Istria with a Dog: Dog Beaches and Tips around Pula and Medulin

Bringing your dog to Istria? A good idea – the peninsula is far more relaxed for four-legged friends than many people think. Around Pula there are several official dog beaches, dogs are allowed in Cape Kamenjak nature park, and long walks through pine forests and along the coast are possible almost everywhere. To make your holiday with a dog around Pomer a success, we have put together the most important beaches, rules and tips for you.

The most important beach rules

Blue Flag: no dogs

As a general rule, according to istra.hr: dogs are not allowed on beaches with the Blue Flag award. For all other beaches, the towns decide for themselves whether and when dogs are allowed – sometimes only in certain sections or at certain times. So always look out for the signs at the beach entrance.

Wild beaches

Many guidebooks point out that dogs are often tolerated on so-called “wild”, unofficial beaches. However, this is not officially permitted everywhere. Be considerate of other bathers, keep your distance from families with small children and always pick up after your dog.

Entry requirements in general

For travel with a dog within the EU, you need an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Check the current regulations with your vet before you leave, especially if you are travelling through several countries.

Dog beaches in and around Pula

Pula is the most dog-friendly town in the area. According to istra.hr, the following beaches in the Pula area are open to dogs all year round and all day:

• Štinjanska Vala in the Štinjan district
• Galebove Stijene (Seagull’s Rocks) near Stoja
• Valovine near the small harbour
• the section next to the lighthouse at Verudela beach
• the beach by the Horizont holiday resort (Uvala Sakućani)

Hidrobaza in Štinjan

According to hundeurlaub-kroatien.de, the redesigned Hidrobaza beach has its own dog area on a rocky and pebbly beach, plus changing rooms, outdoor showers, a beach bar and parking nearby. Visit Pula describes it as spacious and easy to reach – good for active dogs and longer walks.

Galebove Stijene and Valovine

Galebove Stijene is wild and impressive, with deep water and steep rocks. According to visitpula.hr, the beach is not really suitable for small dogs or inexperienced swimmers. Valovine is quieter, with rocky access points and natural pine shade.

Uvala Sakućani on Verudela

Several guidebooks name the dog beach in Sakućani bay on the Verudela peninsula as one of the most popular dog beaches in Istria. You can read more about the beaches around Pula in our guide to beaches in Pula.

Dog beaches north of Pula: Peroj and Fažana

Dog’s Beach Portić in Peroj

The Portić dog beach is in Peroj, north of Pula. According to hundeurlaub-kroatien.de and visitpula.hr, it has shallow, calm water, a large dog zone, pine shade, grassy areas and a dog shower. There is parking nearby.

Bi Dog Beach in Fažana

At the Bi Village campsite in Fažana you will find Bi Dog Beach, a pebble beach where, according to hundeurlaub-kroatien.de, dogs can run free. There are no classic beach facilities such as sunloungers. You can easily combine the trip with a stroll through Fažana.

With a dog around Medulin and Premantura

Cape Kamenjak

For many dog owners, Cape Kamenjak nature park is the highlight. According to istra.hr, dogs are welcome throughout the cape. The official park rules, however, require dogs to be kept on a lead and their behaviour to be under your control. Swimming with your dog among lots of bathers is frowned upon. Our tip: come early in the morning or in the late afternoon and find a quiet cove away from the main beaches. There is little natural shade, so pack water and a bowl.

Medulin and Banjole

For Medulin, guidebooks mention a dog beach at Camp Kažela and a dog-friendly section of Mukalba beach. In Banjole, according to kroati.de, Bumbište beach is described as dog-friendly. The rules can change from season to season – be sure to check the signs locally and, if in doubt, ask at the tourist office.

Excursions with a dog

Brijuni National Park

Your dog can come along to the Brijuni islands too – with restrictions. According to the national park’s FAQ, dogs must be kept on a lead and are not allowed on the tourist train, in the museums or in the safari park. Swimming is also forbidden for dogs in the bathing area. For the classic guided tour with the train ride, that is a real obstacle – it is better to plan to explore on your own. Details can be found in our guide to Brijuni National Park.

Walks and old towns

Long walks are easy along the coast and on the paths around Pomer and Premantura. In old towns such as Pula or Rovinj, avoid the middle of the day in high summer – the paving gets very hot.

Practical tips for your holiday with a dog

• Heat: it gets very hot in July and August. Plan activities for early morning and evening.
• Water: always carry enough drinking water and a collapsible bowl. Your dog should not drink salt water.
• Paws: rocks and hot stones can be tough on the pads.
• Fresh-water shower: rinse off the salt after the sea – dog beaches such as Portić have a shower.
• Lead: always pack one, even for dog beaches.
• Poo bags: a must, especially on beaches.
• When to travel: spring and autumn are much more pleasant for dogs. June and September are ideal compromises between swimming weather and bearable temperatures.

From Little Dream

Little Dream is in Pomer, just a few kilometres from Cape Kamenjak nature park: it is about 7 kilometres to Premantura, from where you head straight into the park. You can reach the dog beaches in Pula by car in no time – according to kroati.de, Pula bus station is around 8.5 kilometres from Pomer, and Štinjan and Verudela are on the outskirts of the city. For Peroj and Fažana, carry on north through Pula. Good news: dogs are welcome at Little Dream (surcharge €50 per day). The large garden is ideal for running around, and after a day at the beach you can simply rinse off salt and sand at the outdoor shower.

Would you like to bring your four-legged friend to the southern tip of Istria? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and let’s plan it together.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Croatia?

Not everywhere. Dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches, and local rules apply on many other beaches. You are on the safe side at designated dog beaches such as Hidrobaza in Pula or Bi Dog Beach in Fažana.

Is Pula in Croatia dog-friendly?

Yes. Around Pula there are several beaches where, according to istra.hr, dogs are allowed all day, all year round, such as Štinjanska Vala, Galebove Stijene and Valovine. There is also the Portić dog beach in Peroj, north of Pula.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Kamenjak?

Yes, dogs are welcome in Cape Kamenjak nature park but, according to the park rules, must be kept on a lead. Swimming with your dog among other bathers is frowned upon – find yourself a quiet cove.

What are some insider tips for a holiday with a dog in Croatia?

Go to the beach early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when it is cooler and quieter. Natural stretches such as those at Cape Kamenjak offer more space than village beaches, and dog beaches with a shower, such as Portić in Peroj, make the beach day easier.