Dog beaches on the Costa Blanca
Practical information about all the dog beaches on the Costa Blanca
Going to the coast with your dog is the ultimate vacation experience for many people. The Costa Blanca is becoming a little more hospitable to dogs and their owners every year.
More and more municipalities are designating a special stretch of beach where dogs are allowed.
Since the rules vary quite a bit from place to place, we have gathered all the important information for you in this comprehensive overview.
Brief summary
Want to know where to find dog-friendly beaches on the Spanish coast? This overview will help you get straight to the best dog-friendly beaches on the Costa Blanca.
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You get a clear picture of the dog beaches of the most popular places, including the best alternatives;
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You will read what appointments you must meet and what you are required to carry with you;
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You’ll discover how to keep a day at the beach safe and fun for your dog during the hot summer months.
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ToggleAlbir 🚫
Albir does not have a dog beach.
At the famous Playa del Albir and along the promenade Paseo de Estrella, dogs are not allowed on the beach in high season.
In the off-season, when the lifeguards are away, you do nevertheless regularly see people walking their dogs.
Tip: From Albir, it is a few minutes’ drive to Playa Para Perros in Altea.
Alicante ✅
Alicante has one dog beach.
The region's capital has one of the best locations in Spain with Playa de Agua Amarga (also called Doggy Beach ).
Located between the city and Urbanova, this dog beach is about 250 meters long. You will find fine extras including:
- A beach bar with a special menu for dogs;
- Convenient dog showers and drinking bowls;
- Parasols with dog leash hooks.
Altea ✅
Altea has one dog beach.
In the most beautiful place in Spain, you can visit Playa Para Perros. This dog beach is located near the Porto Senso marina and Hotel Villa Gadea.
It is a quiet pebble beach about 300 meters wide where dogs are officially allowed.
Benissa 🚫
Benissa does not have an official dog beach.
The beautiful small coves(calas) of Benissa are unfortunately not accessible to dogs.
Much of the natural environment in Benissa consists of the hiking trail(s) Paseo de Ecologico. For this reason, the municipality strictly protects the region, dogs are therefore not welcome on the beach.
Calpe ✅
Calpe has one official dog beach.
In Calpe, you can take your dog to Cala Les Urques. This cove with rocks and pebbles is located on the south side of town, near the restaurant Puerto Blanco.
Please note that access is via stairs and there are no additional amenities such as water or shade.
Dénia ✅
Dénia has one official dog beach.
In the north of the Costa Blanca you will find Playa Escollera Norte. This beach area is located near the northern harbor pier and is about 100 meters long.
The bottom consists of a mixture of sand and gravel and the water is usually very calm.
Elche 🚫
Elche does not have an official dog beach.
Within the municipality of Elche, where the beaches of La Marina and El Pinet are located, there are currently no official zones for dogs.
For the closest good option, it's best to drive to Santa Pola.
El Castell de Guadalest 🚫
Guadalest does not have an official dog beach.
This well-known village is located in the mountains and, of course, has no shoreline. It is, however, an ideal place for a walk with your dog around the reservoir, provided you keep your animal on a leash.
Jalón 🚫
Jalón does not have an official dog beach.
Jalón (Xaló) is also located inland. In this beautiful valley you can make great walks through nature and vineyards. Which is especially nice for dogs during the day in high season.
Jávea 🚫
Jávea does not have an official dog beach.
On popular beaches such as El Arenal and La Grava, dogs are not allowed.
There are currently no alternative beaches in Jávea where dogs are allowed on the beach.
Moraira 🚫
Moraira does not have an official dog beach.
In this municipality, dogs are prohibited on all sandy beaches and in the small coves. The rules are strictly controlled here, especially during the busy summer months.
Pilar de la Horadada 🚫
Pilar de la Horadada does not have an official dog beach.
Currently, there are no officially designated beaches for dogs in this southern municipality.
For the nearest alternative, it's best to go to Cala Mosca in the neighboring town of Orihuela Costa.
Santa Pola ✅
Santa Pola has one dog beach.
This place has a well-known beach suitable for dogs with Caleta dels Gossets.
This beach near the cape of Santa Pola is fully fenced and very popular with dog lovers. It offers, among other things:
- A soft surface of fine sand and small pebbles;
- Dedicated trash receptacles and drinking water points;
- Excellent dog showers for immediate rinsing off of sand.
Torrevieja ✅
Torrevieja features two dog beaches.
Here you have the choice of Cala Rocío and Cala del Moro. These are natural coves with lots of rocks at the foot of the cliffs. The water there is crystal clear, but access can be a bit tricky for dogs that are less able to climb.
Villajoyosa ✅
Villajoyosa features two dog beaches.
On the south side of this colorful town you will find Cala del Xarco. This is a quiet and natural pebble beach near an old watchtower.
It is one of the most natural dog beaches in the province where your dog can get a great breath of fresh air.
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Other dog beaches on the Costa Blanca
In addition to the 16 places named above, there are a number of municipalities/places in the province of Alicante where you can go with your dog. In fact, the places below offer some of the most popular dog beaches in the region:
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El Campello ✅ - here they lead the way when it comes to dog-friendliness and offer two different locations:
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Playa de la Punta del Riu Sec: This beach is located at the mouth of the Seco River and has very calm water, which is ideal for small dogs or dogs afraid of high waves;
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Playa Barranc d'Aigües: this is a more secluded and natural spot to the north with large boulders, reached via the N-332.
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Orihuela Costa ✅ - here you will find an official dog beach in a beautiful, unspoiled natural area:
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Cala Mosca(Cabo Peñas): this is the last stretch of coast in the region that has not yet been built up, so here you will enjoy a mix of sand and rocks in a peaceful setting.
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Important appointments on the beach
To ensure that dog beaches remain open to all, it's important to follow a few simple agreements:
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Registration: make sure your dog has a chip and bring the vaccination booklet in case the police do a check;
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Clean up: this is the most important rule; always take bags with you, clean up your dog's poop immediately and throw it in the appropriate trash cans;
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Behavior: keep your dog under control and make sure he doesn't bother other visitors or dogs. Not every dog likes to be approached casually;
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Dangerous breeds: dogs listed as "potentially dangerous dogs" (PPP) in Spain must always be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle;
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Health: sick dogs or bitches in heat are not allowed on the beaches to avoid problems.
Taking your dog to the beach: practical tips
A day at the beach with your dog requires a little extra preparation, especially if the sun is shining brightly:
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Shade and coolness: bring your own umbrella, as there is no natural shade on most dog beaches;
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Plenty of drink: dogs can dehydrate quickly due to the salt water and sun. Always have a large bottle of cold water and a drinking bowl with you;
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Hot surface: sand and pebbles get glowing hot in the sun. If it's too hot for your feet, your dog's paws burn very quickly, too;
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Rinse off salt: always rinse your dog with clean water after swimming. This is because the salt water can cause considerable itching and skin irritation when it dries into the coat;
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Alternative pool: want to go to a place without sand and salt for once? In Ondara you will find Trust Dog Resort, a special park with a 1,000 m2 dog pool with slides and waterfalls.
What is your favorite dog beach on the Costa Blanca?
Let us know via a comment below.
Question & answer (FAQ)
Is my dog allowed on any beach on the Costa Blanca?
No, dogs are welcome only at the specially designated dog beaches mentioned in this article. Dogs are prohibited on normal tourist beaches during the bathing season (usually from June to September). Outside this period, walking is sometimes allowed on other beaches, but this varies by municipality and you always run the risk of a fine.
Which dog beaches have sand instead of rocks?
Most dog beaches on the costa blanca consist of pebbles or rocks. If you're really looking for sand for your dog's paws, the following three spots are your best bet:
Playa de agua amarga (alicante): : a spacious sandy beach with many amenities;
Caleta dels gossets (santa pola): : a mixture of fine sand and small pebbles in a fenced area;
Cala mosca (orihuela costa): : a natural cove where you will also find sections with sand.
Should my dog always stay on a leash at the beach?
This varies by location, but generally dogs must be leashed until they enter the water. There are exceptions, such as the fully fenced area in Santa Pola where dogs can more often than not safely run loose. For dogs on the dangerous breeds list (PPP), a leash and muzzle are required by law on every public beach in Spain.
What documents should I bring to the beach?
You must always carry the European pet passport. The local police can check for this to see if your dog:
Officially registered via a chip;
Has had the proper vaccinations (especially the rabies shot is very important);
In the name of the correct owner.
Is there a fee to access a dog beach?
The official dog beaches of the municipalities are free to all. Only if you choose a private location, such as the dog pool Trust dog resort in Ondara, should you consider an entrance fee to use the facilities.
How do I know if the sand is too hot for my dog's paws?
A simple way to test this is the "5-second rule. Press the back of your hand firmly against the sand or pebbles for five seconds. If you do not keep this up because it is too hot, the pads under your dog's paws will also burn. In that case, go to the beach only early in the morning or late in the evening.
Where can I see if new dog beaches have been added this year?
Because municipalities can change their policies every year, it's smart to check an up-to-date map before you leave. Websites such as Red Canina's keep track of all changes throughout Spain. You can also often find up-to-date information on the official website of the municipality where you are staying.
More tips for your visit to the Costa Blanca
Publication date:
2 January 2026
Publication date: 2 January 2026
Updated on:
13 January 2026
Updated on: 13 January 2026
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