Camping with dog in Croatia

There are numerous dog-friendly campsites in Croatia for you and your pet, surrounded by lush vegetation. Comfortable facilities, play areas for the animals and dog beaches are among the amenities when camping in this Mediterranean country. With its fragrant forests, high mountains, deep blue lakes and paradisiacal national parks, the destination is ideal for dog owners, nature lovers and active holidaymakers.

Croatia has gained in appeal as a holiday destination for campers in recent years and the number of visitors is constantly increasing. And not without reason: the country impresses with its attractive cities, unspoilt nature and Mediterranean cuisine.

Comfortable camping with a dog

Increasing investment by campsite owners in the infrastructure of their sites is making the holiday offer more and more attractive - the camping guest decides: should it be a simple tent or the luxurious glamping option? A rented mobile home or your own caravan?

The wide range of camping options also attracts dog owners to this popular holiday destination. This is not surprising, as the majority of Croatian campsites welcome owners and their four-legged friends: the ADAC camping guide lists 118 of the 126 campsites described as suitable for camping with dogs.

Camping with dogs by the sea

Particularly noteworthy: 97 Croatian campsites where camping with dogs is permitted are located by the sea. Relax while camping by the sea, soak up the sun on the beach and refresh yourself in the cool water - all with your dog!

Many campsites have dedicated beach areas for dog owners and their four-legged friends, so you can let your pet run around on the beach undisturbed.

Camping with a dog and family

Camping with a dog and family? That's no problem in Croatia either. Families with dogs can choose from 21 campsites right by the sea. The top regions for camping holidays in Croatia are Istria and Dalmatia. Istria stands for beautiful beaches with clear sea water, historic old towns and unspoilt nature. Campsites often have a wide range of leisure activities for children and bathing bays exclusively for dogs. Naturists will also find naturist campsites, especially in Istria, where they can spend a relaxing camping holiday with their dog. The sun-kissed region of Dalmatia stretches from Zadar to Dubrovnik. There are cosy bays, island landscapes and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Diocletian's Palace in Split, the plain of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar and the old town of Dubrovnik.

Destinations

Istria is a particularly beautiful region for camping in Croatia with your four-legged friend . The peninsula enchants with its unspoilt and multifaceted natural beauty: from extensive and dense forests to rugged mountain landscapes, dreamy beaches and the crystal-clear sea with excellent water quality.

The largest selection of campsites in the country is located directly on the picturesque Istrian coast. For camping with your dog in Croatia, for example, the Lanterna camping resort not far from Tar is ideal.

The unspoilt site is nestled in a shady pine and oak forest and has a 3 km long seashore of fine gravel and rocks. In a camping area specially designed for pets and their owners, there are various pet-friendly facilities such as a dog playground, extensive meadows to run around in and even a private bathing bay with a dog beach.

The historic and sun-drenched Dalmatia is also ideal for camping with your dog in Croatia. In addition to the beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and unspoilt nature parks, the historic towns with their Roman and Venetian architecture cast a spell over visitors.

The dog-friendly Autocamp Plantaža campsite is located in Starigrad on the southern coast of Croatia on the edge of Paklenica National Park. The surrounding area invites you to take long walks through refreshing coniferous forests and up to the rugged Velebit mountain range.

Tips for an unforgettable holiday with your dog

• Croatia inspires with numerous excursion destinations in nature that can be explored together with your dog. The Krka National Park is a breathtaking jewel for hiking, also for four-legged friends. In the unique river and forest landscape, the water collects in emerald green pools and large lakes or cascades down from many small and seven large waterfalls. Here he can go exploring with his furry friend, look out for birds or lizards and refresh himself in the cool water in between.
• The holiday destination also scores with its long Adriatic coastline, where there are either official dog beaches or so-called wild beaches for pets to splash around on. South of Rovinj is the pretty natural beach of Lone Beach, where dogs are allowed to jump into the turquoise waters. Just behind the shore is a huge green area where your dog can run around.

Activities and excursions

When camping with your dog in Croatia, there is a wide range of leisure options for exciting excursions and active pursuits.

Hiking over hill and dale with your pet

Dogs love to explore nature and sniff out new territories. Croatia offers plenty of opportunities and places for this. If the hiker and their fluffy companion are summiteers, for example, then the Paklenica National Park is a suitable excursion tip.

Within the nature reserve lies the Velebit mountain range with the two highest peaks Vaganski Vrh at 1,757 metres and Sveto Brdo at 1,750 metres. A walk through the wild and romantic Paklenica Gorge promises an adventure for animals and owners alike. A small, gently gurgling stream flows through the narrow valley, which is framed by karst cliffs rising up to 400 metres.

Take your four-legged friend on bike tours

Whether it's challenging mountain biking, idyllic nature cycle routes or fun family excursions: Even those who want to explore the country on two tyres can conquer picturesque coastal cycle paths or steep mountain bike trails with their dog. This is a great experience, especially for animals that have a lot of energy and enjoy extensive exercise.

Setting off on riding adventures with your pet

Similar to riding a bike, horse riding excursions are a great way for four-legged friends to burn off energy over long distances at a rapid pace. If your furry friend gets on well with other animals, horse lovers can dedicate themselves to their hobby and trot and gallop through Croatia while camping with their dog.

Splashing and swimming during your holiday in Croatia

It is not only possible to enjoy a swim with your dog at the many beaches and bays, but also at lakes hidden deep in the woods. Some of the most beautiful are the colourful waters in the Krka National Park. The saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park on the island of the same name off the coast of Dubrovnik also promise exceptional bathing pleasure.

Events

In Croatia, recurring annual events take place either nationwide or in individual cities. Depending on the personality of the dog, owners take part in lively celebrations or more sedate cultural events.

February - March

• Carnival: colourful carnival parades throughout the country

June - July

• International Children's Festival in Šibenik: theatre performances and games for everyone

July - August

• Summer festival in Dubrovnik: folklore and theatre performances, live music and art exhibitions in the old town centre
• Summer festival in Split: Dramas, ballets and operas on open-air stages in the old town centre
• Music festival in Zadar: live music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods

August

• Knights' Games in Sinj: the most important knights' tournament in Croatia with riders in traditional Dalmatian costumes

November

• Open Farm Day in Istria: rural flora and fauna, local cuisine and products.

Destinations

Istria is a particularly beautiful region for camping in Croatia with your four-legged friend. The peninsula enchants with its unspoilt and diverse natural beauty: from extensive and dense forests to rugged mountain landscapes, dreamy beaches and the crystal-clear sea with excellent water quality. The largest selection of campsites in the country is also located directly on the picturesque coast of Istria. For camping with your dog in Croatia, the Lanterna camping resort not far from Tar, for example, is an excellent choice. The unspoilt site is nestled in a shady pine and oak forest and has a 3 km long seashore of fine gravel and rocks. In a camping area specially designed for pets and their owners, there are various pet-friendly facilities such as a dog playground, extensive meadows to run around in and even a private bathing bay with a dog beach.

The historic and sun-drenched Dalmatia is also ideal for camping with your dog in Croatia. In addition to the beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and unspoilt nature parks, the historic towns with their Roman and Venetian architecture cast a spell over visitors. The dog-friendly Autocamp Plantaža campsite is located in Starigrad on the southern coast of Croatia on the edge of Paklenica National Park. The surrounding area invites you to take long walks through refreshing coniferous forests and up to the rugged Velebit mountain massif.

Tips for an unforgettable holiday with your dog

• Croatia inspires with numerous excursion destinations in nature that can be explored together with your dog. The Krka National Park is a breathtaking jewel for hiking, also for four-legged friends. In the unique river and forest landscape, the water collects in emerald green pools and large lakes or cascades down from many small and seven large waterfalls. Here he can go exploring with his furry friend, look out for birds or lizards and refresh himself in the cool water in between.
• The holiday destination also scores with its long Adriatic coastline, where there are either official dog beaches or so-called wild beaches for pets to splash around on. South of Rovinj is the pretty natural beach of Lone Beach, where dogs are allowed to jump into the turquoise waters. Just behind the shore, there is a huge green area where your dog can romp around.

Activities and excursions

When camping with your dog in Croatia, there is a wide range of leisure opportunities for exciting excursions and active pursuits.

Hiking over hill and dale with your pet

Dogs love to explore nature and sniff out new territories. Croatia offers plenty of opportunities and places for this. If the hiker and his fluffy companion are summiteers, for example, then the Paklenica National Park is a suitable excursion tip. Within the nature reserve lies the Velebit mountain range with the two highest peaks Vaganski Vrh at 1,757 metres and Sveto Brdo at 1,750 metres. A walk through the wild and romantic Paklenica Gorge promises an adventure for animals and owners alike. A small, gently gurgling stream flows through the narrow valley, which is framed by karst cliffs rising up to 400 metres.

Take your four-legged friend on bike tours

Whether it's challenging mountain biking, idyllic nature cycle routes or fun family excursions: Even those who want to explore the country on two tyres can conquer picturesque coastal cycle paths or steep mountain bike trails with their dog. This is a great experience, especially for animals that have a lot of energy and enjoy extensive exercise.

Setting off on riding adventures with your pet

Similar to riding a bike, horse riding excursions are a great way for four-legged friends to burn off energy over long distances at a rapid pace. If your furry friend gets on well with other animals, horse lovers can dedicate themselves to their hobby and trot and gallop through Croatia while camping with their dog.

Splashing and swimming during your holiday in Croatia

It is not only possible to enjoy a swim with your dog at the many beaches and bays, but also at lakes hidden deep in the woods. Some of the most beautiful are the colourful waters in Krka National Park. The saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park on the island of the same name off the coast of Dubrovnik also promise exceptional bathing pleasure.

Events

In Croatia, recurring annual events take place either nationwide or in individual cities. Depending on the dog's personality, owners take part in lively celebrations or more sedate cultural events.

February - March

• Carnival: colourful carnival parades throughout the country

June - July

• International Children's Festival in Šibenik: theatre performances and games for everyone

July - August

• Summer festival in Dubrovnik: folklore and theatre performances, live music and art exhibitions in the old town centre
• Summer festival in Split: Dramas, ballets and operas on open-air stages in the old town centre
• Music festival in Zadar: live music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods

August

• Knights' Games in Sinj: the most important knights' tournament in Croatia with riders in traditional Dalmatian costumes

November

• Farm Open Day in Istria: rural flora and fauna, local cuisine and products