Going to the beach with your dog
Rules change from one town to the next. What to know before you go and where the dog-friendly beaches are.
Key points
- There is no national rule banning or allowing dogs on every beach: each town council decides.
- Many beaches ban dogs during the bathing season and some set aside dog beaches or zones, sometimes with set hours.
- Fines for taking a dog where it is banned usually range from €90 to €750 and can reach €3,000 in serious cases.
- Assistance dogs are exempt from these restrictions.
Who sets the rules
Local by-laws regulate dogs on the beaches of each municipality. Spain's Animal Welfare Law 7/2023 does not set a general rule for beaches, which still depend on hygiene conditions and on each by-law. That is why the rules change from one town to the next, and even between beaches in the same town.
Signs at the beach entrance usually show whether dogs are allowed, at what times and under what conditions. Some cities, such as Alicante, explicitly regulate dog beaches in their by-laws.
Fines
According to information gathered by El Español in August 2026, minor offences are usually fined between €90 and €750, serious ones up to €1,500 and very serious ones —repeat offences or risky situations— up to €3,000. Officers can also order the dog off the beach.
Tips for going with your dog
- Fresh water and shadeDogs dehydrate quickly and should not drink seawater.
- Avoid the heatHot sand burns their paw pads; go early in the morning or at sunset.
- Lead and controlUse a lead if the by-law requires it and respect other beachgoers.
- Always pick upBring bags and rinse your dog with fresh water afterwards.
Where the dog-friendly beaches are
The dog-friendly beach map shows the beaches marked as allowing dogs on OpenStreetMap and those officially named «playa canina». The list is not complete and conditions change every season, so always check the council's by-law before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my dog to any beach in Spain?
No. Each town council decides through its by-laws: many beaches ban dogs during the bathing season and some set aside dog beaches or zones, sometimes with set hours.
How much is the fine for taking a dog to a beach where they are banned?
It depends on the local by-law. Minor offences usually range from €90 to €750, and serious cases can reach €1,500 or €3,000.