Despite having nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline and being an ideal destination for beach lovers, Spain has not always been a perfect spot for our furry companions. However, more and more beaches in Spain are now allowing dogs, providing spaces where they can run, play, and swim freely. Currently, there are over 100 dog-friendly beaches along the Spanish coast. Here are some of the most recommended ones:

Playa de Llevant, Barcelona

This beach features a dedicated area for dogs, fenced off from the rest of the beach, where they can run and play without restrictions. It is equipped with showers and water fountains specifically for dogs, ensuring your comfort throughout the day. The operating hours are from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Playón de Bayas, Castrillón, Asturias

One of the most beautiful beaches, it is not fenced but the area is marked with signs. There are shower and water fountain facilities. However, its waters are not suitable for human swimming, and authorities require dogs to be kept on a leash. Access to other beaches in Castrillón is allowed from September 15 to May 15.

Playa Canina de Torre del Mar, Málaga

On the Costa del Sol, the Torre del Mar Dog Beach is a favorite among dog families. It covers about 4,000 square meters and includes a dog park, showers, and a play area specifically designed for dogs. It’s a canine paradise, but swimming for humans is prohibited.

Playa de Agua Amarga, Alicante

Agua Amarga Beach is one of the best options for dogs. It has 150 meters of linear beach and a fenced area where dogs can run freely. Additionally, it offers services like umbrellas and beds for dogs, poop bag dispensers, and during summer, a beach bar to ensure you have everything you need.

Playa de La Rubina, Empuriabrava (Girona)

La Rubina Beach is one of Spain’s first official dog beaches and remains one of the best. Located in Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava, this beach offers ample space for dogs to run and play, about 300 meters of linear beach. It also has shaded areas and water points to keep dogs hydrated.

Rules and Tips for Enjoying Beaches with Dogs

Each dog-friendly beach in Spain has its own regulations that must be followed to ensure a harmonious experience for all visitors and avoid fines or warnings. Here are some common rules and tips for enjoying a beach day with your dog:

- Bring poop bags: It’s essential to pick up after your dog to keep the beach clean and pleasant for everyone. Many dog beaches have bag dispensers, but it’s advisable to bring your own just in case.

- Keep an eye on your dog: Although many beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, it’s important to always keep an eye on them. If your dog is very active or you see potential problems, it’s recommended to use a long leash.

- Bring water: Offer water to your dog frequently. Heat and physical activity can quickly dehydrate them, so it’s crucial to keep them hydrated. Also, avoid letting them drink seawater, as it can dehydrate them further and cause vomiting.

- Use sunscreen: Dogs with light skin or little hair can get sunburned. Apply dog-friendly sunscreen on exposed areas like the nose and ears. Consult your vet for recommendations.

- Avoid peak heat hours: Try to visit the beach in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower and the sand is not as hot. If the sand is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them as well. Be mindful that extreme heat can be more difficult for young, sick, or elderly dogs to handle.

- Bring your dog’s health documentation: National regulations require dogs to be identified and vaccinated. You may be asked for their documentation, so ensure it’s up to date.

- Know the specific rules of each beach: Check the local municipality’s website for information on beach characteristics, hours, and specific rules. You can also call or email to confirm.

- Read online reviews: Other travelers’ experiences can alert you to potential issues, such as difficult access, rocky terrain, contaminated water, or other inconveniences that could spoil your day.

List of Dog-Friendly Beaches in Spain (subject to change, so always check before you go):

Andalucía

Málaga

Playa Arroyo Totalán, Totalán

Playa del Castillo Sohail, Fuengirola

Playa Piedra Paloma, Casares

Playa Canina de Torre del Mar

Playa El Pinillo, Marbella

Playa canina de Ventura de Mar, Marbella

Benalcan, Playa de Arroyo Hondo, Benalmádena

Playa canina de Torrox, Torrox costa

Cádiz

Playa canina de Camposoto, San Fernando de Cádiz

Playa de la Concha , Algeciras

Granada

Playa El Cable, Motril

Playa canina La Veintiuna, Almuñécar

Huelva

Playa del Espigón, Huelva

Playa de la Gola, Isla Cristina

Playa canina de Punta Umbría

Almería

Playa de la Rana, Adra

Playa El Bobar

Córdoba

Playa de Valdearenas, Iznájar

Islas Baleares

Mallorca

Punta des Marroig, Palmanova, Calviá

Cala dels Gats, Costa de la Calma, Calviá

Cala Gamba - Es Carnatge, Palma de Mallorca

Playa Canina de Llenaire, Port Pollença

Playa de Na Patana, Santa Margarida

Cala Blanca, Andraxt

Menorca

Playa de Binigaus

Cala Escorxada

Ibiza

Playa Canina en Es Farralló

Desembocadura Río Santa Eulalia

Islas Canarias

Gran Canaria

Playa de Bocabarranco, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Playa de los Cuervitos, Agüimes

Tres Peos, Agüimes

Tenerife

El Puertito, Güímar

Playa El Callao y Las Bajas, Arona

Playa El Confital, Granadilla de Abona

Playa del Horno, Granadilla de Abona

Lanzarote

Playa de las Coloradas, El Afre, Yaiza

Playa de la Guacimeta, Playa Honda, San Bartolomé

El Hierro

Playa Laja los Cabritos, Tacorón

Cantabria

Playa de la Maza, San Vicente de la Barquera

Playa de Muelle Oriñon, Castro Urdiales

Cala Cargadero Mioño, Castro Urdiales

Playa Arcisero, Castro Urdiales

Playa La Riberuca, Suances

Playa el Puntal, Somo

Arenal de Jortín, Soto de la Marina, Bezana

Cataluña

Girona

Playa de la Rubina, Empurivabrava

Zona canina de Playa Els Griells, L'estartit

Port de la Vall, Port de la Selva, Girona

Playa de la Ribera, Port de la Selva

Playa de las Barcas, Colera

Playa El Rec del Molí, L'escala

Playa de Sant Jordi, Llançà

Barcelona

Cala Vallcarca en Sitges

Playa de Llevant, Barcelona

Playa de Les Salines, Cubelles

Playa del Patins a Vela, Badalona

Zona Canina de Pineda de Mar

Playa para Perros de Montgat-El Masnou

Playa canina de la Conca, Malgrat de Mar

Playa de Poniente, Mataró

Playa La Picòrdia, Arenys de Mar (solo perros censados en ese ayto.)

Playa para perros de Calella

Playa para perros de Gavá (solo perros censados en ese ayto.)

Tarragona

Playa Bon Caponet, Ametlla de Mar

Playa La Platjola, Alcanar

Cala Cementiri, Ametlla de Mar

Platja de la Bassa de l'Arena, Deltebre

Playa Riera d´Alforja, Cambrils

Playa Punta del Riu, Mont-roig

Cala de la Torrota, Roda de Berà

Comunidad Valenciana

Alicante

Playa Punta del Riu, Campello

Cala del Barranc d'Aigües, Campello

Cala del Xarco, Villajoyosa

Playa de Agua Amarga, ciudad de Alicante

Caleta dels Gossets, Santa Pola

Playa Mar y Montaña, Altea

Cala Les Urques, Calpe

Cala Rocío, Torrevieja

Cala Cabo Peñas, Orihuela

Castellón

Cala de les Llanetes, Vinarós

Playa de Aiguaoliva, Vinarós

Boca del Riu, Vinarós

Playa L'Estany, Alcossebre

El Barranquet, Benicarló

Playa Belcaire, Moncófar

Playa La Renegá, Oropesa

Valencia

Playa Canina de Pinedo, Ciudad de Valencia

Playa de la Torreta-Santa Elvira, en El Puig

Playa canina de Alboraya, Ciudad de Valencia

Galicia

Pontevedra

Playa O Espiño, O Grove

O Portiño, O Grove

Playa de Chapela, Redondela

Playa de Cesantes, Redondela

O Castelete, Vilagarcía de Arousa

Playa Cunchina, Cangas

Playa A Foz, Vigo

Playa A Calzoa, Vigo

La Coruña

Playa El Arenal A Pobra do Caramiñal

Playa canina de Ares

Playa canina de la Magdalena, Cabanas

Lugo

Punta Corveira

Principado de Asturias

Playa del Rinconin, Gijón

Cala Saliencia, Cudillero

Playa del Sablón en Bayas, Castrillón

Playa Quintana, Valdés

Playa Campiecho, Valdés

Playa Canina de Cambaredo, El Franco

Región de Murcia

Región de Murcia

Playa Sierra de las Moreras, Mazarrón

Playa El Gachero, Mazarrón

Playa de Cobaticas, Mazarrón

Playa La Cañada del Negro, Águilas

Cala de Mijo, Águilas

Playa para Perros de Salinas, Los Alcázares

Playa La Calera, Cartagena