In Good Company: Travelling Europe’s Thermal Trails with Your Dog

For many of us, the idea of a true getaway — one that restores rather than just escapes — doesn’t feel complete without a dog in tow. And increasingly, that’s not just possible in Europe’s spa regions — it’s encouraged. The slow pace, walkable towns, and restorative rituals of thermal travel are surprisingly well-matched to the rhythms of canine companionship.

Travelling with a dog changes everything. You move differently. People notice. Strangers soften. A pup under the table at a Provence cellar door, a wagging tail at the airport baggage belt — dogs aren’t just companions, they’re connectors. In places where you might have slipped through anonymously, they spark conversations, waves, and shared smiles. Locals stop to chat. Travellers lean in. What might have been a solitary soak becomes a shared moment — one that begins with fur and ends in friendship.

While most balnearios themselves remain strictly human spaces, the places built around them — forested valleys, riverside promenades, and sun-dappled cafés — are a different story. Travelling with a dog in thermal country is about more than accommodation checkboxes. It’s about shared presence, calm rituals, and a landscape that lets both species slow down.

Where Dogs Travel Best

Across Europe, some countries stand out for their consistently pet-positive culture. In France, dogs are commonly seen in cafés, markets, and hotels — especially in the countryside and spa regions like Alsace, Dordogne, and the Pyrenees. Germany and Austria are well organised, with clear rules and welcoming guesthouses, many near thermal trails. Italy varies by region, but Tuscany and the Dolomites are reliably accommodating. Spain, while a little more conservative in cities, shines in rural areas and wellness corridors like Murcia, Valencia, and Galicia.

Travelling with a dog is easiest by car, but many European train networks also permit pets. In France and Italy, small dogs in carriers often travel free, while larger dogs require a muzzle and reduced ticket. The Deutsche Bahn in Germany and ÖBB in Austria are among the most pet-tolerant networks. Air travel varies — many carriers allow small pets in cabin, with paperwork — but long stays or road routes tend to be more comfortable for thermal-focused trips.

Trail Time, Not Pool Time

While dogs aren’t permitted in balneario pool complexes (understandably), the towns built around them are often ideal for a shared slow travel rhythm. Tree-lined promenades, river paths, shady terraces, and cafés with water bowls abound.

This blog's hero image is our own travel companion, Hollywood, taking in the sights of Rubielos de Mora (See the itinerary here) — a hill town not far from spa circuits in eastern Spain. It’s the kind of place where a cool stone doorstep is a welcome pause, and a stroll becomes part of the ritual.

Looking for pet-friendly accommodation right by the Balneario de Archena?
Check out the Residencia Palm Springs Penthouse in Spa Valley 2

Whether it’s the alpine air, the Mediterranean breeze, or the scent of forest and mineral spring, dogs remind us to travel more gently — to linger longer, sniff everything, and rest without guilt. Thermal escapes don’t mean leaving them behind. In fact, they’re often better with four paws along for the walk.