Spain’s best dog-walking beaches

Each of us sun-loving dog owners has that perfect holiday image in our mind; a leisurely walk down the beach, waves lapping at our feet, and our dog running free with the wind in their ears.

But compared to other European countries, Spain can be a little tricky when it comes to travelling with your pet. Each region or city has its own set of rules, and dogs are only officially allowed to roam free in designated areas.

We’ve combined our research with recommendations from guests to get you those picture-postcard moments with your canine friend. Just make sure to check out the local regulations beforehand and use our handy pet-friendly filter when booking your accommodation.

Playa canina de Alboraya, Port Saplaya, Valencia

This 100% dog-friendly beach has no restrictions, which means that your pet can fully appreciate it off-leash, all year round. It is just south of Port Saplaya, 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Valencia.

If you’ll be visiting Valencia, ApartUP Viveros Pets is not only pet-friendly, but actually provides food bowls and a king-size bed for your dog, or a cubby hole for smaller breeds to snuggle in. It’s right next to Para Perros Park, too, so morning and evening walks are a breeze.

Cala del Xarco, Villajoyosa, Murcia

Cala del Xarco might be small, but its rocks and pools will prove to be a fun-filled seaside playground for your four-legged friends. Canines are welcome all year round, and at any time of day on this pebbled beach, so that they, too, can enjoy the salty waters of the Costa Blanca.

If you’re looking to stay in the colourful town of Villajoyosa, HAPPYVILA Fisher House is a pet-friendly apartment right on the beachfront. For creature comforts in a larger hotel a little further from town and closer to the dog beach, Hotel Servigroup Montíboli provides 5-star accommodation, and welcomes canine companions.

Playa para perros de Pineda De Mar, Pineda de Mar, Catalonia

Placed squarely between bustling Barcelona and medieval Girona, Pineda de Mar comes up as a great place to relax with your pup. Take a break from the cities, and whip out your beachwear to settle on the soft sand with Fido running free through clear waters.

This sandy stretch is just in front of Càmping Bellsol, where you can rent a bungalow with your pet. Guests like the free parking, friendly staff and easy access to the beach — all accessible to both travellers and their dogs.

Playa Para Perros En Punta Corveira, Barreiros, Galicia

Whether you’re in Galicia for the delicious Rías Baixas wines or as the final stop of the epic Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, if you’re travelling with your dog, you’ll want to take full advantage of the region’s wild coast.

The dog beach at Punta Corveira is a wild, hidden gem; a little hard to access, but well worth the adventure. It’s best at low tide, when the sea retreats, making space for four-legged playtime. Less than 2 kilometres away, you can stay at Refugio O Castro, where the friendly hosts are happy to welcome dogs. Guests particularly appreciate the stunning views of the beach and great food at the restaurant.

Playa del Espigón, Huevla, Andalusia

Close to the southernmost tip of mainland Spain, the coast around the city of Huevla is not often explored by the tourists that frequent the rest of Spain’s beaches. However, a drive through the Las Marismas del Odiel will reward you with sightings of flamingos and waterfowl in these beautiful wetlands, as you approach the beach.

Playa del Espigón is popular amongst local dog owners, so playful pups are likely to find friends to frolic with down this sandy stretch. Apartamentos Calypso provide simple, pet-friendly apartments in the area, with direct access to the seaside.

Playa Arcisero para perros en Castro Urdiales, Castro Urdiales, Cantabria

If you’re exploring the northern coast of Spain, Castro Urdiales gives you some impressive medieval and Gothic architecture, prehistoric cave paintings, and a taste of local seafood in the many tabernas and mesones. As for your doggo, Playa Arcisero is a leisurely 30-minute walk along the seafront from the old centre.

Here your pet can go on an athletic adventure, over funky-formed rocks and pebbles. The natural beauty of this wild beach might feel far from everything else, but it’s tucked away in a cove just 10 minutes’ walk from the pet-friendly Sercotel Las Rocas.