Halkidiki with Dogs — Pet-Friendly Guide

Dog Rules on Greek Beaches

In Greece, dogs are allowed on free (unorganised) beaches but technically prohibited on organised/paid beaches with sunbeds. In practice, on quiet beaches — especially in Sithonia — nobody will bother you, particularly in the morning or off-season.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

• Free beaches in Sithonia: Dozens of small coves without sunbeds — perfect for dogs
• Kavourotrypes (free sections) — plenty of space, rocky coves for exploration
• Toroni — long beach with free sections, shallow water
• Kassandra beaches off-season — nearly empty, dogs welcome everywhere
• Ammouliani quiet bays — Faka and Katsambas are secluded

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

• Villas with garden: The ideal choice — your dog has space to roam
• On Booking.com/Airbnb: filter by "pets allowed"
• Many small hotels accept small pets — always confirm beforehand
• Large resorts usually do not accept pets
• Expect a small pet surcharge (€5-15/night) at some properties

Veterinary Clinics

Vet clinics are available in Polygyros, Kassandreia, and Nea Moudania. For emergencies, 24-hour vet hospitals are in Thessaloniki (1-1.5 hours away).

Travelling with Pets from Abroad

• EU Pet Passport: Required for travel within the EU
• Rabies vaccination: At least 21 days before travel
• Microchip: Mandatory (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• Non-EU countries: May need a rabies antibody titre test (blood test 30+ days before travel)
• Airlines: Check pet-in-cabin weight limits; most allow up to 8 kg in cabin

Essential Items to Bring

• Portable water bowl — dehydration is a real risk in summer heat
• Shade solution (beach umbrella or pop-up tent) — dogs overheat quickly
• Waste bags — always clean up after your dog
• Tick and mosquito prevention: Greek mosquitoes can carry leishmaniasis — use a repellent collar or spot-on treatment
• Dog-safe sunscreen for light-coloured or thin-coated breeds
• Avoid walking on hot sand/asphalt between 12:00-16:00 in summer