The Best Dog Beaches in Catalonia

In 2022, there are around 20 designated dog beaches in Catalonia, and at least half are located in the province of Barcelona. That said, in Girona, Mont-roig del Camp, and Tarragona, you'll also find dog-friendly beaches to enjoy the summer season with your best friend.

Below, we present a short list of what we consider the 12 best dog beaches in Catalan territory, factoring in access conditions, space, and infrastructure suited to visiting with our furry friends.

Remember, each beach's conditions can vary, so we always recommend checking with the local city council to learn its specific features and regulations. Let's begin!

The Best Dog Beaches in Barcelona

Platja de Llevant, in the City of Barcelona

This is the most easily accessible dog beach in Barcelona, since it's located right in the heart of the city, and it's possible to get there by subway. The section reserved for beachgoers wanting to bring their best friends is located in the northern area.

Keep in mind this dog beach is only open during the summer season (June to September), from 10:30 AM to 7 PM. Also, there's usually a maximum capacity of 100 dogs, and generally, a 4-meter safety distance is set between groups.

Playa de les Salines, in Cubelles

This is a small sandy beach located next to the power plant's tower, and despite its relatively small size (450 m long), it has the advantage of staying open year-round with no time restrictions.

Dog Beach in Pineda de Mar

With fine sand and calm waters, this is one of the best dog beaches in Catalonia, and it's open year-round with no time restrictions. It's next to Playa de la Riera, very close to the Passeig Marítim, and right in front of a campground where dogs are also welcome.

Cala Vallcarca, in Sitges

This is one of the most beautiful dog beaches in Catalonia, surrounded by lovely green areas. Although it's next to a cement plant, it's perfect for those wanting to get a bit away from urban centers and relax in a natural setting.

Keep in mind that, being far from the city, its infrastructure and services are fairly limited, and access is only by car.

Playa La Picòrdia, in Arenys de Mar

This is the first dog beach in Arenys de Mar, with around 1,500 m² of total surface area, where beachgoers can bring their dogs. That said, at least for now, it's exclusively for dogs registered in this municipality. Also, it'll only be available during the summer season (June to September).

Other Dog-Friendly Beaches in Barcelona

• Playa de Poniente, in Mataró
• Dog area at "El Masnou," in Montgat
• Playa Patins a Vela, in Badalona
• Playa de la Conca, in Malgrat de Mar
• Dog beach in Calella
• Dog beach in Gavà

The Best Dog Beaches in Girona

Playa de la Rubina, in Empuriabrava

Girona was a pioneer in Spain when it came to designating dog beaches, and this was the province's first "official" dog beach. It's located in Castelló d'Empúries, south of the Gulf of Roses.

This is a non-urban beach with fine sand, part of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park. Fortunately, it's open year-round with no time restrictions.

Playa del Rec del Molí, in L'Escala

This is a semi-urban cove with fine sand and a very pleasant setting, and the section reserved for dogs takes up half of Rec del Molí beach's total area. Also, there's good infrastructure and services available nearby.

Sant Jordi Dog Beach, in Llançà

This cove is made of sand, gravel, and stones, covering about 500 m², located in the developed area of the northern Costa Brava. That said, service availability is low, so you should come well prepared with your dog. The good news is it's open year-round with no time restrictions.

Other Dog-Friendly Beaches in Girona

• Playa de las Barcas, in Colera
• Playa Els Griells, in l'Estartit
• Dog beaches at Port de la Vall and La Ribera, in Port de la Selva.

Dog Beaches in Tarragona and Mont-roig del Camp

Playa La Platjola, in Alcanar

Made up of small pebbles, this dog beach in Tarragona is narrow and located right next to the road, so extra supervision of our furry friends is needed. It sits at the boundary between Catalonia and the Valencian Community, and stays open year-round.

Playa Punta del Riu, in Mont-roig del Camp

This is a small beach with fine sand and calm waters, located in Miami Platja, at the southern edge of the municipality, next to where the Riu Llastres flows into the sea. Although it's open year-round with no time restrictions, services are only available during the summer season.

Playa de la Riera d'Alforja, in Cambrils

This is a beautiful dog beach on the Costa Daurada, located next to where the Riera d'Alforja flows into the sea, very close to the Paseo de las Palmeras, and it even has a dog shower. Keep in mind dogs can't be off-leash on Playa de la Riera d'Alforja and must swim alongside their owners.

Basic Rules for Dog Beaches in Catalonia

Rules at Spain's dog beaches can vary depending on each city council's specific regulations. That said, there's a series of basic obligations every owner must follow at these spaces. These are:

• Monitor and supervise your furry friends at all times;
• Respect the designated boundaries of the "dog beach";
• Pick up after your dogs and dispose of waste in the appropriate spot;
• Prevent your dogs from bothering other beachgoers (dogs and humans);
• Ensure your dogs have an active microchip and are properly registered;
• Make sure your dogs have every mandatory vaccine up to date, as well as internal and external deworming.

And if you're the owner of a dangerous breed dog, remember it must wear a muzzle and leash at all times in any public space, including dog beaches.