, you get an exception, so its always worth asking. This way we were allowed to visit Mycenae last October. I asked if we can take our dog with us in the bag and they say, ok (actually my husband was smoking near the entrance with our dog next to him while I asked – they said ok to dog in the carrier bag, but not to smoking, ahahahaha =) Beaches around Athens (private ones, where you pay to enter) are not dog friendly in general, public beaches, are ok. However pretty much anywhere outside Athens, even private beaches and beach bars are totally ok with dogs.

Thank you Marika with your tips! I wish we had known this when visiting Mycenae, although we had some rain during our visit (in the cooler months) so I think our pup was happy to be left behind. And we also preferred the larger ferries after some rough seas when we were on the speed boat.

I have traveled with a dog for almost 2 months in Greece. Our dog is medium size and not so people friendly. We traveled both on mainland and also on the islands.

Avoid fast ferries where you can not stay on open spaces on deck as the dog will end in a rather uncomfortable cage. On the route from Paros to Mykonos I was allowed to sit inside close to the WC and have the dog with a mouthpiece all the time.

On the public bus from the new port to the town center I was also allowed to take the dog inside the bus.

Old local people on the beach don’t like the dogs in the sea water and will let you know that with many greek words :).

In general on all the beaches we could take the dog and the same on all the restaurants with outside tables.

We had our car so apart from a few busses and ferries we did not interact a lot with public transport.

Our experience in Greece with a dog was better than expected. We are in the second year we travel with a dog here.

Dear Shandos, thank you for all your information about travelling in Greece with a dog. I have a small Cockerpoo (5kg) and did not think of anything when I booked the flight for my son, me and the dog but the more I research, the more I feel that it might be better to keep the dog home. We ae planning to travel to Porto Heli, being in a resort most of the time, and I was thinking of taking 2 additional days in Athen before we return but dogs seem to be super unwelcome, at restaurants and all sightseeing spots, plus its super hot : ( I wanted to enjoy some nice dog-days-summer-vation at the beach but I wonder if you recommend me rather to fly with my son only, since its only for 9 days… I thought it might be a good test to fly, since she ist still 1 year old… Looking forward to hear what you think. Best wishes // Yayo

Yayo – I think it comes down to the time in the resort and whether she will be welcome there. I haven’t been to Porto Heli, so I don’t know for sure, but we enjoyed our time on Santorini when we just hung around our resort and walked to the local beach. With Athens, the main issue is she can’t come with you to the Acropolis and other museum sites. It probably also depends on how she deals with the heat, which you probably don’t know as she’s only a year old. It’s hard to know what to recommend!

At least one of our local beaches in Kissamos, Crete has signs on the lifeguard huts saying “no dogs allowed”. However we have always taken ours with no problems, as have many locals.

Thanks for sharing Mark! I guess there are some exceptions, at least according to the signs, not in practice.

Hi we are thinking of visiting Kos in July with our two mini Dachshunds. Driving across from uk on the tunnel and flying from Brussels. I am worried about the heat at this time but this is the only time we can go, we took them to Croatia last year and they were fine in the shade and we had air con in the apartment. Does anyone have any experience of this?

When I was in Europe a few years ago, we experienced a summer heatwave in Prague in August – 35C for multiple days and no aircon! There’s a chance of hot weather in most parts of Europe these days.

I’d say approach visiting Kos the same way as your visit to Croatia – get a place with aircon, and try to spend more time outside during the early morning and evening. You probably also know best how your dogs handle the heat – my Schnitzel is okay with it, although that’s partially from growing up in Australia. Don’t also forget about the ground getting hot (especially dark surfaces) – at least with Minis you can carry them.

Hello, I am moving to Crete from Ireland ( this summer) and would love to take my dog with me, its a cocker spaniel, his weitgh is 11kg. Do you know by any chance if any airlines accepts emotional support dog in the cabin ? I checked with Aengan and they dont unfortunately. My dog would need to be in the belly of the plane and this is not an option for me ;(

I’m sorry, but I don’t know of any European airlines that still allow emotional support dogs in the cabin. Most US airlines have stopped provisions for emotional support dogs, and I know of only a couple of airlines in other parts of the world that still allow them.

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• 4 dog-friendly islands in Greece

The best islands to travel around with your dog

• Ferry Tickets

Are you thinking about traveling with your dog in Greece this summer? Have your furry friends been guilting you into taking them vacationing with you? Hmmm, it was to be expected, but what can you do? At Ferryhopper, we love pets and we love traveling with them! So, here's a list with the best Greek islands to go on holidays with your dog .

Tip : check our complete guide on pet ferry travel in Greece  and find out all about necessary documents and the latest regulations.

Top 4 dog-friendly islands in Greece

Here’s a list of Greek destinations that are amazing for traveling with your dog :

Read more about the islands and see the pictures below, so that you can choose the best destination for you and your best friend.

Tip: have a look at Ferryhopper's Map of ferries to see all ferry routes and available crossings.

Getaway to Agistri

Agistri is a popular destination for holidays close to Athens . The ferry ride from the port of Piraeus only takes around  1.5 hours . It’s a beautiful island with great beaches, splendid nature and a lot of peace. Agistri  is a small island so it is ideal for relaxed walks or hikes   with your pet . Plus, there's plenty of natural shade to rest during a much-needed break.

The beautiful sandy beach of Chalikiada in Agistri

Strolling around Aegina

Aegina is just 1 hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus and it’s perfect for holidays or day trips to an island close to Athens. It’s also ideal for relaxation and quality time in nature. In Aegina , you will find plenty of pet-friendly hotels, as well as many areas for great dog walks. Many of the island's beaches are sandy and spacious for fun games with your dog by the sea. 

The picturesque port of Aegina

Hiking in Samothraki

Samothraki is one of the best destinations in northern Greece to travel to with your pet. We recommend bringing a car to the island to maximize flexibility and comfort. The ferry ride from the port of Alexandroupoli to Samothraki is about 2 hours . The island has impressive natural landscape with forests, waterfalls, wild animals and birds, as well as trees and rare flowers. In Samothraki, you will find dog-friendly accommodation, as well as many trails to explore with your best friend. 

Natural pool with an impressive waterfall in Samothraki

Beach life in Kythira

The island of Kythira is located south of the Peloponnese and it’s a destination of wild natural beauty . We recommend traveling to Kythira  with your own car or renting a vehicle once you get there as the island is big and you might have to drive long distances to get from A to B. There are many dog-friendly beaches in Kythira that are either sandy or combine sand and pebbles.

The numerous secluded beaches of the island are also ideal for games in the sand, running and swimming with your dog . From Kythira you can also go on a Greek island-hopping trip to the sand dunes of Elafonissos or the peaceful Antikythira, as well as a road-trip to the southern part of the Peloponnese. 

Swimmers at the beach of Avlemonas in Kythira

Choose the best island for vacationing with your dog and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper! And if you and your pet want to travel all by yourselves, check the top Greek islands for solo travelers .

Tip : if you're looking for more information about pets on board Greek ferries, check our relevant FAQ page . 

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Traveling to Greece with Your Dog - Rules

Considering a trip to Greece with your beloved canine companion? This guide will help you prepare for and enjoy your Greek adventure with your furry friend.

Pre-Travel Preparation

To ensure your journey to Greece goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few vital steps to undertake before your departure.

1. Health Checks and Vaccinations

Before your travel, ensure your dog is in good health and is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Greece requires a Rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to entry into the country.

2. Pet Passport or Health Certificate

Like other European Union (EU) countries, Greece requires all pets coming from within the EU to have a Pet Passport. If you're coming from a non-EU country, you will need a veterinary health certificate or an equivalent document detailing your pet’s vaccination records and a recent clean bill of health.

3. Identification

It's mandatory for your dog to be microchipped for travel within the EU. The microchip should be ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785 compliant.

Exploring Pet-Friendly Greece

Greece is becoming increasingly pet-friendly, with plenty of spaces and facilities that accommodate dogs.

1. Pet-friendly Accommodations

Greece offers a variety of pet-friendly accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to charming vacation rentals. Use travel websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to find places that welcome pets.

2. Beaches and Parks

While not all Greek beaches allow dogs, there are some beautiful pet-friendly beaches around the country . A quick online search can help you find one near your location. Most parks in Greece also welcome dogs but ensure they are kept on a leash.

3. Restaurants and Cafes

The hospitality in Greece extends to four-legged visitors too. Many cafes and restaurants allow dogs, particularly in outdoor seating areas. It's always a good idea to ask first.

Getting Around Greece

When it comes to exploring Greece, there are several pet-friendly transport options.

1. Public Transport

In most Greek cities, dogs are allowed on public transport, although rules can vary. In Athens, for instance, small pets in carriers are allowed on the Metro, buses, and trams, while larger dogs can travel on the Metro and Suburban trains during off-peak hours, provided they are leashed and muzzled.

If you're renting a car, check the rental company's pet policy. It's essential to keep your dog properly restrained for safety.

Traveling to Greece with your dog can be an unforgettable experience. The key to a successful trip is thorough preparation, respecting local rules and customs, and keeping your pet’s comfort and safety in mind. With the right planning, you and your canine companion can enjoy the best of what Greece has to offer, from stunning beaches to welcoming cafes and awe-inspiring historical sites. Happy travels!

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Traveling with pets in Greece

All the owners of the pets understand each others about wishing to share all nice moments with them, including vacation and travelling.

Before you start your holiday to Greece with dog or cat or some else pet, it is necessary to prepare.

First of all, your pet must be vaccinated, chipped. Of course, it is necessary to have a health booklet and a passport in which stamps will be needed that prove that the vaccination and chipping have been done. You can get all this in any private veterinary clinic.

If you are traveling from a non-EU country, which is the case with Serbia, you need a veterinarian’s confirmation no later than 10 days before the trip that the pet is in good health, and the rabies vaccine should not be older than a year and should not be to be fresher than a month.

There is a lot of speculation about the titer test and whether it is necessary or not. It is necessary by law.

How to do a titer test

You can do a titer test a month after the rabies vaccine, and you can cross the line 3 months after testing your pet.

The titer test is done by taking a dog or cat to the veterinary clinic. There, they will take a blood sample for analysis, which is sent to the laboratory, and after 7-10 days, you will receive a confirmation of the amount of antibody titer at your home address. With that certificate and passport, you go to the veterinary inspection, which issues the certificate needed to enter EU countries. This procedure can take a month or more. Confirmation of the amount of tritra lasts a lifetime if you regularly vaccinate your pet against rabies (once a year), and the certificate lasts about 6 months.

So, you need:

• Passport (with vaccine records)
• That the pet is chipped (this can be seen in the passport)
• A certificate obtained from the veterinary inspection in the city where you live, which is issued on the basis of a certificate of titer.

It is interested that in Greece, they include cats, dogs and polecat as pets, but not birds, so they are not allowed to enter Greece.

Greek airlines and ferry companies have special rules regarding the travel of pets to Greece.

In airplane it is allowed to be in a passenger cabin if they are less than 8kg, and if they are more than 8kg then they can be in cargo part of airplane.

As far as the Greek ferry is concerned, small pets can be on deck, provided they are on the leash. And larger pets are placed in houses in a separate part of the ferry. In practice, large dogs can also be taken on deck if they are on the leash and with the responsible owner.

Before you go to the destination check if there is a vet ambulance, because some smaller places don’t have it. If your pet is under therapy, traveling to the island or a small ferry, it is best to bring all the necessary medicines with you. For emergencies in the absence of a vet, you can also contact the local pharmacies who have been trained in emergency cases in Greece for animals and humans.

Pet friendly accommodation

In our offer you can find many hotels and apartments that are pet friendly. There are more than seven hundred. Just check filter on the left side (pet friendly) and as a result you will se only those hotels.

Pet friendly accommodation you can look HERE .

Before you make a reservation of accommodation it is better to check once again with the owner if and in which case they accept pets because it happens that because of bad experience or irresponsible owners they change their policy. It is important to find out whether there are some restrictions regarding pets’ pounds, because in some hotels only smaller pets are accepted or dogs are accepted, but not cats and vice versa. Some owners do not allow the pet to sleep on the bed, so it is necessary to bring a bed with you. Therefore, before booking, it is necessary to inquire in detail about all the conditions of stay of the pet in the accommodation.

You came on a holiday with your pet and for sure you would like to take it with you to the beach or to swimming.

When you arrive at the resort with your dog, you’ll definitely want to take him to the beach or for a swim. By law, dogs are only allowed on unorganized (wild) beaches. In practice, most tourists, as well as locals, take their dogs to organized beaches, but choose those that are not crowded. Here’s what the law says: “On the basis of the new framework for the welfare of pets, and especially the Law no. 4830 ⁄ 2021 , Article 19 “Access to beaches” states the following: Dogs are allowed on unorganized beaches, as well as in the sea. Outside the sea, the use of a leash is always mandatory. On organized beaches, 1 member p.d. 71 ⁄ 2020 (A’166), the access of dogs is allowed only if they are assistance dogs or if there is a clear sign posted by the legally responsible company for the exploitation of the beach. Outside the sea, the use of a leash is always mandatory. (This means that some beach bars or some municipality that leases the beach can post a notice that dogs are allowed, regardless of whether the beach is organized) Taking into account Article 21, the access of dogs to Blue Flag beaches is prohibited. Tourists and locals usually do not strictly follow the legal regulations, but they adhere to some informal rules. This would mean that if you decide to go to an organized and highly visited beach, take care that your dog does not disturb other visitors. This means that your dog does not bark excessively, does not defecate on the sand and does not walk unsupervised on the beach. Keep in mind that some people are afraid of dogs, especially larger ones.

As for dog bathing in the sea, dogs can often be seen bathing despite the large number of people in the water. Although it is rare that someone will call the police because of this, it is possible that other swimmers will turn your attention or give you “critical” looks. To avoid inconvenience, I advise that if your dog enjoys swimming, choose less frequented beaches. There you and your pet will have more freedom and enjoyment. On them, you can let your dog enjoy running, swimming and playing in the sand. You can throw him a frisbee or a ball. Alternatively, you can find out in advance whether the beach bar you are planning to visit allows the presence of dogs and whether they are allowed to swim in the sea.

As the owner of the dog, you are responsible for his well-being, so you need to take care of their health and conditions during the holidays.

It is necessary to avoid overwhelmed exposure to the sun. The white-haired dogs are particularly sensitive to sun. It would be ideal that the dogs are always in the shade, and fresh water is available all the time.

Some dogs tend to eat sand either directly or if they play with a toy in the sand so that should be taken care of.

The dog should also not be allowed to drink sea water.

Not all dogs are swimming, so if they don’t want, don’t push them to the water and force them to swim.

After swimming in the sea, it is recommended that the dog is washed with fresh water.

And now a few words for those who do not like animals, especially not on the beach.

Dogs never urinate in water (as opposite to many people) so there is no fear of spreading the infection.

Dogs have the right to swim in the sea and enjoy it the same as humans.

Dogs are no more dirty than humans, but if you are afraid of staying on the beach or in the sea for some reason, or you are afraid of yours or your child’s safety, before contacting the police, it is better to talk to the owner to find common and good solution.

See here on which beaches in Tasos we recommend going to with a dog.

Miljana 20.07.2024 12:04:57

Da li su u praksi pravila tako stroga...da li je neophodno da prodje vise od 3 meseca od titar testa

Maja 15.07.2024 20:27:51

Molim vas za informaciju o veterinarskim ambulantama na Sitoniji, kao i neka bolje opremljena (Solun ili drugo) ukoliko je potrebno.

Dejan 18.06.2024 13:37:25

Postovana Interesuje me smestaj za 2 osobe i mali pas u periodu od 29.6- 10 noci Hvala unapred

Zdenka Lalic 28.04.2023 13:45:34

Da li Vila PAPAIKONOMU II u Potosu - Tasos prima kucne ljubimce?

Maja 20.03.2023 16:33:01

Letovali bi smo u julu 10 dana, 2 odrasle osobe i 2 dece 10 i 9 godina u Grckoj. Ono sto je nama vazno je da nadjemo letovaliste negde blizu Srbije jer idemo sopstvenim prevozom, ne vazno mesto apartman koji je Friendly pet jer imamo malog Yoksira koji je izuzetno miran, dresiran i uredan. Molim vas ako imate neku ponudu da mi prosledite. Unapred zahvalna Maja Jevtic

Miodrag 11.06.2022 20:26:43

Dobro veče! Imam pitanje u vezi psa.Pas je star 6 meseci uredno je čipovan i vakcinisan a pre neki dan mu je uradjen titar test i on je u redu. Pošto nije prošlo više od tri meseca od uradjenog titar testa da li mogu voditi psa na more i da li ću u tom slučaju imati problem? Unapred hvala.

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Blog > General > Traveling with pets in Greece: practices and regulations

Traveling with pets in Greece: practices and regulations

Categories: General

By Greeka on 26-06-2014

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Many tourists actually come to Greece with their pets every year. With a safe rural environment and great nature, the Greek islands and mainland destinations are fantastic places for pets. Here are some practical rules and legal regulations about traveling with pets in Greece.

Which animals are considered pets?

Strangely enough, Greek pet regulations apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Birds are generally not permitted to enter the country, especially exotic birds like parrots.

Pet passports and health certificates

Traveling with pets in Greece is generally easier if you come from an EU country. As an EU national, you can freely travel by your car, dog or ferret if it has a European pet passport . This passport can be obtained from any authorized veterinarian and must contain details of anti-rabies vaccination. The animal must also have an electronic microchip with the same code as in the pet passport. For more, check the EU regulation on traveling with pets .

If you are traveling with pets in Greece from the USA, more documentation and procedures are needed, including a rabies vaccination certificate of no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months old, a microchip, a good-health certificate from a vet within the last 10 days before coming to Greece, and more. The Greek Embassy in the USA has an analytic list with all pet documents required.

Pets on board

Greek air and ferry companies have special rules regarding traveling with pets in Greece. Generally, transportation of pets in an aircraft cabin is allowed only if pets are carried in a special case and if the pet is no larger than 8 kilos. If the pet weights more than 8 kilos, then it can only be carried in the cargo part of the aircraft.

As for the Greek ferries, generally small pets are allowed to travel only in open spaces (decks) as long as they are on a leash and upon the owner’s responsibility . For large pets and long trips, most Greek ferries have specially-designed pet cabins as well as a small number of kennels.

There are private vets in the major Greek towns and an animal doctor in some rural areas. Unfortunately, in some Greek islands, there may be no vet doctors and clinics so you may get little help in case of an emergency. Therefore if your vet is under a drug prescription, better get supplied with these drugs from home. In case of an emergency somewhere in Greece where there is no vet clinic, better address to the local pharmacists, who are generally very well-trained and multilingual.

Is there rabies in Greece?

Cases of rabies are extremely rare in Greece and all Greek destinations are considered rabies-free. Of course, if some stay dog bits you, you will get a rabies vaccination at the Greek hospital for precaution reasons. But generally, real rabies cases are very rare.

Pet-friendly hotels

If you are traveling with pets in Greece, it is generally wise to ask the hotel if they accept pets before making your booking. Many hotels actually accept pets, mostly small-size pets, but this is not a standard case. Some Greek hotels, especially a city or boutique hotels, do not allow pets in their premises. Also, some pet-friendly hotels in Greece have specially designed rooms for pet owners on the ground floor and with direct access to the garden or the street.

Dogs on beaches

Generally, there is no rule prohibiting dogs from going to the beaches in Greece. However, some social manners generally apply so that other people on the beach are not disturbed. Dog owners are expected to take care of their pets so that they do not annoy other beach visitors, especially if these dogs are large in size. Also, your dog wants to swim in the sea, better go to a more secluded side of the beach because not all people are comfortable with swimming next to pets.

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Traveling by Greek Ferry with Your Dog

After living in Greece for several months, I’ve concluded it is one of the most dog-friendly countries I’ve been to.  For example, you can take your pups on the Greek ferries while you explore the breathtaking islands – most of the time for FREE.  Although traveling with pets can be worrisome, fret not, as we've compiled a guide to help you navigate the Greek ferries with your furry friend. I also included recommendations from our recent ferry trip that tested out the process.

Prepare in Advance

Check Ferry Policies : All ferries allow dogs on board, but different ferry companies have varying policies regarding pets. Some may allow dogs on board free of charge, while others might require you to purchase a pet ticket.  This official website lets you compare the different ferry company pet fees.   Research the policies of your chosen ferry operator beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Documentation : Ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date and have a document that states this + their microchip number.  If you have a European pet passport, this will do the trick.  As of February 2024, we didn’t have one and thankfully didn’t need it.

Pack Essentials : Don't forget to pack essential items for your dog, including food, water, bowls, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, and any medications your pet may need.  We ran out of treats and were pleasantly surprised to see several pet stores open even in winter on Hydra.

Our Experience Taking a Dog to an Island by Ferry

On our recent 2 hour ferry ride to Hydra, we decided to bring Havana to test out the process.  Here is how it worked for us:

On two different ferry companies, the process was nearly the same.  We bought a separate ticket for Havana and it was free.  She did NOT need a European pet passport (which we thought we might need and it worried us).  Instead, both companies accepted a document that showed she was up to date with her vaccinations and had her microchip ID number.  

Where things changed a bit were the kennels on each boat.  Small dogs can go in fabric carriers, but Havana is around 30 lb and we didn’t want to lug around a kennel on the island.  

On our first ship, there were special kennels located outside in the open air on the deck.  People were not allowed on the deck during movement, so we had to watch her from a passenger window about 5 feet away.  The crew visited and loved on her several times during the trip and they let me take her out when the ship stopped at other islands.  It was indeed windy, but Havana seemed to enjoy that.  Overall, she settled down pretty quickly because she could see us in the window.

On the second ship, the kennels were located indoors inside a special pet cabin.  The upside is they were out of the wind which would be beneficial for longer ferry rides.  She couldn’t see us this time, but I sat in the closest passenger seat to that room and heard her settle down when we were on our way.  She did totally fine on the two hour journey.  

Our Personal Recommendations

There were only 5 kennels on each ship so make sure to buy tickets in advance during busy season.  We learned that ticket prices don’t change whether you buy online, a few days in advance, or in person at the last minute.

Bring a stuffed kong or slow feeder & exercise before boarding.  Give a calming treat if that’s something you usually do.

Relax because the trip goes by fast and they’ll get to run around on Greek beaches and mountains soon which makes them (and you!) so happy

Exploring the Islands

Once you've arrived at your desired island destination, the adventure continues. Here are some tips for exploring the Greek islands with your dog:

Choose pet-friendly accommodations : When booking accommodation, opt for pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. Many establishments in Greece warmly welcome furry guests, providing amenities and services tailored to their needs.

Explore dog-friendly attractions :  Greece is really dog friendly and there are usually lots of outdoor activities to do together like exploring cobblestone streets, using hiking trails, or visiting beaches or parks.

Cafes and restaurants:   We’ve traveled Greece extensively and I’ve never seen an outdoor patio that didn’t go out of their way to welcome dogs.  I’ve ALSO been to five star upscale beach restaurants that allowed dogs INSIDE their dining rooms.  Plan to sit outside, but know you will have lots of options.

Word of caution about cats:  The islands usually have lots of local cats wandering around.  They shouldn’t confront your dogs, but they usually hold their ground.  I usually walk between the cat and the dog while Will walks Havana on a leash.  We treat Havana after passing if/when she doesn’t react.

Word of caution about poisonous caterpillars:  Greece, like many places in Europe, has pine processionary caterpillars present during Spring.  Their hairs are extremely poisonous when inhaled so keep dogs close around pine trees.  If an interaction occurs, wash the dog’s mouth out and bring the dog to a vet immediately.  

Stay safe :  Ensure your dog's safety at all times, especially in unfamiliar environments. Keep them on a leash during outings, avoid extreme temperatures, and be vigilant of any potential hazards.

Traveling with your dog to the Greek islands can be a rewarding experience.  By adequately preparing for the journey, being mindful of ferry policies, and prioritizing your dog's comfort and safety, you can embark on a seamless and enjoyable adventure that both you and your furry companion will cherish forever!!  So pack your bags, leash up your pup, and get ready for an unforgettable island-hopping escapade in Greece.  Bon voyage!

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When we were traveling throughout Europe, we had a wedding in Santorini and so we decided to explore more of Greece afterwards! We were traveling with Bodhi so we needed to find transportation that was fast, affordable, and dog friendly! As we were researching all the different ferry options in Greece, we came across  Blue Star Ferries . In this blog we will help outline our experience with Bodhi on board as well as share tips.  If you’re thinking of taking your dog on Blue Star Ferries too, then read on!

How To Get Around Greece With Your Dog

Ferries, in particular blue star ferries.

Blue Star Ferries is hands down the best option if you would like to island hop around Greece with your dog! It is way less expensive than flying (which would be the only other option if you want to island hop). They are affordable, have several time slots, and are relatively fast. They also have many destinations so it would be easy to find a ferry to any of the Greek Islands. Though, the more popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos and Paros will have more time slots.  

Can I take my dog in a ferry in Greece?

Yes, you can take your dog on the ferry in Greece. There are many options out there but Blue Star Ferries is the best. Dogs are allowed for free, and many of the dogs did not need to be in a carrier. This applies to small or larger dogs as well. The ferries have an upper deck with tables, chairs and ample space so it is sure to be a pleasant journey for your furry friend!

Can I bring my dog with me to Greece?

Yes! You can certainly bring your dog to Greece. We recommend obtaining an EU Pet Passport to make things a lot easier. However, it is not necessary. If you do not have an EU Pet Passport then you will need to obtain a health certificate  upon arrival in Greece. if you are flying into Greece from the US. The process of entering Greece is not difficult, it’s more so the transporting of your dog and the necessary documents you may need before hand that can be confusing.

Can I stay with my dog on a ferry?

Yes! This was the best part of traveling with Bodhi. We had Bodhi sit in his pet travel carrier during the duration of the trip.  Check here for our top choices of travel carriers! However, your pet does not need to be seated in any carrier, they just be kept on a lead/leash. We saw dogs of all sizes on board and since there’s ample seating space, both inside and outside, your dog will be comfortable! Another great part is that dogs get to travel for free on Blue Star Ferries !

Are Greek islands dog friendly?

The Greek islands are very dog friendly! The Greek people love dogs! Just be sure to pick up after your dog and there should not be a problem. Many hotels, restaurants, beaches, etc are dog friendly. When we went, everywhere we sat to eat, or hung out at — the staff would always be sure to bring Bodhi a bowl of water and sometimes even some treats! We would 100% recommend Greece as a top destination to travel with your dog. 🐶

Is it safe for dogs to go to Greece?

We believe that dogs are perfectly safe to go to Greece. Greece is a rabies free country and we also had no issues with Bodhi while we were in Greece. Even upon returning to the US, there was no questions or issues with Greece. While Greece does have a lot of stray cats and dogs all over, Bodhi did not pick up anything. We did make sure he didn’t get to close to the stray animals (many of them were scared of him anyway).

We hope you found this article helpful! 

Travel Dog Bodhi 🐶

Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?

If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.

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