Pet-friendly stays on the Makarska Riviera
The riviera's main beaches are busy family beaches, but several towns have set aside places where dogs can swim. Knowing where they are makes a holiday with your dog much easier.
Search pet-friendly stays on the rivieraMakarska has a designated dog beach at Ramova, a small pebble beach just north of the town along the coast, which the town's tourist board promotes as a place to swim with your dog. Closer to the centre, part of Cvitačka beach, about two kilometres from Makarska, has been set aside as a dog-friendly area. Both are pebble, so the water is clear, and both are best visited early before the heat builds. Neither has much in the way of facilities for dogs, so bring water and a bowl.
In Baška Voda, dogs are allowed on a signed section of Stazica beach, running from steps about 200 metres south of the Milenij aparthotel to the steps just past the Oseka beach bar. Signs mark the approach at the top and bottom of the steps, and other approaches to the town's beaches carry signs saying dogs are not allowed. That pattern is typical of the riviera: dogs are welcome in specific places and not on the main town beaches, so follow the signs rather than assuming. Other villages have their own arrangements, which your host or the local tourist office can explain.
If you plan a day on Brač or Hvar, the car ferries from Makarska and Drvenik follow Jadrolinija's rules: dogs must be muzzled and on a lead, and larger dogs travel on the open deck. Summer heat and hot pebbles are the other thing to plan for. Stays with a shaded terrace or garden help, and pet-friendly hosts vary on size limits and fees. From another EU country your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport.
Stays on the Makarska Riviera that accept pets
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Tips before you book
- Choose a stay near Makarska or Baška Voda if you want a dog beach within walking distance.
- Confirm size limits, fees and whether the outdoor space is shaded and fenced before booking.
- Swim with your dog early or late; the pebbles get very hot by midday in summer.
- Pack a muzzle and lead for the ferries to Brač and Hvar.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I swim with my dog near Makarska?
Ramova, a small pebble beach just north of town, is Makarska's designated dog beach, and part of Cvitačka beach, about two kilometres from the centre, is set aside for dogs. In Baška Voda, a signed section of Stazica beach near the Oseka beach bar is open to dogs.
Are dogs allowed on the main beaches of the Makarska Riviera?
Generally not. In Baška Voda, for example, signs at the other beach approaches say dogs are not allowed, and the main town beaches are crowded family beaches in summer. Use the designated dog areas and follow the signs; your host can tell you the local arrangements.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to Brač or Hvar?
Yes. On Jadrolinija ferries dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a lead, and dogs over 8 kg travel free on the open deck. Small pets can go in the lounge in a carrier, with pet and carrier under 8 kg in total.