Holidaying with Your Hound: Dog Friendly Destinations

Okay so you’ve decided to treat your pooch to a getaway – how exciting! Now, where do you take them? Read our list of the best dog-friendly destinations to inspire you.

Remember and take a pocket full of your dog's familiar BrewBix as a distraction in unfamiliar destinations. Our treats are a great incentive to make sure they stay by your side at busy times, to use for call back or as an energy boost if you are going on especially long endurance walks.

Alps, France

France is a country where dogs are allowed almost everywhere. The French love our canine friends, and many restaurants welcome them. What could be more pleasant than sitting outside a pavement café sipping a refreshing drink with your furry companion enjoying a bowl of water by your side?

The Alps is a great spot for scenic walks and a chill holiday vibe. Try Portes du Soleil, a charming and unique hotspot for the best walks in the French Alps. Here is a great walk recommended by the OVO Network:

Mines de la Lappiaz – Ferme de Séraussaix.

Location: Avoriaz

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 1h 55mins

This trail is dog and family-friendly, with opportunities for a shaded break at the Lil-Stash Snowpark en route. It is one of the few walks in Avoriaz that doesn’t require catching a lift. You will pass through forests and meadows along the way, perfect for exploring with your dog!

Insider Insight: If you’re having a holiday here, you will probably come across shepherd dogs. They help the shepherd by watching over the flocks in the Alpine pastures and protecting them from predators. If you come across these dogs, there are a few safety rules to follow to be able to watch them doing their job in total freedom! Walk calmly around the flock, do not look the dog in the eyes and do not try to get near it. And if your four-legged friend is also with you, keep it on a leash and place it behind you so that it cannot disturb the flock.

Costa Brava, Spain

Imagine relaxing in villas with pool in Spain with your pet by your side. You can both jump in the water to cool off. Spain is a very easy-going country regarding where you can take your dog. In fact, the larger cities tend to have dog exercise and toilet areas. Here is a great beach to spend the afternoon relaxing on:

Rubina Beach – Castelló d’Empúries

Tucked halfway between Empuriabrava and Roses is the first beach in Spain to admit dogs. This landmark was admired by many coastal municipalities across the country and has already been reproduced on several beaches for its smooth operation.

Rubina Beach, also known by locals as the Wild Beach, for being one of the few beaches in the area that has not been developed and that preserves the sand dunes and native vegetation.

The dog-friendly section is set aside in a part of the beach to avoid disturbing bathers who are not accompanied by pets.

Remember: Just remember it may not be a good idea to bring your pet during the height of summer, which can be especially hard on large dogs. Always make sure they have an adequate supply of drinking water.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are the perfect place for a getaway a bit closer to home. During Summer, the average temperature is around 13C so your larger, fluffy dog can enjoy it without overheating. However, the weather in Scotland is temperamental, so pack sunglasses and a raincoat – you never know!

The North Coast 500 is a great trail to follow to experience the gorgeous landscapes Scotland has to offer. The 500-mile trail takes you around the top of the country, passing Inverness, Smoo Cave, and Ullapool – each stop with breathtaking walks your dog will adore. Take a stroll down to see Smoo Cave, a gigantic sea cave that you can walk into! Your dog will have a blast sniffing around the rock pools and crevices of the large cave chamber.

The Highlands are happy to host furry friends, there are plenty of cafes and pubs that will happily welcome you and your dog in.

Keep an eye out: Scotland has a variety of beautiful wildlife that will blow you away, but make sure to keep your pooch calm and on a lead so as not to disturb the local fauna. Also, be cautious of walking through livestock fields and keep your dog on a lead if you see any animals nearby.

Dalmatia, Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful 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 is plenty for you to do here with your furry companion.

On the pebble beach south of the centre of Starigrad-Paklenica in Northern Dalmatia is a perfect spot to relax. The large pine trees provide natural shade on sizzling summer days and the shallow shore is particularly suitable for children, but also for dogs. From the beach, you can go pedal boating and canoeing or play beach volleyball.

The locals in the village Karin Gornji near Novigrad are known for their hospitality and love of dogs. Dogs are allowed on the pebble beaches in the outdoor areas, which are partly covered with concreted spots and interspersed with stones. It is especially nice on the beach where there is a grassed area with park benches to kick back with your dog.

Looking for more travel tips? Check out other blogs in our pet-friendly travel series.