France – Italy – Spain: destinations for your dog?
How to organize a trip to Europe with a dog? What is a holiday in Spain with a dog like? What is a vacation in Italy with a dog like? I tell you all this in this article!
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If you're like me, then your dog is part of your family. He travels WITH you and follows you in all your adventures… Unfortunately, it is not always easy to go on vacation with his animal and to find accommodation where he will be welcome…. Good news, in most Vacansoleil campsites in France, Spain or Italy: our dog friends are welcome. With 390 campsites spread over these 3 destinations, you are bound to find the one that best suits your whole family. You can actually find campsites in more than 16 European countries.
let me tell you about Vacansoleil. Do you like glamorous camping with luxury tents? Discover their accommodation among the most modern in Europe. Established in the most beautiful places, there is something for everyone: campsites with water parks and lively entertainment programs for children and adults alike or campsites where comfort, calm and voluptuousness are the watchwords .
Traveling in Europe with a dog
Before leaving to discover Spain orItaly with your dog, there are 2-3 small things you will need to check to traveling to Europe with your dog in complete serenity and safety.
I help you take stock?
First, make sure your dog is identified with a microchip or tattoo. On the chip side, check with your veterinarian before leaving if it is still active. It happens that they deactivate and in this case, impossible toidentify your dog… Also check that the contact details of the owner associated with the chip are up to date and are yours (telephone number, address, name…).
Then, on the paper side, you need: the european dog passport. It is a booklet in which the rabies vaccines for your dog and which makes it possible to check that everything is up to date on this side. The rabies vaccine is mandatory to cross borders. Remember to take your health record with you. If your animal undergoes treatment or if something goes wrong, it will be very valuable to the veterinarian you will consult during the holidays.
QUALIDOG labeled campsite in France
Do you want to spend your camping vacation with your dog? Here is a selection of QUALIDOG labeled campsites!
Spain with a dog
Hello! . What are these? Me llamo Sophie… It only takes a few words to believe it already. The sun, relaxation, tapas, sangria are yours... Vacansoleil offers 18 campsites in Spain: 18 destinations in Catalonia along the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada.
As in France, access to the beaches with our four-legged friends is restricted. Here is the list of dog-friendly beaches of Catalonia.
Calla Vallcarca (Barcelona)
Arenys de Mar beaches (at certain times) (Barcelona)
Llevant Beach (Barcelona)
La Rubina (Girona)
Bon Caponet Beach (Tarragona)
Platjola Beach (Tarragona)
La Balsa de la Arena beach (Tarragona)
To tell you the truth, I just came back from a weekend in Spain with Musher. On the program for us: nautical activities and hikes. We made some cani-paddle and snorkelling. I had planned for it and I had taken my wetsuit (the water is a bit chilly at the beginning of April!). We enjoyed ourselves. We often go stand-up paddling together. It even happens that she falls asleep on the end of my board, lulled by the waves. And then, I put it to work to get back “on land”. I throw her a rope attached to my board and she brings us back to the shore! She's so happy to do that... A real rescue dog!
Be careful, our doggies fear sea urchins and jellyfish just like us... but it is clear that for doggies who love water, there is plenty to enjoy.
On the hiking side, in April, the weather was ideal. Think that in summer, at certain times of the day, the temperatures climb and panic. Keep an eye on your dog and beware of heatstroke. There are a few tricks to bring it a bit of freshness during the holidays: bathing, cooling vest, ice cubes…
By reputation and by thedog-friendly tourist offer existing, it seems that Catalonia and Andalusia are two regions where it is easier to travel with your dog. I tested Roses and its surroundings and we were well received. The parks we tested were dog-friendly (Natural Park of Aiguamolls de L'Empordà and that of Cap Creus at Punta Falconera).
In any case, as in France, wearing a leash is compulsory in all public spaces.
In Spain, there is a city that retained all my intention: it is Barcelona. It is a very welcoming city which has understood that with a few adjustments, everyone can live in harmony. On site, all parks are allowed to dogs kept on a leash, a beach is entirely dedicated to them and nearby, there is even a swimming pool for dogs and their masters. I can't wait to try this place out!
To help you choose your campsite in Spain or elsewhere, on Vacansoleil.fr you will find a practical filter to filter the campsites that accept a dog or those who accept up to two. Remember to read the rules of each campsite carefully when making your reservation. Some of them have special rules regarding pets: accepted only in certain rentals, only on pitches, maximum size, only in low season...
Italy with a dog
After Spain, direction Italy. Pasta, pizza, Italian ice cream, anti-pasti, tiramistu… Are you already mouth-watering? So on the way! Load up the car and go, go, go. Did you find a accommodation that accepts your pet for a holiday with the whole family? Discover the 62 Vacansoleil campsites Italians who welcome you for holidays in mobile homes or tents. In Italy, it will be much easier to find campsites where your dog will be welcome in mobile homes; in Spain they are more rarely accepted in rentals.
I don't know Italy well but I have heard of dream beaches! In Italy, dogs are prohibited on the beaches… But some, well inspired (!), have decided to create beaches entirely dedicated to dogs and their masters. A space just for us where to have fun, relax, bask with the whole family, including dog. Everything has been thought out and designed to have a good time with your four-legged best friend...
Enough talk, discover the beach of Rome: the BauBeach. It is a magical place where dogs run free. There is even a lifeguard for our darlings, a restaurant with bowls filled with kibble, a small bath for dogs who do not swim well, a shower to rinse dogs at the exit of the beach… I told you, these beaches are Wow Good!
In the same style, there is also the San Vincenzo dog beach. Check out their Facebook page with their Trop W'ouf videos. It makes me really want to go on vacation with my beautiful Musher. I'm sure she would love those beaches with lots of friends to have fun with. Dogs are not afraid of the language barrier… Their language is universal.
To be complete in my information, I must also tell you about the Zampa Vacanza site, the Italian version of EmmèneTonChien.com! You will find a lot of information there to prepare your holidays.
For the holidays to be sweet and peaceful, beware of the threats lurking... sandfly are present all around the Mediterranean. “Yummy” little critters that transmit canine leishmaniasis; a disease that can cause serious health problems for your dog or even worse. Talk to your veterinarian who will suggest several types of protection for your dog. Also pay attention to ticks (and piroplasmosis) and mosquitoes. They can also transmit diseases to your dog. Same reflex: talk to your veterinarian before departure. Between pipette, tablet, necklace,... there are many anti-parasitic solutions to protect our four-legged friends.
And if Spain and Italy haven't convinced you: take a look at the other destinations offered by Vacansoleil. There are also many campsites in France. They offer more than 390 dog-friendly campsites out of a total of 480 campsites!