turkey with dog
Turkey is at the same time one of the best and one of the worst countries to travel with your dog. Although compared to the rest of Europe, in Spain we still have a lot to evolve, when you arrive in Turkey you will realize that The culture of a country plays a huge role in how its society relates to animals.
This means that you will see stray dogs on every corner, but also that there are often no 'rules' as to where dogs can go and where they can't. You will find that sometimes you are not even allowed to sit on a terrace, but also that your dog can visit the historical ruins of Ephesus.
One of the best and one of the worst countries to travel with your dog
PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG TO TURKEY
Before traveling along the coast of the Aegean Sea, we must warn you of something: Traveling to Turkey with a dog is not something that can be done overnight. It is essential to go to the veterinarian in time and be informed of the entire process. Because Turkey does not belong to the European Union, you need to make your dog a rabies antibody test and obtain a series of official documents without which they may let you enter Turkey, but not re-enter the European Union.
If you travel by car (a beautiful trip if you have time, passing through ** Venice ** and along the ** Croatian coast ** ), it is very likely that no one will bother to ask you for the document, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Your dog could end up in quarantine.
Traveling by car makes some paperwork easier
GÖKÇEADA: THE BEACH, YOUR DOG, YOU... AND THE GOATS
Gökceada, also known as Imbros , is an island in the Aegean Sea Little frequented by foreign tourists. Even the locals do not usually visit it, preferring its neighbor Bozcaada, which has more leisure options.
However, if you are traveling with your dog and looking for a quiet area with nature and beach, We recommend that you start your route here. You can reach the island by ferry with your own car (or a rental car), from Çanakkale or Kabatepe, just a few hours from Istanbul. If you take it from Kabatepe, you can take the opportunity to visit before the area where the famous battle of Gallipoli was fought , in which the Ottoman Empire defeated the Allies during World War I and Ataturk emerged as a national hero.
To sleep we recommend find accommodation near Aydincik beach. The island has mainly pensions and some have no problem with you staying with your dog. You can also stay in a camping . For the more adventurous, in Turkey it is still quite common for people to free camping on the beaches, Even the ones that are protected.
Nature, beach and tranquility
A site that you cannot miss is the Imroz Poseidon restaurant and its wonderful views at sunset. If you go in high season, make a reservation so you can dine with your dog on the edge of a cliff as the sun sets. The food is typical Turkish menu of starters and grilled fish (no, it's not kebab!) .
Take the car and get lost around the island to find practically deserted beaches. They are not the most beautiful you will find in Turkey, but even in high season you may only have to share the beach with a herd of goats grazing nearby.
Also take the opportunity to buy organic products in the different stalls that you will see around the island. Gökçeada is one of the towns that belongs to the world movement 'slow food' , which promotes local agriculture. Another essential is Marmaros waterfall , but if you go in the middle of summer don't bother looking for it, because it is usually dry. Ask the locals around Marmaros Şelalesi before you go on an adventure.
**FIRST HISTORICAL STOP IN TROY (OR SO THEY SAY!) **
From Gökçeada take the ferry to the peninsula, towards Çanakkale. Just half an hour by car you will find the ruins of Troy. Unlike the ruins of Ephesus, those of Troy are not usually very crowded. Partly because of its location, but also because what little remains of the once strategic city is difficult to interpret.
You can visit Troy with your dog and it is possible that some of the dogs that live among the ruins will be encouraged to have a few races with him (don't worry, stray dogs in turkey are usually very friendly ) . Although the archaeological zone has a footbridge that defines where to step, near the exit there is a field area where your dog can stretch its legs and relax in the shade of the trees before continuing the journey.
The photo of the trip is with the replica of the famous Trojan horse.
The photo of the trip is with the replica of the famous Trojan horse
CUNDA ISLAND
Turks, and especially Istanbulites, love Cunda Island, perhaps because of its proximity. The truth is that the island does not have much to offer in terms of beaches (it is better not to talk about the roads), but It is very famous for its restaurants, which serve a unique fish from the area: the papalina.
If you want to make a stop along the way before reaching the next destination, we recommend that you visit Sarimsakli beach, with fine sand and 7 km long , to be able to enjoy a bath with your dog.
Remember to be careful with hot sand and exercise during the hottest hours and only take your dog to the beach if he likes to bathe otherwise he could get heat stroke.
This island is famous for its restaurants
ALAÇATI, THE TURKISH IBIZA
Before reaching Alaçati, you will pass near the third largest city in Turkey: Izmir. Although it is worthwhile, we have omitted it from this tour for practical reasons. When traveling with your dog, try to avoid crowds. Especially in Turkey, where people may not be too happy to share a vacation with a furry tourist.
Alaçati is often compared to Ibiza for its white houses and cobbled streets, but also for its tourism. Although it is mostly local (foreigners tend to prefer Bodrum for its hotel complexes), it is a more select tourism. maybe it has something to do with it the beaches of fine white sand and the crystal clear water of the beaches of the Çesme peninsula , where Alaçati is located.
It is the ideal place to relax on the beach with your dog. Yes indeed, the best are 'beach clubs' , but paying to go to the beach is something that the Turks are used to. So much so that in some you need a reservation to enter.
They won't bother you go with your dog or with it running loose around the club, as long as he behaves and does not disturb the rest of the clients. He can also share a hammock with you.
Marmaris beach, between Alaçati and Antalya
Although the best beaches are in Çesme, We recommend that you stay in Alaçati, where there is more atmosphere to enjoy a walk when the sun goes down. The Hotel Aida Alacati (now Cynara) is a boutique hotel with family treatment, chic style, and that also accept dogs for free . If you decide on another establishment, always call to confirm.
Another essential is the restaurant. alancha , though In this case, your dog will not be able to accompany you. If he is one of those who has no problem staying alone, make sure to tire him out during the day so as not to miss this place that he explores, with great pleasure. , the cuisine of the seven Turkish regions.
Cuisine of the seven Turkish regions at your table
EPHESUS IN CHAIR
Due to its proximity to Alaçati and other beach areas, Ephesus is one of the most tourist stops on the Aegean Sea route. Combine days of rest with historical visits and walk with your dog through its ruins. Take the opportunity to go early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
When you visit Ephesus there are two options: make your way back and forth through the ruins or take a horse buggy from the parking lot to the other entrance and only cross them once. Yes, your dog will also be allowed to get on the buggy, but it is you who must assess whether he will be scared or not, and make sure to hold him tight so that he does not jump.
Ephesus in horse-drawn carriage
TURQUOISE COAST
The last stop on the route along the Aegean coast is precisely where it meets the Mediterranean Sea, near the coast of Antalya.
The town of Fethiye It is perhaps one of the least attractive that you will see so far, and one of the most touristy, with many foreigners who have a house in the area, but a good point to base yourself and explore the area.
The beaches will leave you speechless, especially that of Ölüdeniz or the valley of the butterflies . However, being more touristy, you will not be able to enter some of them with large dogs. Don't worry, a few minutes beyond Ölüdeniz by car you will find less strict beaches and with an equally crystalline sea, like Kidrak beach, for example.
Although there is a beach that you cannot miss, it is Patara: virgin beach, white sand, crystal clear waters and 18 kilometers long. Despite being protected because it is an area where caretta turtles (in danger of extinction) lay their eggs, you will have no problem accessing it with your dog. Just be careful that it doesn't dig into the sand for buried eggs.
Kidrak, dog happiness made beach