Lorraine Williamson
For dog lovers across Spain, the days of leaving your pup at home during beach outings are becoming a thing of the past. As the country gears up for another hot summer, more municipalities than ever are opening up stretches of coastline for canine visitors.
From rugged northern shores to tranquil island coves, 2025 brings a bumper list of officially designated dog beaches—some well-equipped, others wild and remote.
Here’s your essential guide to navigating Spain’s growing network of pet-friendly sands.
The law (and the loopholes)
While Spain’s national coastal regulations still prohibit dogs on most beaches during high season, a growing number of towns and cities are carving out exceptions. Often found in less-crowded areas or beyond lifeguard zones, these dog-approved patches are marked and maintained by local councils. Platforms like Redcanina offer regularly updated maps to help pet owners track new spots.
Valencia region leads the pack
If you’re searching for the region with the most dog beach options, head straight to the Comunidad Valenciana. The province of Alicante tops the chart with well-known beaches like Caleta dels Gossets near Santa Pola, a pristine cove favoured by locals. The city of Valencia itself isn’t far behind, offering the wide and welcoming Playa de Pinedo.
Further north in Castellón, the list keeps growing—Benicarló, Vinaròs, and Alcalà de Xivert now all boast dog-accessible beaches, ideal for holidaymakers with a four-legged plus-one.
Catalonia: Where it all began
Catalonia made history with La Rubina in Empuriabrava—the first official dog beach in Spain. That pioneering spirit continues today, especially in the province of Barcelona. Playa del Llevant remains a reliable favourite, and you’ll find other sandy options in Sitges, Badalona, and along the Maresme coast.
In Girona and Tarragona, quieter nature spots await, such as the coves of L’Ametlla de Mar or the beaches near L’Estartit. Gavà also offers seasonal access for dogs up to early September.
Costa del Sol: A mixed bag for dog owners
While Andalucia has made strides in recent years, pet-friendly beaches remain patchy along the southern coast. Still, Málaga province offers several excellent options, including Playa del Castillo in Fuengirola and Marbella’s Playa El Pinillo.
Further afield, small but functional dog beaches can be found in Casares, Totalán, and even inland Córdoba, where the freshwater beach of Valdearenas provides a tranquil alternative to the sea.
Murcia’s modest but mighty offering
Murcia’s coastline may be shorter, but it punches above its weight in dog beach variety. The standout is Playa de Las Salinas in Los Alcázares—the first on the Mar Menor—known for calm, shallow waters that are gentle on both senior dogs and energetic pups.
Northern Spain: Room to roam
Spain’s cooler north is ideal for those avoiding the scorching southern sun. Here, Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria offer some of the most scenic dog beaches in the country. Think windswept bays, pine forests, and wide sands with plenty of space to play fetch.
Popular picks include Playa Helgueras in Noja (Cantabria), Playa de Cesantes near Redondela (Galicia), and Gijón’s well-loved El Rinconín in Asturias.
Island life with a pawprint
Spain’s islands are stepping up too. Gran Canaria and Tenerife lead the Canaries with several dog zones along their coasts, including Playa Bocabarranco and Playa El Puertito.
On the Balearics, Mallorca is the clear winner, offering well-known spots like Es Carnatge and Na Patana. Ibiza and Menorca also provide quieter, rockier options for a more secluded beach experience with your pet.
A shared responsibility: Keeping beaches clean for all
While dog-friendly beaches are a welcome privilege, they come with shared responsibilities. Local councils frequently highlight that most dog owners are respectful and vigilant—cleaning up after their pets and ensuring their dogs are under control.
Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said of all beachgoers. Following this year’s San Juan festivities, dozens of Spanish beaches were left buried under piles of rubbish—broken glass, plastic, and food waste, prompting public outcry and urgent clean-up operations.
As municipalities work hard to preserve these natural spaces, all visitors—two-legged or four—must do their part to keep beaches safe, clean, and open to everyone
Top tips for dog-friendly beach days
-
Double-check rules: Not all beaches are open all day, and regulations can change.
-
Stay cool: Pack shade and water. Some beaches lack basic amenities.
-
Keep it clean: Always pick up after your dog. Dirty beaches risk closure.
-
Protect paws: Test the sand’s temperature. If it burns your feet, it’ll burn theirs.
-
Mind the tides: Smaller coves may disappear at high tide—plan accordingly.
Avoiding paw burn in High Heat
Spanish beaches can reach blistering temperatures by midday, with sand often topping 50°C. Always walk your dog during cooler hours, and consider dog booties if you’re out for longer stretches. Early morning and post-sunset visits are your safest bet.
The full list: Dog-friendly beaches in Spain, 2025
To help you plan your next getaway, here’s a region-by-region breakdown of Spain’s official dog beaches for this summer.
Sniff out your next adventure
Whether you’re after a breezy coastal stroll or a full-on splash in the surf, Spain’s dog-friendly beach scene is more inviting than ever. With new zones added each year, dog owners can now enjoy more freedom, cleaner facilities, and better signage. It’s never been easier—or more fun—to bring your furry friend along for a seaside escape.
Just remember: a responsible owner keeps dog beaches open for everyone.