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Traveling through Europe with a dog — Part 3
Taking a dog to Mallorca.
What you really need to know.
There are some trips you simply can't take without your dog. For many, Mallorca is one of them. If you have a small dog, you can fly. If you have a large one, you take the ferry—and often have a more enjoyable trip. Here's everything you need for both options.
By Pia von Ramin · Reading time approx. 6 minutes.
Barcelona ferry port — the moment Mallorca ceases to be an idea
Chapter 1 — The Journey
For large dogs: The ferry
Mallorca is served several times daily from the ports of Barcelona, Valencia, and Dénia. The two major ferry companies are Baleária and Trasmed (formerly Trasmediterránea). The fastest connection is the Fast Ferry from Dénia to Palma, operated by Baleária, which takes approximately five hours. Those traveling from northern Germany often choose Barcelona as their departure point; the crossing takes about seven and a half hours, but is more easily accessible.
For booking, it's worth using a comparison portal like Direct Ferries or Ferryhopper — there you can find all connections on one page. Booking early pays off, especially during peak season.
On board — the sun deck is allowed and usually the most relaxing place for both dog and human.
Dog on board: Trasmed has been certified as pet-friendly by the Spanish animal welfare organization FAADA and offers cabins for up to two animals, provided they weigh less than 30 kg. Baleária recommends booking a cabin specifically designated as pet-friendly; it's advisable to check in advance which ship operates on which route.
For all ferries: leash and EU pet passport must be readily available. Dogs must usually be kept on a leash on the outer deck – no problem, as that's usually the most comfortable spot for them.
Tip for the north: From Toulon with Corsica Ferries
For those coming from northern Germany who don't want to drive 16-17 hours to Barcelona, there's an often overlooked alternative: Corsica Ferries sails directly from Toulon to Alcúdia in northern Mallorca – five times a week, with crossing times between 14 and 23 hours depending on the departure time. Palma is about 50 minutes from Alcúdia.
The decisive advantage over Barcelona: Corsica Ferries allows dogs in the cabin. Those traveling with Trasmed or Baleária from Barcelona, however, must keep their dogs in a kennel on deck. For a large dog—and for its owner's peace of mind—this is a significant difference, especially on an overnight crossing.
The journey to Toulon from Hamburg or Bremen is about three hours shorter than to Barcelona, and tolls and fuel are also cheaper. Book directly via Corsica-ferries.de. Required items to carry: leash, muzzle on board, EU pet passport and health certificate (not older than three months).
Chapter 1 — The Journey
For small dogs: The flight
If you have a dog weighing up to 8 kg (including its carrier), flying is an option. Mallorca is just over two hours from Germany, and several airlines offer direct flights. The crucial question isn't the flight duration, but whether your dog can lie comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you for two hours. If so, flying is a viable option.
Eurowings Flies directly to Palma from Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and other German cities. Dogs up to 8 kg are allowed in a soft carrier bag (max.(55 × 40 × 23 cm) can travel in the cabin — the bag goes under the seat in front. Fee: from 60 € Each route requires advance registration, as places are limited. Hard-shell boxes are not permitted.
Condor Daily flights from Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart to Palma are offered during the summer. Small dogs are allowed in the cabin; larger dogs are transported in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Registration is required at least 8 hours before departure.
Lufthansa Dogs up to 8 kg are also allowed in the cabin, subject to the same dimensional requirements. Ryanair and EasyJet They don't take dogs — those who fly cheaply travel without their four-legged friends.
What really matters when choosing the right flight bag — dimensions, stability, ventilation — we have covered in our Flight bag guide summarized.
Chapter 2 — Accommodation
Finca is the answer
Hotels that allow large dogs? Possible, but complicated. The more honest recommendation: a finca with a fenced garden. There are many of these in Mallorca—and they're especially affordable in the off-season. The advantage is obvious: no daily negotiations with reception, no guessing from the staff's expressions whether the dog is truly welcome.
Airbnb and similar platforms offer good filtering options — "pets allowed" plus "fenced garden" already provides a solid selection. Important: before booking, specifically ask how large the dog can be. Some hosts, when they say "dogs allowed," think of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Mallorcan natural stone, a white curtain in the wind — and a dog who knows exactly where he belongs.
Chapter 3 — Beaches
The truth about Mallorca's beaches
Anyone traveling to Mallorca in July hoping to take their dog to the beach will be disappointed. Most beaches on the island have a strict ban on dogs from June to September – and this is enforced. Fines are not uncommon.
The good news: If you choose the off-season — May, June (early), September, October — you'll have the island practically to yourself. Empty sandy beaches, turquoise water, no crowds. Dogs are allowed in the water. The atmosphere is completely different.
"Mallorca in the off-season is a different Mallorca. And definitely the better one for dog owners."
This is what Mallorca looks like when the season is over — or hasn't even started yet.
Left: The beach belongs to us. Right: The small harbor is also a swimming spot.
Chapter 4 — Coast & Nature
The island that no guidebook shows
Away from the beach promenades, Mallorca reveals its best side: the rocky coasts in the east and south, the Tramuntana mountains in the north, and the golden maquis shrubland of the interior in autumn. For dogs, it's paradise—and for those who accompany them, too.
The island's coastal paths are often rocky and unsecured—the sea is always within easy reach. Good footwear, plenty of water, and a dog that enjoys climbing: that's all you need for a perfect morning.
The rocky coast in the south of the island — no sandy beach, but a better experience.
Chapter 5 — Packing List
What you should pack
Checklist
- EU pet passport with current vaccination status
- Proof of chip number
- Tick protection — relevant year-round in Mallorca
- Small water bottle for city sidewalks
- Dog poop bags — fines will be consistently imposed.
- Sunscreen for sensitive areas (nose, stomach)
- Foldable water bowl for hiking
- Spare leash — leash requirement everywhere in public
"Mallorca with a dog is possible — and with proper planning, truly beautiful. The island rewards all those who don't go with the flow."
Next episode — Part 4: Mainland Spain
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 | Pia von Ramin is founder of 4legs.de and lives in Hamburg. She travels regularly with her dogs and knows the pitfalls of every transport route from her own experience. |