How the villa works for dogs
- Fenced garden — your dog can be off-lead without you watching every second
- Self check-in — no waiting around with a confused dog after a long flight
- Tile and wood floors — easy to clean if there's a muddy moment
- Walks straight from the door — quiet streets and a 5-minute walk to the seafront promenade
- Heating in winter, A/C in summer — for short-snouted breeds especially, the cool kitchen is a lifesaver in August
One small ask: please let us know at booking that you're bringing a dog. We don't charge extra; we just want to have the garden ready and make sure no fragile decor is at tail-height.
Getting your dog to Athens
From the EU
You'll need a European Pet Passport with a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), microchip, and a tapeworm treatment for dogs if you're transiting through the UK / Ireland / Norway / Malta / Finland. Athens airport accepts pets in the cabin (small dogs in carriers) and in the hold (larger dogs).
From outside the EU
Your dog needs a microchip, rabies vaccination, an EU Health Certificate issued by a USDA / equivalent vet within 10 days of travel, and a rabies titre test if coming from a country not on the EU's "listed" list. Rules change — check the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food website before booking flights.
By car
Easier than flying. EU pet passport, well-rested rest stops, and the ferry crossings from Italy (Ancona / Bari / Venice → Patras / Igoumenitsa) all accept dogs — most in kennels on deck, a few "pet-friendly cabins" on premium lines.
Dog-friendly beaches near Porto Rafti
Officially, organised Blue Flag beaches in Greece often prohibit dogs in summer (June 1 – Sept 30) to protect swimmers. Off-season, the rules relax. Practically:
- The "wild" end of Avlaki — past the last umbrella, dogs are welcome in the water year-round
- The rocky coves between Avlaki and Erotospilia — never crowded, locals always have dogs swimming
- The villa beach in early morning — before the lifeguard arrives, you can walk and swim with the dog. We do it daily.
- Schinias forest beach, 45 min north — pine forest right up to the sand, miles of empty beach, easily the best dog beach in Attica
Walks & hikes
- The seafront promenade, Porto Rafti — flat, 4 km round-trip, mostly shaded by tamarisk trees
- Cape of Saint Spyridon, southern headland — a 45-minute uphill walk to a small chapel, panoramic views, goats. Off-lead-safe.
- Mount Hymettus eastern slopes — 25 min inland. Marked trails through pine forest, deer in spring. Lead suggested as there are occasional shepherd dogs.
Practical things
Vets near the villa
Several small-animal vets in Porto Rafti and Markopoulo (5–10 minutes by car). Most speak good English. Sismanogleio area in Marousi (40 min) has 24-hour emergency clinics for serious cases. We keep a current vet recommendation list — message us if you need it during your stay.
Pet shops
Two pet shops in Porto Rafti centre with full ranges of food (premium European brands), accessories, and frozen / refrigerated raw food if that's your dog's diet.
Heat is the real issue
From July to mid-September, midday pavements can hit 50°C. Walk early (before 9 am) and late (after 7 pm). The villa has cool tile floors and A/C; the garden has full shade by 2 pm. Greek summer with a dog is entirely workable if you adapt the schedule.
Tavernas
Greek tavernas with outdoor seating almost universally welcome well-behaved dogs. We've never been refused a table. Bring a small mat or towel for your dog to settle on.
The Greek attitude to dogs is unfussy and warm. Strangers will pet your dog, restaurant staff will sometimes bring a bowl of water unprompted, and your dog will probably be in better spirits at the end of the week than they are at home.← Back to all guides