As a dog owner and lover of beach walks, I am over the moon when I can take my four-legged friends to the beach with me. The sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the sound of the waves and my dogs happily barking as they dash through the sand and fetch balls from the water – that is the perfect day for me. Fortunately, I don't have to look too far to make such a day a reality. The Costa Blanca offers - especially outside the high season - countless possibilities for a wonderful day at the beach with your dog. In this blog I describe a number of dog beaches on this beautiful coast and point out a number of things to keep your day from ending on a sour note.
The difference between ‘real’ dog beaches and regular beaches
When it comes to dog beaches, you can certainly find some beautiful spots on the Costa Blanca. From secluded bays to larger beaches that are specially equipped for dogs, you have plenty of choice here to enjoy the sea with your furry friend.
There are a number of designated dog beaches where you can take your dog all year round. In winter, you can also often walk your dog on other beaches. This is tolerated, provided your dog does not cause a nuisance. From the moment the lifeguards appear on the beach again, you should avoid these beaches with your dog. If you do go for a walk with your dog and you are approached about it, you can expect to face some hefty fines.
Dog beaches on the Costa Blanca
1. La Caleta dels Gosets (Santa Pola) - Southern Costa Blanca
At Cabo de Santa Pola, below the famous viewpoint of the lighthouse, we find a coastal strip of approximately 3.5 kilometres that is formed by small sandy coves that emerge between rocky stretches. At the foot of the imposing cliffs of this cape, on the slopes of which pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation grow, is one of these small coves, called Caleta dels Gossets, which has been made suitable as a dog beach by the municipality of Santa Pola. This is even one of the best rated dog-friendly (sandy) beaches in the province of Alicante.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KAfiSYZp3pYXw3bw8
2. Agua Amarga dog beach (Alicante)
The city of Alicante, capital of the province, also has a dog-friendly beach: we are talking about Agua Amarga beach, about 250 metres long and with fine sand, located in the south of the municipality, between the city itself and Urbanova beach. This beach is located near a nature reserve of great ecological value: the Saladar de Agua Amarga, and has a dog-friendly cleaning service and a ‘pipican’ zone for more comfort. The chiringuito has a dog menu that your pets will love.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UArLxbS89671nRrW9
3. Punta del Riu beach (El Campello)
Between the well-known beaches of San Juan - Muchavista and Platja Carrer la Mar (El Campello's boulevard) we find this sand and pebble beach at the mouth of the Río Seco, a very beautiful area with great ecological value. Nearby, on the other side of the avenue, we find a Can Park (dog park). It is the province's first dog beach (2013). It is a pebble and stone beach that is easily accessible via a promenade. It is open all year round.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iYaJnjHPKnxYF8N58
4. Barranc de Aigües Beach (El Campello)
This beautiful beach with large boulders and in an almost natural state is located north of the municipality of El Campello, at the mouth of the ravine from which it takes its name and at the foot of the Torre de Reixes, a 16th-century watchtower that was built to protect the city from pirate attacks, which were common at the time. It is the second dog beach in El Campello.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7c3pCCiivmnSQnqX6
5. Xarco Bay (La Vila Joiosa / Vilajoyosa)
Cala del Xarco is located about 4 kilometres south of the city of La Vila Joiosa and is one of the most beautiful bays in the province of Alicante. The beach is divided into two areas, with the canoe beach being the area closest to the 16th-century watchtower, a priceless piece of cultural heritage. The dog beach El Xarco is a small section of beach (particularly the right side of the beach) that has recently been made accessible to dogs. The bottom is made up of gravel and stones. It is often very windy. It is one of the least visited dog beaches in the province of Alicante due to its difficult access, but it is one of the most natural. If you decide to take your dog on holiday to the beautiful coastal town of Villajoyosa, you can find a large dog park near the sea, in the park at the mouth of the river, next to the historic centre of the city.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/By9HCAPMgXJNbVWB9
6. Playa Mar y Montaña - part of Platja de l'Olla (Altea)
A fairly large beach about one and a half kilometres long, part of which is reserved for dogs. The dog-friendly beach is located north of the beach bar ‘El Arrecife’ (near Villa Gadea), in front of the marina ‘Porto Senso’. It is about 300 metres of beach. This dog beach was opened in 2016 and has always been visited by swimmers with dogs, but now they can do so legally. The bottom of this dog beach in Altea is covered in small pebbles and the water is calm with moderate waves. It has a small car park and no other facilities. You will find signs here indicating the available stretch of beach and the rules for using the dog beach.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UxqXzhYCykTJ7J8W7
7. Cala Les Urques (Calpe)
Cala Les Urques de Calpe is located about 2 kilometres south of Playa del Arenal - Bol, near the Puerto Blanco marina (now out of use). You reach the bay from the Maryvilla housing development. There is no car park, so you have to park in the streets of the housing development, taking care not to disturb the residents. Access to the bay is via a staircase. Cala Les Urques is a natural beach (not urbanised) with no facilities. It is recognised as a dog-friendly beach. It is a bay with rocks and pebbles, so some dogs (beachgoers) will find it uncomfortable. Near the stairway entrance, there is an old (and quite dilapidated) breakwater that some people use to lie down and sunbathe.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sWjKrZm5gjNXVLJB7
8. Playa Escollera Norte (Dénia)
Escollera Norte beach, near Punta del Raset, is the first dog-friendly beach in Denia. It is part of the harbour area and therefore had several problems in being approved as a dog beach. This dog beach in the province of Alicante is 100 metres long and is therefore quite small. There are no other facilities, but civilisation is close by. The bottom is made up of gravel and sand and the water is calm.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zz4ZUpyyja3xJZpY8
9. Ondara dog pool
Finally, the Trust Dog Resort dog pool in Ondara is worth a mention. Aquacan is a 1000 m² swimming pool with a gently sloping beach entrance and a maximum depth of 70 cm. With stone waterfalls, water jets, night lighting, a bridge leading to a central island, slides, a shady area... A fairytale-like place where your four-legged friends can splash, run, dive, swim and socialise. The park also has a dog kennel, dog groomer, dog school and a chiringuito (bar).
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hvvRRzxXPwaxC2JLA
RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW ON A DOG BEACH
Common sense aside, you must follow the general rules on all beaches. Below is a summary, but keep in mind that each beach may have additional rules. These are usually posted on signs at the dog beach in question.
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- Dogs with contagious diseases, females in heat and puppies that have not been fully vaccinated are not allowed on the beach.
- Keep your pet under control.
- Do not disturb other beach users.
- Clean up excrement and throw it in the appropriate bins.
- Have your dog registered by chipping him or her and make sure vaccinations are up to date.
- If your dog appears on the list of potentially dangerous dog breeds, he must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. His/her owner must also have the appropriate documentation.
Tips for a successful day at the beach with your dog
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- Provide shade and water: It can be very hot for your dog, especially in the summer months. Bring a parasol or find a place with natural shade. Always bring plenty of water!
- Dog leash: Even on dog beaches, there are sometimes rules that require you to keep your dog on a leash, so always be prepared.
- Protect your dog: Dogs can suffer from the sun just like people. Keep this in mind if you plan to be outside for a long time. Remember that if the sand, pebbles or asphalt are hot at your feet, the same goes for your dog!
- Clean up after your dog: We cannot stress this enough. Make sure you always clean up after your dog! Most beaches take pride in their clean, well-maintained environment and it is up to us dog owners to keep them that way. This way you can ensure that there are no annoyances and that your dog can continue to enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean in the future.
In short, the Costa Blanca offers numerous beautiful dog beaches where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the sun, sea and nature. Whether you are looking for a quiet, secluded cove or a more organised dog beach experience, there is something for everyone. Remember to observe the rules, such as cleaning up after your dog and respecting other beach users, so that you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful day at the beach time and time again. With the right preparation, it will certainly be a perfect outing for both you and your dog!
