Travelling with a pet around the Balkans is entirely doable — and increasingly popular. The region offers incredible diversity: seaside cities with crystal-clear water, historic centres with promenades, mountain destinations surrounded by nature. But which cities are genuinely adapted for pets, rather than merely tolerating them?
1. Belgrade — vibrant and dog-friendly
Belgrade might be a surprise on this list, but Serbia's capital is one of the most accessible cities for pets in the Balkans. Kalemegdan, Ada Ciganlija and Košutnjak are huge green spaces ideal for walks. Dogs are welcome in many cafés and restaurant terraces, and the supply of pet-welcoming accommodation is solid and growing.
- Kalemegdan fortress park — vast green space in the city centre
- Ada Ciganlija — river island with walking paths and beaches
- Košutnjak — urban forest, ideal for morning walks
- Vinohradsko brdo and Avala — for those who enjoy hillside terrain
2. Zagreb — parks, cafés and promenades
Zagreb is arguably the most pet-friendly city in the Balkans when all factors are considered: infrastructure, parks, culture and accommodation. Maksimir, Jarun and Bundek are world-class parks for dog walks. Cafés and restaurants in the centre are increasingly welcoming pets on their terraces.
3. Split — the Adriatic and Marjan Hill
Split may be the most beautifully situated city for pets who love the sea and nature. Marjan Hill is a protected forest park directly above the city — perfect for morning walks with a dog. On the Riva promenade and in the centre, dogs are welcome on terraces, and outside peak season some beaches are accessible for pets.
Split's challenge is the July-August crowds — for pets who don't handle heat and noise well, the shoulder seasons (May-June and September) are far more comfortable.
4. Kotor — a fairytale bay for walks
Kotor is a Montenegrin gem increasingly discovered by pet travellers. The Bay of Kotor offers kilometres of coastal walking, and the town itself is compact and walkable. Dogs are allowed in the Old Town on a lead, and the surrounding towns (Perast, Dobrota) are quiet and spacious.
- Walk the coastal path from Kotor to Dobrota — 4 km by the sea
- Visit Perast and the view of the islands — magical and quiet
- Luštica peninsula — unspoiled nature, fewer tourists, more space for dogs
5. Sarajevo — a surprisingly pet-friendly metropolis
Sarajevo may be the least-known destination on this list for pet travellers, but it deserves every spot. Wilson's Promenade, Trebević mountain and quiet neighbourhoods like Kovači offer excellent conditions for dogs. The city is smaller than Belgrade and Zagreb, which means less crowding and easier navigation with a pet.