Dog beaches on the Costas
Discover the best dog beaches in Spain, sorted alphabetically by Costa. From bustling coastlines to hidden gems, I help you find the perfect spot where your dog can run, play, and swim, with all the necessary information regarding rules and facilities.
(Locations open in a new tab)
Why a dog beach?
Unfortunately, dogs are not welcome on many beaches in Spain, especially during the high season. While dogs are often tolerated in the off-season, particularly if you head out early, dedicated dog beaches offer the perfect solution. Here, dogs can play, run, and cool off in the sea without a worry. However, always pay close attention to local signs: is your dog allowed off-leash or must it remain on a leash? I will help you find the best spots where your loyal four-legged friend can enjoy the Spanish sun and sea undisturbed.
General tips and rules
- Documents: Always carry the EU pet passport with proof of rabies vaccination and microchip registration.
- Clean-up obligation: You are required to clean up excrement immediately (fines are often imposed for not carrying bags).
- Hot paws: Dark sand and pebbles become scorching hot in the Spanish sun. Use dog shoes or visit the beach before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM.
- Drinking water: Many natural beaches do not have drinking fountains or food and beverage facilities. Always bring fresh water.
- Dangerous breeds (PPP): Breeds such as the Pitbull, Rottweiler, and American Staffordshire Terrier must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle in public places (including dog beaches) in Spain.
- Hygiene: It is forbidden to wash dogs with shampoo on the beach or to feed them there.
- Check the rules for the beach of your choice for other regulations.
All Costas under the microscope
From the Costa Brava to the Costa del Sol, and everything in between; I include all the Spanish Costas alphabetically in my overview. My goal is to provide you with a complete guide, no matter where you are in Spain or where you are traveling to. Every dog beach has its own charm and specific rules, and I highlight them all so that you and your dog can enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Get ready for unforgettable beach days on the Spanish coast!
Tip
For our visits to the beach, I specifically bought an ultra-light washable and rollable dog mattress. It is available in three sizes; for my Great Dane, I naturally chose the very largest size.
Costa Almería
Playa del Bobar
The largest dog beach in the province (950 meters long).
Playa del Perulejo
A small-scale beach in a protected nature reserve.
Cala de la Invencible
A natural bay at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera.
Playa de Poniente
Fenced off-leash area. Walking is allowed within the fenced area.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Almería? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Azahar
Playa de Aiguaoliva
A pebble beach in a natural, somewhat wild setting where dogs are welcome all year round.
Playa El Barranquet
Dogs may be off-leash in the marked zone, but must be kept on a leash when entering the water.
Playa La Renegá
A collection of small, natural bays surrounded by rocks and pine forests.
Playa Moncofar
This beach has a special section for dogs on the south side of the mouth of the Belcaire river.
Playa L'Estany
A natural beach that is less crowded than the beaches in the larger cities. It is located in the Casablanca district.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for Costa Azahar? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Blanca
Playa de la Escollera Norte
Not the most beautiful swimming beach for people, but a safe place where dogs are allowed to run all year round.
Playa Mar y Montaña
A pebble beach with clear water. It is quite narrow, but very popular with local dog owners.
Cala les Urques
A natural bay with many rocks and pebbles. The view of the Peñón de Ifach is beautiful, but good shoes are a must.
Playa de la Caleta
A spacious pebble beach with calm water. There is usually ample parking nearby.
Playa de Agua Amarga
A sandy beach (with some pebbles). During the high season, there is a beach bar with special parasols and drinking bowls for dogs.
Caleta dels Gossets
A fine sandy beach mixed with rocks. It is well fenced off and very clean.
Playa Cala la Mosca
A small sandy bay, surrounded by rocks. It can get very crowded here during the high season.
Strict rules for dangerous breeds
The Costa Blanca is strict regarding PPP (dangerous breeds) legislation. A muzzle and short leash are mandatory for these dogs on all beaches.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Blanca? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Brava
Platja de la Rubina
Fine sand, shallow water, and very spacious. There are no rocks. Dogs are allowed to run free here all year round. There is a beach bar nearby where dogs are also welcome.
Platja del Rec del Molí
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by dunes and pine forests, half of which is reserved for dogs. The zone is clearly marked with signs.
Playa de Sant Pere Pescador
A very wide natural beach with a lot of wind. A specific section of the enormous beach is designated for dogs (near the mouth of the Fluvià river).
Platja de l'Estartit
A zone of approximately 600 square meters, directly next to the El Delfín Verde campsite. Only permitted within the demarcated zone.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Brava? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Barcelona
Playa de Llevant (Barcelona-stad)
An artificially created beach with showers for dogs and drinking fountains. Only open from late May to mid-September. The microchip is checked at the entrance.
Playa de Les Salines
A beautiful 450-meter-long sandy beach with calm water and ample parking.
Platja de Ponent
A fenced-off area on a wide sandy beach. Open from June to the end of September. Access is restricted to officially registered dogs (microchipped).
Playa del Masnou
A strip of approximately 400 meters with fine sand and a quiet atmosphere. A maximum capacity applies (around 35 dogs at a time) to prevent nuisance.
Cala Vallcarca
A natural, somewhat wilder beach, situated between the rocks of the coastal road. The water here is often very clear.
Dogs are prohibited on regular beaches in the summer.
In the province of Barcelona, most dog beaches are accessible everywhere during the winter (October through March), unless otherwise indicated. However, in the summer (April through September), dogs are strictly prohibited on all regular bathing beaches, with fines that can amount to €1,500.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Barcelona? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Cálida
Playa de las Moreras
A wide sandy beach approximately 500 meters long. The water here is calm and shallow. Open all year round. Dogs are allowed to run free, provided they do not cause a nuisance.
Playa del Gachero
A mix of sand and pebbles. It is usually much quieter than Playa de las Moreras, perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds. Dogs are welcome here 365 days a year.
Playa de Covaticas
A beach with many pebbles and stones, difficult to reach by car via an unpaved road. But the reward is an oasis of tranquility. Free access for dogs, but watch out for the strong current that can sometimes be present here.
Playa de la Cañada del Negro
Located on the outskirts of the town of Águilas, near the marina. A rocky beach with somewhat dark sand. It has recently been renovated and provided with better markings.
Playa de la Calera
A long, fairly narrow beach consisting of pebbles and stones. It offers a beautiful view over the bay of Mazarrón. Officially designated as a dog beach.
Playa de las Salinas
Because this beach is located on the Mar Menor, there are almost no waves. Ideal for small dogs or dogs afraid of the sea. Only allowed in the marked zone.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Cálida? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa de la Luz
Playa canina El Vigía
A vast sandy beach approximately 1.5 kilometers long. Dogs must be kept on a leash when entering and leaving the beach, but may play freely in the marked zone.
Playa de Pesmar
A spacious sandy beach approximately 500–900 meters long. The water here is usually crystal clear and showers are available.
Playa de Matalascañas
NEW official one-kilometer-long dog beach opened in the direction of Mazagón, access via the descent at Chiringuito Heidi Bananas.
(The location is set here)
Playa de Camposoto
A beautiful, wild beach with golden-yellow sand. Please note: the dog zone is quite a long walk (approx. 1.5 km) from the last parking lot (Punta del Boquerón).
Playa de El Aculadero
This beach is located near the marina of Puerto Sherry. A beach with a mix of sand and pebbles. It is a smaller, quiet area.
Playa de la Concha
A sandy beach with calm water, ideal for dogs that do not like high waves. Only permitted in the specific zone marked off with wooden posts.
TIP
The Costa de la Luz is known for its strong winds and tides. Check the tide calendar in advance; at high tide, the dog section on some beaches can become very narrow.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa de la Luz? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Dorada
Playa de la Riera d'Alforja
A pebble beach at the mouth of the Alforja river. It is enclosed by a wooden fence and dog showers are available. Open all year round. Dogs must stay within the enclosure.
Playa de la Platjola
A natural beach of pebbles and stones approximately 300 meters long. It is located in a quiet area with little development. Freely accessible throughout the year.
Cala Bon Caponet
A charming little bay with pebbles and rocks. The water here is usually very calm. Dogs are always welcome here. There is a special bin for dog poop.
Playa del Cementiri L'Ametlla de Mar
Slightly larger than Bon Caponet and located nearby. A rocky beach with many pebbles, situated next to the local cemetery (hence the name). Accessible to dogs all year round.
TIP
The Ebro Delta (near Deltebre) is beautiful, but there are many mosquitoes in the summer. Advice: Protect yourself well with an insect repellent and your dog with a product suitable for animals.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Dorada? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa del Sol
Playa del Ejido
One of the top-rated dog beaches in Andalusia, located right next to the famous Sohail Castle. A spacious sandy beach with excellent facilities, such as dog showers and special waste bins. The water here is usually calm.
Playa El Pinillo
A spacious beach approximately 1.5 kilometers long with fine sand and dunes, right next to the Opium Beach Club. There are dog showers, drinking fountains, and public toilets.
Playa Canina Ventura del Mar
A smaller zone on the west side of Marbella, near Puerto Banús, in front of the Ventura del Mar apartments, in the Nueva Andalucía district. 250 meters long with dark sand and pebbles.
Playa Canina de Torre del Mar
An enormous zone of 4,000 m² including an agility park with tunnels and seesaws. There are special resting areas with shade and beds for owners.
Playa de Arroyo Hondo
A relatively small strip (70 meters) with many pebbles and rocks, between the pier and the riverbed of Arroyo Hondo. Handy for a quick dip, but less suitable for a whole day at the beach.
Playas perros Torrox
It is a typical pebble beach with many stones and dark sand. For dogs with sensitive paws, dog shoes are recommended here, especially as the stones can get very hot in the summer.
Playa de las Piedras de la Paloma
A beautiful, natural beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, located between Estepona and Sotogrande. It is known as one of the quietest and most beautiful dog beaches on the Costa del Sol. There is a very dog-friendly beach bar (Chiringuito) nearby.
TIP
The beaches in Torre del Mar and Fuengirola are open all year round because the water there is not officially classified as swimming water for humans. This means that your dog will never be turned away there, not even during the hottest summer weeks.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa del Sol? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Tropical
Playa del Cable
A spacious beach with dark sand and pebbles, right next to the port of Motril. In the summer, extra facilities are often placed here, and the atmosphere is very pleasant because it is a wide strip where dogs can really run.
Playa Barranco de Enmedio
A small natural bay approximately 160 meters long, consisting of dark sand and pebbles. There are hardly any facilities here, so bring everything yourself. It is tolerated as a dog-friendly zone, but official signs may change by season.
Playa Salobreña
It is a beach with pebbles and stones. The great advantage is that after swimming, you can rest immediately on the adjacent grassy areas (La Veleta), which is unique for Spanish dog beaches.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Tropical? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
Costa Verde
Playa del Cervigón
Popularly known as "Playa del Rinconín". A sandy beach with many rocks at low tide. There is a dog park directly above the beach on the cliff, making it an ideal combination of running on the grass and swimming in the sea. Open all year round. It is a very social place where many local dog owners gather.
Playa de Sabugo
A dark sandy beach surrounded by high cliffs. It is a wild beach without many amenities, but the nature is breathtaking. Free access for dogs. The walk down is beautiful but a tad steep.
Cala de Salencia
A sheltered bay at the mouth of a small stream. It is a pebble beach, so the water is crystal clear. Officially designated for dogs. Please note that there are no direct sanitary facilities or drinking water on the beach.
Playa de Cambaredo
A narrow pebble beach at the foot of a cliff. It is rarely crowded here, which is perfect for dogs that get a bit nervous around large groups.
Playón de Bayas
An enormous sandy beach with powerful surf. The dog area offers oceans of space to run. Pay close attention to the signs separating the dog zone from the regular beach.
TIP
In Asturias (Costa Verde), the sea can be much rougher than in the Mediterranean. Watch out for strong currents and high waves, especially near the larger sandy beaches.
I have included all dog beaches, but there may of course be errors.
Do you have an addition for the Costa Verde? Then please send the new dog beach to me with the name and Google location!
Did you find an error? Mention the Costa and the dog beach and send me the correction.
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