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Travelling with Pets in Makarska
๐ญ๐ทMakarska, CroatiaยทUpdated 19 June 2026
Makarska is compact and best explored on foot, but you will likely arrive by bus from Split or Split Airport (SPU), or by Jadrolinija ferry across to the islands of Braฤ and Hvar. Pet rules differ sharply between buses, car ferries and fast catamarans, so plan around your dog's size. Above all, never leave a dog in a parked car on the Dalmatian coast, where summer interiors turn lethal within minutes.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Split, Split Airport & regional) | On coaches serving Makarska (FlixBus, Arriva, Promet and others), small pets travel in a closed carrier, while larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Acceptance and any fee are at the carrier's and driver's discretion, so confirm when booking. | ๐ก Carry your dog's EU pet passport and a muzzle even if your dog is gentle. Drivers can refuse an unmuzzled large dog. |
| Jadrolinija car ferry | On Jadrolinija car ferries, pets travel free. Small pets under 8 kg may stay in a carrier on your lap or under the seat, while larger dogs must remain on the open deck, leashed and muzzled. A valid veterinary document (EU pet passport) is required. | ๐ก On a hot day, find a shaded spot of the open deck for a large dog and bring water. Metal decks heat up fast. |
| Jadrolinija fast catamaran | On fast catamarans the rules are stricter. Only small pets up to about 8 kg in a portable carrier (around 45x35x25 cm) are allowed, generally on the open deck and sometimes by reservation per the official price list. Dogs heavier than 8 kg cannot travel by catamaran and must use the car ferry instead. | ๐ก Travelling with a big dog to Hvar or Braฤ? Book the car ferry, not the catamaran. The size limit on catamarans is firm. |
Useful transport links
Jadrolinija ferries and catamarans: jadrolinija.hr/en. Check schedules, fares and the current pet policy, and reserve catamaran pet spots where required. Long-distance and airport buses: FlixBus (global.flixbus.com) and Arriva (arriva.com.hr). Makarska's bus station sits just behind the old town. For the islands of Braฤ and Hvar, the main ferry and catamaran links run from Makarska harbour seasonally and from nearby Drvenik and Split year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a Jadrolinija ferry from Makarska?
Yes. Pets travel free on Jadrolinija car ferries. Small pets under 8 kg can stay in a carrier with you; larger dogs ride on the open deck, leashed and muzzled. You need a valid veterinary document such as an EU pet passport.
Are dogs allowed on the fast catamarans to Hvar and Braฤ?
Only small dogs up to about 8 kg in a portable carrier are allowed on catamarans, sometimes by reservation. Dogs over 8 kg are not permitted and must travel on the car ferry instead.
How do I get to Makarska from Split Airport with a dog?
Direct buses (FlixBus, Arriva and others) run from Split Airport and Split to Makarska in around 1 to 1.5 hours. Small dogs travel in a carrier; large dogs must be leashed and muzzled, subject to driver acceptance. Confirm the pet policy when booking.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Makarska
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Guesthouse Rebecca
โ โ โ ยท 9.1/10
โฌ60/night
Apartments Pivac
โ โ โ ยท 8.7/10
โฌ75/night
Dalmacija Placeshotel by Valamar
โ โ โ ยท 8.1/10
โฌ100/night
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