🐾 Traveling to Greece with Pets
Pet-Friendly Greece
Greece is highly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with a Mediterranean lifestyle that includes pets in outdoor activities. From beaches to ancient ruins, many sites and services accommodate well-behaved animals, making it a top pet-friendly destination in Europe.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with Greek embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but local municipalities may restrict certain dogs like Pit Bulls.
Some areas require muzzles and leashes for larger breeds; check regional rules before travel.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with Greek authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Greece on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Athens & Thessaloniki): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for €10-30/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Grecotel and Makedonia Palace are reliably pet-friendly.
- Island Villas & Resorts (Crete & Rhodes): Beachfront accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct access to pet-friendly beaches. Ideal for relaxed holidays with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially on islands. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Agrotourism Farms: Rural stays in Peloponnese and Crete welcome pets and often have resident animals. Perfect for families with children and pets seeking authentic experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Nearly all Greek campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Coastal sites in Halkidiki are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like Electra Palace Athens offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Hiking Trails
Greece's mountains like Mount Olympus and Samaria Gorge offer pet-friendly trails for dogs.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check trail rules at national park entrances.
Beaches & Coasts
Many Aegean and Ionian beaches have designated dog-friendly areas, especially off-season.
Places like Elafonissi in Crete and Falassarna offer pet sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Athens' National Garden and Thessaloniki's waterfront parks welcome leashed dogs; outdoor tavernas commonly allow pets.
Ancient sites like Delphi permit dogs on outdoor paths; most outdoor areas are pet-friendly.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Greek café culture includes pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities and islands.
Many tavernas allow dogs at outdoor tables; ask staff before entering indoor areas with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Athens and island villages welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and archaeological sites with pets.
Ferries & Boats
Many Greek ferries allow dogs in designated areas or on deck; fees typically €5-15.
Check with operators like Blue Star Ferries; some require carriers or muzzles during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Hellenic Train): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Athens and Thessaloniki public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs €1.20 with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Apps like Beat may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (€20-50). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and island trips.
- Flights to Greece: Check airline pet policies; Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Aegean, Ryanair, and EasyJet accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for €30-70 each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Athens (Veterinary Clinic of Athens) and Crete provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range €40-150 for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops like Pet Shop and Zoo Center chains across Greece stock food, medicine, and accessories.
Greek pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities and islands offer pet grooming salons and daycare for €15-40 per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local services operate in Greece for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected archaeological sites. Beaches may allow off-leash in designated areas away from crowds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Some municipalities require muzzles on large dogs on public transport. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are common; failure to clean up results in fines (€50-300). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check beach signage for dog-allowed sections; some ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-7pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks & Sites: Some trails restrict dogs during nesting seasons (March-June). Always leash pets near wildlife and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Greece
Greece for Families
Greece is a family haven with sunny beaches, ancient wonders, interactive museums, and relaxed island life. From mythology-themed parks to water adventures, kids are enchanted and parents can unwind. Tourist areas provide family facilities like playgrounds, kids' clubs, and child-friendly menus.
Top Family Attractions
Allou! Fun Park (Athens)
Thrilling amusement park with roller coasters, water slides, and games for all ages.
Tickets €20-25 adults, €15-18 kids; open year-round with seasonal events and food areas.
Athens Aquarium
Modern aquarium with sharks, turtles, and Mediterranean sea life exhibits.
Tickets €18-22 adults, €12-15 kids; interactive touch pools and educational shows for families.
Acropolis (Athens)
Iconic ancient citadel with Parthenon views; kid-friendly audio tours available.
Family tickets €12-20; combine with museum for a full history adventure.
Noesis Science Center (Thessaloniki)
Interactive science museum with planetarium, experiments, and hands-on exhibits.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets €6-8 adults, €4 kids with multilingual options.
Cretaquarium (Crete)
Marine life exhibits with sharks, rays, and local sea creatures in Heraklion.
Tickets €10 adults, €6 kids; engaging for children with feeding shows and touch areas.
Water Parks (Rhodes & Crete)
Summer water slides, lazy rivers, and pools across Greek islands.
Family-friendly with safety measures; suitable for kids 3+ with day passes €20-30.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Greece on Viator. From island-hopping to mythology tours, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Athens & Islands): Hotels like Titania and Sani Resort offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for €100-200/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Beach Resorts (Crete & Rhodes): All-inclusive family resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and suites. Properties like Ikos Dassia cater to families with entertainment programs.
- Agrotourism Stays: Rural farms in mainland and islands welcome families with animal interactions and outdoor play. Prices €60-120/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels: Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Athens and Santorini for €50-90/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Villa Rentals: Private villas on islands like Mykonos for fairytale family experiences with pools and sea views. Kids love the space and beach access.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Athens with Kids
Acropolis explorations, National Garden playgrounds, planetarium visits, and Plaka street performances.
Horse-drawn carriage rides and gelato at traditional spots make Athens magical for children.
Crete with Kids
Cretaquarium, water parks, Knossos Palace myths, and beach days with donkey rides.
Child-friendly Minoan tours and Samaria Gorge easy paths keep families entertained.
Thessaloniki with Kids
Noesis science center, waterfront walks, archaeological museum, and summer festivals.
White Tower climbs and boat trips on Thermaic Gulf for panoramic family picnics.
Island Hopping (Cyclades)
Santorini sunsets, Mykonos beaches, Delos ancient ruins boat tours.
Easy ferry rides and family snorkeling with scenic picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 4 travel free; ages 5-12 get 50% discount with parent. Family areas available on Hellenic Train with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Athens and Thessaloniki offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for €10-15. Buses and metros are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (€5-10/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 12 or 135cm. Minivans offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Greek cities and islands vary; Athens is moderately accessible with ramps. Most beaches provide stroller paths.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all tavernas offer child portions with souvlaki, pasta, or fries for €5-9. High chairs and crayons commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Coastal tavernas welcome families with outdoor play areas and casual vibe. Athens' Varvakios Market has diverse stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Sklavenitis stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh produce for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Greek bakeries offer loukoumades, yogurt, and honey; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in malls, museums, and ferry terminals with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Pharmakeio): Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels on islands arrange English-speaking babysitters for €12-18/hour. Book through concierge or local agencies.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EU citizens.
♿ Accessibility in Greece
Accessible Travel
Greece is improving accessibility with modern ferries, wheelchair-friendly sites, and inclusive tourism. Athens and major islands prioritize universal access, with tourism boards providing detailed information for barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Hellenic Train offers wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding.
- City Transport: Athens metro and buses are wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor vehicles. Audio announcements aid visually impaired.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports & Ferries: Athens and island airports/ports provide assistance, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps available.
- Historic Sites: Delphi has partial access; islands like Rhodes old town are navigable though some cobblestones challenge wheelchairs.
- Beaches & Parks: Many beaches provide accessible paths and chairs; Athens' National Garden is fully wheelchair-friendly.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (Sept-Oct) for mild weather and beaches; summer for islands but hot.
Avoid July-August peaks for heat; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions offer combo tickets; Athens Combo Pass includes transport and site discounts.
Picnics on beaches and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
Greek is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas and with younger generations.
Learn basic phrases; Greeks appreciate effort and are patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Sunscreen and hats for sunny weather, comfortable shoes for ruins, and swim gear year-round.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
KTEL app for buses, Google Maps for navigation, and Ferryhopper for island travel.
Athens Transport and OASA apps provide real-time public transport updates.
Health & Safety
Greece is safe; tap water safe in cities but bottled on islands. Pharmacies provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EU citizens for healthcare.