Finding a holiday home in Croatia that welcomes dogs and has a pool is harder than it sounds: either there's a pool but dogs are "unfortunately not allowed", or the dog can come but the accommodation is an apartment with no outdoor space of its own. At all three of our villas in Kaštel Stari near Split, you get both. This page describes what a holiday with your dog in a villa with a pool looks like here in practice. We cover entry rules, vaccinations and the journey in detail in our guide Holiday with a Dog in Croatia, and the house rules and flat fee on our page Holidays with Pets.
The facts at a glance
- Dogs are welcome at all three villas – Villa Just be Alive, Just be Light and Just be Happy.
- €79 per dog per stay, regardless of length. The fee is shown in the final price before you book; there are no other extras.
- For two or more dogs, we ask for a quick chat beforehand – not to say no, but to prepare the house properly.
- We're happy to provide bowls, and at Villa Just be Light there are blankets ready too.
- Please keep dogs off beds and upholstered furniture – we ask this of all guests with pets.
Why a villa with a pool and a dog go so well together
The biggest advantage is simple: you have your own private outdoor space. No shared hotel garden, no neighbours at the breakfast buffet frowning at the sight of a dog. The garden at Villa Just be Alive is fenced, with plenty of lawn around the pool deck.
For humans, the pool is the way to cool off when the sun is high at midday – and that's exactly when your dog shouldn't be on hot tarmac but in the shade. All rooms have air conditioning and tiled floors; a dog that can lie on cool tiles at midday gets through the Dalmatian summer much more comfortably. The villa becomes your base: head out in the morning and evening, and spend the hottest hours relaxing together.
Can my dog go in the pool? At Just be Alive and Just be Light, yes – dogs are allowed in the pool there. At Just be Happy, please don't; the pool there is for two-legged guests only.
What a day with your dog looks like here
- Before 9am: a walk to the Kaštela waterfront promenade, around 1 km or 10–15 minutes on foot. Flat, paved and with the water in sight – in the mornings it belongs to the locals and their dogs.
- Late morning to afternoon: pool, shade, outdoor kitchen. Your dog dozes indoors or under the covered terrace.
- After 7pm: the second long walk, once the tarmac and paving stones have cooled down. If you want to cover more ground, Kozjak behind the village has longer trails – though in high summer only very early in the morning.
- Evening: a barbecue in the outdoor kitchen, with your dog lying alongside.
There are designated dog beaches in the region just a few minutes' drive away. Which ones are currently worth recommending changes from season to season – we'll send you the details after booking, together with our map list.
Shoulder season: the insider tip for dog owners
Heat is the biggest issue for dogs in Dalmatia in summer. In April, May, September and October, walks are pleasant even during the day, the promenade is quieter – and because our pool is heated from the end of March to October at no extra charge, you humans don't have to miss out on a swim. More on this at Villa in Croatia with Heated Pool.
Honest advice
- Getting here: with a dog, we'd recommend driving rather than flying. Handily, all villas have private parking right by the house (four at each villa).
- Sea urchins: sea urchins live around rocky entry points – more unpleasant for paws than for feet. Flat pebbly stretches are no problem.
- Vet: there are practices in Kaštela and Split, several with an emergency service. Several team members live locally and can help with communication if anything happens.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – fenced garden with plenty of lawn, sea views, four parking spaces.
- Villa Just be Light – secluded pool area, bowls and blankets provided, four parking spaces.
- Villa Just be Happy – at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with no through traffic, large terrace.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to bring a dog?
€79 per dog per stay. The fee is shown in the final price before you book.
Can I bring two or more dogs?
In principle, yes – for two or more dogs we just ask for a quick chat before booking.
Do I need to bring bowls?
No, we're happy to provide bowls. You should pack your dog's usual food for the whole trip yourself.
How far is it to the beach?
Around 1 km, about 10–15 minutes on foot to the beach and promenade.
Feel free to introduce your dog to us on WhatsApp – then we'll check together which villa is free for your dates.