Why Spain is leading Europe’s pet-friendly camping boom

Spain’s campsites are no longer just about pine trees, paella, and starry skies. Increasingly, the soundtrack of a Spanish camping trip includes the jingle of a dog’s collar.

In a country with over ten million registered pets—far more than young children—it was only a matter of time before four-legged family members started shaping the nation’s holiday habits.

A quiet revolution on the campsite

Instead of a gradual policy tweak, the shift has been dramatic. Booking platform Pitchup.com notes that reviews mentioning dogs have leapt by over 80% in six years, while more than 90% of Spanish campsites now welcome animals. Owners are not simply tolerating pets but redesigning their sites with canine comfort in mind. Shade trees, water stations, enclosed exercise zones and even purpose-built dog showers are becoming standard.

Green north, sunny south – where dogs roam free

While dog-friendly camping can be found from Catalonia to Cádiz, the Atlantic north has emerged as a particular draw. Galicia’s misty valleys and Asturias’s rugged peaks offer endless walking trails and cooler summer temperatures ideal for long hikes with dogs. Down south, Andalucian coastal resorts are opening stretches of pet-permitted beach, while inland sites near the Sierra Nevada market themselves as year-round escapes for active travellers.

Spain´s pet-friendly holiday boom

Campervans, paperwork and practicalities

For motorhome enthusiasts, travelling with a dog in Spain is easier than ever. Many pitches now come with extra space and no pet surcharge. Regional rules still vary—some natural parks require leads or vaccination records—so checking regulations before setting off remains essential.

More than a passing fad

The rise of pet-friendly campsites in Spain is not a marketing gimmick; it reflects a wider European trend in which pets are treated as full family members. With demand still climbing and owners planning holidays around their animals, Spain’s campsites are setting a benchmark other countries are likely to follow.

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