Beaches to enjoy with your dog
Nowadays, being able to go to the beach with your dog has become a privilege and a pleasure for all pet owners. Most of the time, and as a general rule, it's impossible, as city councils have banned dogs from enjoying and attending this paradise with their owners. However, dogs are increasingly gaining more prominence and importance on the beaches, allowing them to enjoy and have fun with their owners. Going to the beach is an activity we all enjoy, and dogs even more so!
For this reason, there are an increasing number of beaches that facilitate access to these animals. In Spain, we have approximately 8,000 kilometers of coastline, which represents approximately 3,000 beaches nationwide. Furthermore, Spain is number one in Blue Flags: a total of 621 this year. Furthermore, according to ANFAAC, our country has approximately nine million dogs, but the number of dog-friendly beaches does not meet the needs of our country.
Dog-friendly beaches are usually remote beaches or even "the worst beaches," but here's a selection of the best beaches to enjoy with your dog. Although the Spanish Coastal Law neither explicitly prohibits nor approves bringing dogs to beaches, regional governments have the power to regulate it . As a general rule, they restrict access by season and disseminate this information to eliminate confusion. When pets are prohibited, it's usually posted. Restrictions vary: they may apply outside of bathing hours or during the summer season. We've provided our selection of favorite beaches, grouped by region, to make it much easier to find the ideal one for you and your dog.
Some tips for bringing your dog to the beach include: bringing drinking water,
poop bag carriers , and more.
It's also highly recommended to keep dogs on a leash to avoid problems with other animals. To help, check out our dog leashes and collars section to find our exclusive designs . Additionally, all dogs must have a microchip for identification, and potentially dangerous dogs must wear a muzzle.
Andalusia
Returning to the south, in Andalusia, the most notable beaches are Camposoto Beach in San Fernando, El Espigón Beach in Huelva, and Pinillo Beach in Marbella. The first, located in the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park, is very charming although not entirely practical. It also has a fenced area where dogs can play uncontrolled on the beach. Once outside the enclosure, they must be kept on a leash . The second beach, in El Espigón, is distinguished by its dunes and vegetation, so the designated dog area occupies 2,500 square meters. Third, Pinillo Beach, located on the outskirts of Marbella, is not known for its fine sand, as pebbles mark the edge of the beach. However, the dog showers are very useful and provide plenty of fun .
Ultimately, this variety and diversity of beaches puts the opportunity to experience and adventure with our dog, allowing them to run and swim on the beach, as well as play with other dogs in beautiful and wonderful settings.
Dog-friendly beaches in Galicia and Cantabria
On the other hand, Galicia has a large number of beaches that are attractive and inviting, and among them, you can find several dog-friendly beaches in Galicia. Thus, there are four beaches in total that allow access to dogs . In the Rías Altas area, the beaches of San Román and Área Grande are located, although some of the most notable are Santagatiño, Arenal, and Espiño. The latter is located in a wonderful setting, where the white sand and clear waters make it a worthy place to go with your dog and spend hours in the peace and tranquility that the area exudes.
Continuing through the northern Spanish communities in Cantabria , we find Playa del Puntal, a very spacious beach that allows your dog to run and let off steam, and Playa del Jortín, smaller than the former, nestled between cliffs and rocks with fine, golden sand.
La Rubina, on the Costa Brava
Thus, the Costa Brava, with its respective coves, was the first to allow dogs to enter, including those belonging to the cities of Sitges, Barcelona, Cubelles, Arenys de Mar, and Pineda de Mar. One of the best is La Rubina beach. La Rubina is a dog-friendly beach with fine sand and clear waters, allowing you to take long walks with your pet . This beach is one of the best known nationally, as it is a dog-friendly beach in Barcelona, so many people from the city take their pets to La Rubina. Keep in mind that on these beaches, it is important that your pet is always supervised and does not become a nuisance to other users.
Agua Amarga - Doggy Beach, in Alicante
On the other hand, in the Valencian Community, in Alicante, is Agua Amarga - Doggy Beach; it offers a wide range of amenities, including a hygiene area and a dog beach bar. It is open year-round. Also in the same area, you can enjoy La Caleta del Gossets beach, which allows two dogs per person, provided they meet certain health and behavior requirements . It is one of the best-known dog beaches in Valencia, as it is one of the best-known in the region for all owners and dogs.
Dog-friendly beaches in the Islands
Flying to the Canary Islands, we can also enjoy this pleasure at La Guacimeta Beach in Lanzarote . Located next to the airfield and overlooked by all the passing planes, it's 165 meters long and a perfect dog beach for your dog to enjoy their adventures without any time restrictions. On the neighboring islands, Llenaire Beach in Mallorca stands out for its pine forest where they can relax in the shade. Its different areas (rest area, park, and parking) give it a multifactorial value, as different variables make this beach an idyllic place for dogs.
Although there are quite a few beaches in Spain, the number of dog-friendly beaches is still quite low. Therefore, at Ladran Gaucho, we suggest some of the best beaches to visit with your dog, so you can enjoy a day at the beach together.
We're sure that, little by little, the situation will change, and the number of dog-friendly beaches will increase. Remember to enjoy your day while following the regulations; it will be an unforgettable day!
