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There's nothing quite like a family holiday, when parents, children, siblings, and more gather to make timeless memories with the people they love most. But more often than not, families comprise another four-legged member who isn't always able to come along.
At Le Collectionist, we believe family holidays should include all family members, including the furry ones! That's why we've put together a pet friendly holiday travel guide to help you prepare for your trip abroad. Discover dog friendly holiday destinations, dog friendly accommodations, and travel requirements to bring your pet into the country.
OUR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR HOLIDAYS WITH DOGS
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Provence, France
- French Riviera, France
- Greece
- The Swiss Alps
- Italy
- Spain
- Portugal
A PET FRIENDLY STAY IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Marrakech is a great choice for dog friendly holidays. Here, you can enjoy guided walking tours with your four-legged friend, or even take them with you on camel rides through the desert!
You can also explore the city's marvellous markets, but watch out: there are many stray cats in Morocco so you'll want to keep a tight grip on your pooch's lead. Learn more about what to do in this city with our Marrakech guide.
Be aware that some dog breeds deemed dangerous are not allowed in the country, so your pit bulls, bull terriers, and mastiffs will have to stay home. Make sure you consult the full list of banned dog breeds before making travel plans to Morocco.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine within 21 days to 6 months prior to travel
- Veterinarian Certificate or government endorsement of travel forms within 3 days of your travel to Morocco
Dog friendly accommodation:
Enjoy your pet friendly holidays from the comfort of Villa Avana. This refined and modern home is the perfect dog friendly accommodation.
What to know:
- Villa Avana, Marrakech, Morocco
- Swimming pool, steam room, massage room, relaxation space
- Cook, prepared breakfast
- 10 guests
- From €6,125 to €7,700 per week
Villa Avana in Marrakech, Morocco
HOLIDAYS WITH DOGS IN PROVENCE, FRANCE
In the South of France, Provence's wide open natural spaces make it perfect for long walks discovering villages and the countryside with your pet. You can both bask in the sun, the views, and the fragrant air heavy with lavender when Provence is in full bloom.
Hike through mountain trails, the famed Sentier des Ochres, or visit historical sites like castles or Roman aqueducts. Dogs are welcome in outdoor spaces, but indoors as well: enjoy a dinner for two with your pooch, Lady and the Tramp style!
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine within 21 days prior to travel
- EU Health certificate or Animal Health Certificate from your veterinarian within 10 days of your travel to France
- Birth certificate or pedigree required for certain breeds: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbull), Mastiff (boerbull), and Tosa
Mas des Eclats in the surroundings of Bonnieux, Provence, France
Dog friendly accommodation:
The wide-open spaces of Mas Naïs make it the perfect dog friendly accommodation where your four-legged friend can run wild. Near the city centre, you're ideally located for walks into the city with man's best friend at your side.
What to know:
- Mas Naïs, Provence, France
- Heated swimming pool, bocce and tennis courts, home cinema
- City centre within walking distance
- 12 guests
- From €6,635 to €15,010 per week
Mas Naïs in the surroundings of Egalières, Provence, France
HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE WITH DOGS ON THE french riviera
As you'll have figured out, France is extremely dog friendly. Plan your holidays with dogs in the French Riviera, where you can take your dog with you for a day at the beach, water sports, promenades across the region, and more.
In the Riviera, and Nice especially, you can easily recognize pet friendly establishments by their designated pet friendly label. Whether you're visiting one of the best Michelin Starred restaurants in Nice or frolicking in the turquoise waters of St Tropez's best beaches, local landmarks make their affinity for man's best friend clear.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine within 21 days prior to travel
- EU Health certificate or Animal Health Certificate from your veterinarian within 10 days of your travel to France
- Birth certificate or pedigree required for certain breeds: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbull), Mastiff (boerbull), and Tosa
Dog friendly accommodation:
Just a stone's throw from the beach's golden sand and inviting azur waters, Villa des Vignes is one of our best dog friendly stays on the French Riviera.
What to know:
- Villa des Vignes, Ramatuelle, French Riviera, France
- Swimming pool, nature view
- Villa manager, prepared breakfast
- Beach within walking distance
- 8 guests
- From €12,705 to €18,955 per week
Villa des Vignes in Ramatuelle, French Riviera, France
PET FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS IN Greece
Many families in Greece have a four-legged member of their own, so by and large, the country is very welcoming of pets. Most public beaches are dog friendly, and you'll be able to find several dog parks scattered across the country fo give your furry friends their own space to frolic while you're connecting with the seas in Greece.
Dogs are welcome in some major tourist attractions, although they aren't accepted in churches, monasteries, or at archeological sites. That said, they can certainly join you for the trek and wait outside while you discover the attractions. Once you've had your fill of cultural discoveries, enjoy a meal outside with your pet at your feet.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine within 21 days prior to travel
- Health certificate from your local veterinarian, though conditions apply based on where you're travelling from
Villa Tsiropoules in Paros, Greece
Dog friendly accommodation:
With private access to the beach right in your backyard, Villa Thalassa in Corfu is a dream pet friendly accommodation option. Walk your dog on the beach every morning as soon as you wake up!
What to know:
- Villa Thalassa, Corfu, Greece
- Barbecue and Mediterranean garden
- Beachfront with private access to a shared beach
- 12 guests
- From €6,300 to €20,300 per week
Villa Thalassa in Corfu, Greece
DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS IN THE SWISS ALPS
There's nothing like the fresh mountain air and lush scenery of the Swiss Alps for perfect holidays with dogs. Slip on your hiking boots, clip a lead to your dog's harness, and head out into the wild. Your four-legged friend can trek with you across the many mountain paths, natural parks, and forest trails.
If you're feeling tired after your walk, don't worry, dogs are allowed on public transport with their own ticket. Then, settle into an outdoor restaurant terrace for your meal, with your pet giving you puppy dog eyes for a taste of your Swiss cheese! Wondering where to stop? See our Zermatt guide for restaurants, experiences, and chalets.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport, or other specific documentation if visiting from a non-EU country
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine within 30 days to 12 months prior to travel, DHPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, Leptospirosis vaccine, CIV vaccine
- Health certificate from your local veterinarian up to 5 days prior to travel
- Certain breeds are banned, depending on the Swiss canton. Be sure to check the list and exemptions
Chalet Shalimar in Zermatt, Swiss Alps
Dog friendly accommodation:
In the heights of the Swiss Alps, Christiania Penthouse is the perfect pet friendly accommodation no matter the season. Right in the mountain, it's an ideal starting point for your days out in the wild.
What to know:
- Christiania Penthouse, Zermatt, Swiss Alps
- Sauna, home theatre, and mountain view
- Chef, prepared breakfast and afternoon tea, chauffeur
- Ski slopes within walking distance
- 14 guests
- From €19,375 to €101,440 per week
Christiania Penthouse in Zermatt, Swiss Alps
A DOG FRIENDLY HOLIDAY IN Italy
If European countries are generally dog friendly, Italy takes this love to a whole new level. You'll have no problem giving your pet a full holiday experience here, between lounging on sandy beaches, strolling through mediaeval city streets, hiking in beautiful landscapes, and even visiting popular tourist attractions! Unlike Greece, your dogs can visit archeological sites with you in Italy.
Be aware that while dogs are welcome in public spaces, there are sometimes particular rules that apply. For instance, though your pet can more often than not come into the grocery store with you, you can't pick them up while indoors. And while dogs are allowed onto public transport, they're often required to wear a muzzle. That said, the laws aren't always strictly enforced, so just be mindful.
Wondering what else you can visit in Italy? See our complete Italy guide to plan your most idyllic pet friendly holidays.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport for pets travelling from EU member states or certain other countries
- Microchip, or tattoo if applied before July 2011
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine at least 21 to 30 days prior to travel depending on the country of origin
- Health certificate from your local veterinarian, though conditions apply based on where you're travelling from
- Certain breeds are restricted and must be muzzled in public spaces
Casale Selene in Pisa, Tuscany
Dog friendly accommodation:
Surrounded by vineyards and without any neighbours, the expansive fields of Villa Sangiovese are the perfect place to let your pet run wild.
What to know:
- Villa Sangiovese in Sienna, Tuscany, Italy
- Outdoor and indoor pools, helipad, sauna, relaxation space, padel court, and home gym
- Prepared breakfast
- 19 guests
- From €49,000 to €56,000 per week
Villa Sangiovese in Sienna, Tuscany
PET FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS IN SPAIN
A little more strict than other European destinations on this list, Spain remains a fantastic option for holidays with dogs. Though you won't be able to dine indoors with your pooch in most restaurants, it's generally warm enough year round for you to enjoy a meal on the terrace. In terms of public transport, you'll have more difficulties with a large dog.
But what Spain doesn't offer in ease, it more than makes up for in quality of experiences. You'll find beautifully landscaped dog parks where your four-legged friend can run off the lead, hiking trails through dazzling landscapes, and beaches that stretch on for miles where you and your pet can splash in the crystalline sea.
Some cities, like Valencia, are recognized with a "pet friendly" seal, proving what a fitting option Spain is for your pet friendly holidays.
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip, or tattoo if applied before July 2011
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine
- Health certificate from your local veterinarian, though conditions apply based on where you're travelling from
- Certain breeds must be muzzled in public spaces
Villa Balagueret in Mallorca, Spain
Dog friendly accommodation:
Villa Sa Punta de s'Aguila is one of our best pet friendly accommodations in Spain. With a hiking trail right at your doorstep that leads you to the beach, you'll have no trouble finding the motivation to walk your dog in the morning. Plus, we're sure your furry friend will love the smells from the Mediterranean garden!
What to know:
- Villa Sa Punta de s'Aguila in Mallorca, Spain
- Swimming pool, access to a shared tennis court, ping-pong table, sea view
- Villa manager
- 10 guests
- From €26,740 to €46,010 per week
Villa Sa Punta de s'Aguila in Mallorca, Spain
Portugal
Is there anything better than Portugal's wild and unspoilt landscapes for a pet friendly holiday with your family's wildest member? In the Algarve or on Comporta's infinite beaches, you'll be sure to find your perfect holiday haven where you can dig your toes — or paws! — in the sand.
Besides the beaches, many shops and restaurants are pet friendly, so your pet won't ever have to leave your side. You can also find many dog parks and natural spaces even in the cities, so no matter where you are you'll be able to keep your four-legged friend happy. So go out and discover the wild paradise in Portugal with man's best friend on your tail!
Pet travel requirements:
- Pet passport
- Microchip
- Up to date on vaccinations, rabies vaccine at least 21 days prior to travel
- Health certificate from your veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Signed Statement of Responsibility or pedigree for certain breeds
Dog friendly accommodation:
Villa Coraçao in Comporta offers the best of the region's untouched landscapes, blossoming with natural beauty. Put your pooch on a lead and walk over to the famous Carvalhal beach, just a short ways from this pet friendly accommodation.
What to know:
- Villa Coraçao, Comporta, Portugal
- Heated swimming pool, village view, barbecue
- 8 guests
- From €8,750 to €17,500 per week
Villa Coraçao in Comporta, Portugal
CAT FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS
Generally speaking, you'll find many of the restrictions that apply to dogs apply to cats as well, though they tend to be more strict on cats. In terms of travel requirements, cats will more often than not have to abide to the same rules as dogs: pet passports, microchips, rabies vaccines, and health certificates are a must before your cat can cross the border.
Inspired to plan your next family holiday, fur babies included? With Le Collectionist, enjoying tailor-made holidays has never been easier. Simply select your pet friendly accommodation and let our team take care of the rest.
