The best dog friendly beaches in Portugal

Summer was made for enjoying good weather in the company of family, friends and, of course, our four-legged friends. Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning beaches, and fortunately, there are several dog-friendly beaches in Portugal where you can enjoy some sun, sand, and surf with your four-legged companion.

There are an increasing number of beaches in Portugal that have open access to dogs, but we have decided to go looking for the best dog friendly beaches in Portugal, so that you can enjoy a holiday on the beach with your dog, as well as offer you some pet-friendly accommodation near each one.

Before embarking on an adventure with your dog in Portugal, you should be aware of these basic rules for having pets in Portugal:

• Your pet must be registered;
• You must use a leash and muzzle if it is a potentially dangerous breed;
• It is important to pay attention to the safety of other people on the beach;
• You must keep the beach clean;
• The rules for all beaches in Portugal are imposed by the local port authority supervising them.

Now that you know the rules for how to enjoy the summer with your pet, here are our recommendations of the best dog-friendly Portuguese beaches where you and your four-legged friend can both get some well-earned holiday relaxation time!

Coral Beach, Viana do Castelo

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Also known as Praia do Aquário, Praia do Coral is located on Portugal’s northern coast near Viana do Castelo and was one of the first doggy beaches in Portugal. Opened on 15th June 2018, it's an excellent option for your dog to be able to enjoy this summer 2023, so that they don't have to be left home alone or in kennels. Take advantage of the extensive sandy shore and calm waters protected by the Lima River bar and let your dog run and swim freely. We recommend spending a few days on holiday in the area where you'll also be able to find a selection of tourist accommodation where pets are allowed.

• Find a holiday rental that accepts pets in Viana do Castelo
• See property for sale in Viana do Castelo

Porto da Areia Norte Beach, Peniche

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Continuing towards the central region of the country, Peniche presents a fantastic choice for a vacation with your furry friend. At Praia do Porto da Areia Norte, you'll discover a sandy stretch measuring approximately 80 meters in length, ideal for leisurely strolls with your pet, free from concerns about inconveniencing fellow vacationers. This particular beach, located north of the Algarve, offers all the amenities necessary to cater to your pet's needs while ensuring the beach's upkeep. Notably, the local authorities have made a significant investment of 2,500 euros in providing bag dispensers and installing signage that outlines the regulations to be observed on this dedicated dog-friendly beach in Portugal.

• Find a holiday rental that accepts pet in Peniche
• See property for sale in Peniche

Ramalha Sul Beach, Esposende

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In the Braga district of Portugal, specifically in Esposende, we present our final two recommendations for the finest dog-friendly beaches in Portugal. The first one is Praia da Ramalha Sul, along with Praia Suave Mar, both of which began permitting dogs on their shores in 2018 as a result of the Municipal Strategic Plan for Animal Welfare devised by the local council.

With its expansive sandy coastline and remarkable facilities, this beach significantly simplifies the experience for pet owners. Undoubtedly, it serves as the ideal destination in northern Portugal to create cherished memories while enjoying a splendid beach day with your beloved four-legged companion.

Praia Suave Mar, Esposende

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Also located in Esposende is the dog-friendly beach of Praia Suave Mar, which is another perfect summer 2023 holiday destination for you and your four-legged friend.

The beach’s large, sandy shore attracts many surfers and holidaymakers. In addition to being easily accessible and having a range of parking  options in the surrounding area, this dog friendly beach is also equipped with special facilities for dogs where they can drink water, for example. There are also plenty of short-term holiday rentals nearby where pets are more than welcome.

• Find a holiday rental that accepts pets in Esposende
• See property for sale in Esposende

Essential advice for going on holiday with dogs in Portugal

It's important to note that while these beaches are dog-friendly, there may be specific rules and regulations in place, such as leash requirements and designated dog areas. It's always a good idea to check local regulations and guidelines before visiting any beach with your dog. Additionally, it's crucial to be respectful of other beachgoers and clean up after your pet to maintain the cleanliness and harmony of these beautiful spaces.

And now you’ve chosen your pet-friendly destination in Portugal for the holidays, all that is left is to bear in mind these tips and ideas so you can enjoy the beach to the maximum with your pooch:

• Beaches where dogs are not expressly allowed don’t usually have any control over animal access. Even so, we recommend that you always check if dogs are allowed or not, as being caught breaking the rules could result in having to pay expensive fines.
• Choose areas where the water is calm so that your dog can swim in peace without rough waves.
• Protect your pup from the sun and keep it hydrated! Animals can also suffer from too much sun exposure which can lead to dehydration during the hottest hours of the day.
• Collect all your dog’s waste left on the beach, either using your own bags or bags that are often provided.
• Bring toys to keep your dog entertained.
• When you return home, it’s a good idea to give your dog a bath in fresh water to remove all the salt from their fur.