I love to travel with my dog more than almost anything else. My four-legged friend is a member of the family, so I never want to leave him behind when I go on holiday. Many people ask me, is Europe dog friendly? I can tell you from my own journeys that the answer is a big yes. It is a dream for pet owners.
I have seen that pet friendly beaches in Europe are becoming more common every single year. In fact, recent data shows that searches for dog-friendly holidays have jumped by nearly a 33 percent in just one month.
When I plan these trips, I look for the Most Dog-Friendly Beaches in Europe. I want wide sands, clean water, and a place where my dog can run without a care. I have gathered details on over 130 beaches to find the absolute best spots for you. I am sharing my personal guide to help you find the best dog beaches in Europe for your next adventure.
First things first: The paperwork you need
First of all, you must have the right travel documents before you cross any borders. I learned this the hard way. If you live in the European Union, you need an EU Pet Passport. This official document proves your dog is microchipped and has a valid rabies vaccine. It is like a human passport. It stays valid for the life of your pet as long as you keep the rabies shots up to date.
However, if you are coming from the United Kingdom or the United States, the rules are different. You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You must get this from a vet no more than 10 days before you travel. Additionally, if you are heading to Finland, Ireland, Norway, or Malta, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before you arrive.
I usually pay between €20 and €70 for an EU Pet Passport. Vets in Central and Southern Europe often charge less than those in the north. It is a small price for a smooth trip.
Which European countries are dog friendly?
I have spent a lot of time rating most dog friendly countries in Europe. Some places just treat dogs like royalty.
- Germany (10/10): My home base. You can bring your dog almost everywhere, including restaurants and parks. Many hotels are pet friendly.
- The Netherlands (10/10): Dogs are treated like kids here. I once stayed in an Amsterdam hotel that had room service for dogs.
- Italy (10/10): People here love dogs. I rarely get charged an extra cleaning fee for my dog in Italian hotels.
- France (9/10): Very dog friendly, though some parks in Paris are a bit strict.
- United Kingdom (9/10): London is great. Dogs can even ride the Tube for free.
On the contrary, Spain only gets a 6/10 from me. Many restaurants and shops there still reject dogs. You even have to carry a water bottle to clean up after your dog pees in many cities.
Top 10 most dog friendly beaches in Europe
I have looked at beach length, temperature, and terrain to find the top spots. Here is my list of the Top 10 most dog friendly beaches in Europe based on a recent study:
- Plage de la Salie Sud, France: This is the crown jewel with a score of 90.33/100. It has 2.4 kilometers of flat sand and pine forests.
- Praia do Cabedelo, Portugal: A golden shore near Viana do Castelo. It scored 84.75.
- Holkham Beach, England: A massive 6.43 kilometer stretch of sand. It is part of a nature reserve.
- Saunton Beach, England: This spot offers leash-free freedom and dedicated dog-waste stations.
- Rhossili Bay, Wales: Often called the “supermodel of British beaches”. It has three miles of soft sand.
- Brancaster Beach, England: Another Norfolk gem with plenty of space.
- Perranporth Beach, England: Famous for its wide sands in Cornwall.
- Fanø Beach, Denmark: An incredible 15-kilometer-long island shore.
- Watergate Bay Beach, England: Great for long walks near Newquay.
- Enniscrone Beach, Ireland: Tied for tenth place, it offers 5 kilometers of sand.
Exploring the Baltic Sea: A German treasure
I spent a whole summer exploring Most Dog-Friendly Beaches in Europe, specifically along the Baltic Sea in Germany. There are over 2,000 kilometers of coastline here. I found most dog friendly cities in Europe right on this shore.
1. Binz (Rügen Island)
Binz is a popular resort. It has two main dog beaches. My favorite is the Nordstrand between access points 50 and 51. Dogs can run off the lead here all year round. There is a beach bar and a snack bar with fish sandwiches right behind the dunes.
2. Prerow
The sand here is like powdered sugar. This beach is almost five kilometers long and up to 80 meters wide. Though it is beautiful, you must keep your dog on a lead all year round here.
3. Ahrenshoop
This town has a special artist’s vibe. The dog beach at access point 3 has powdery sand and views of the Darss cliffs. Additionally, there is a wooden footbridge so your dog’s paws do not get too hot on the sand.
4. Boltenhagen
I found two great spots in Boltenhagen. The Tarnewitz section is very quiet. You can rent a beach chair there to give your dog some shade. The water is shallow, which is perfect for a dog that is just learning to swim.
5. Nienhagen
This is a magical place. The dog beach is about 700 meters west of the promenade. You reach it by walking through the Ghost Forest. The trees have bizarre shapes that look mystical at sunset. The beach is a bit stony, so it is better for a quiet walk than for crazy games.
Croatia: A paradise for pups
If you want warm water, you must visit the Adriatic. Crikvenica is a benchmark for pet travel. It is home to Podvorska Beach, which is the gold standard for dog beaches.
I visited Monty’s Beach Bar there. It is a place where humans and dogs can hang out together. They even serve a special dog beer called Snuffle. It is non-alcoholic and made from beef or chicken and malt barley. On top of that, they have doggy ice cream.
Krk Island
Krk is a canine paradise. Vela Beach in Baška is a Blue Flag beach, but it has a fenced area just for dogs. Similarly, Punta Šilo Beach has crystal-clear water where pets can explore the serene coastline.
Italy: Style and sand
Italy is one of the Most Dog-Friendly Beaches in Europe. If you are in the north, go to Lido di Fido in Grado. They provide beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and even a lead holder for your dog. They also have water bowls ready for your pup.
In Tuscany, San Vincenzo has a dog beach with no timetable and no leash rules. It even has a pet-friendly beach bar. Italy really makes you feel like your dog is a VIP guest.
The United Kingdom: Wide open spaces
I love the rugged coast of the UK. Saunton Beach in North Devon is special because it is backed by the largest sand dunes in England. You can roam with your dog to the left of the slipway. They even donate money to dog charities.
If you want something secluded, try Lantic Bay in Cornwall. It is a peaceful shingle shore with dramatic views. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the car park, so you will have plenty of quiet time with your pooch.
Later, I visited Singing Sands in Scotland. The wind blowing over the sand makes a singing sound. It is a wild and remote place for those who love quiet nature.
Spain: The sun-soaked coast
Spain is catching up. There are now more than 100 officially recognized dog friendly beaches in Spain.
- La Rubina (Girona): This was the first dog beach in Spain.
- Llevant (Barcelona): A small section of the beach is fenced off for dogs during the high season. It has dog urinals, drinking fountains, and doggie showers.
- Camposoto (Cádiz): A great spot on the Atlantic coast for families.
Essential tips for your dog’s safety
Summer at the beach is fun, but it can be dangerous. I always follow these rules to keep my dog safe:
- Avoid the heat: I do not take my dog out during the hottest hours of the day. Asphalt and sand can burn their paws.
- Provide fresh water: Never let your dog drink seawater. The salt will make them very sick. I always carry a travel bowl and plenty of fresh water.
- Watch for heatstroke: If your dog is panting heavily or has bright red gums, they are too hot. Move them to the shade and use cool water to help them cool down.
- Rinse off: Always hose your dog off after they have been in the ocean. This prevents them from licking salt and sand off their coat.
- Use sunscreen: Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned too. I use FDA-approved sunscreen for pets on my dog’s nose and ears.
What to pack in your beach bag
I never leave for the beach without these items:
- Biodegradable poop bags. Keep the beach clean for everyone.
- Floating toys. My dog loves to fetch in the waves.
- A dog towel. To dry him off before he jumps back into the car.
- A portable shade tent. If there are no trees, I bring my own shade.
- A sturdy harness. I use a long leash if the beach requires one.
FAQ
Which European country is most dog friendly?
Germany is a top choice. You can bring your dog almost everywhere there, including restaurants and parks. Italy and the Netherlands also receive perfect scores from travelers. In the Netherlands, people often treat dogs like their own children. Italy is wonderful because many hotels do not even charge an extra cleaning fee for your pet.
What beach is the most dog friendly?
Plage de la Salie Sud in France holds the title. It earned a high score of 90.33 out of 100. This spot offers 2.4 kilometers of flat sand. Plus, it is backed by beautiful pine forests that are perfect for a long run.
Where to go in Europe with a dog?
You have so many options! You could visit the Baltic Sea in Germany for over 2,000 kilometers of coastline. Croatia is another gem, especially Krk Island and the town of Crikvenica. Additionally, you might enjoy the rugged beaches in the UK, the sunny shores of Portugal, or the artistic vibes in France.
Which beach is best for dogs?
The best beach for your dog depends on what you like. If you want space, Holkham Beach in England has a massive 6.43-kilometer stretch of sand. If you want a fun atmosphere, Podvorska Beach in Croatia is the gold standard. It even has a bar that serves dog-friendly beer.
Which country loves dogs most?
Italy is a strong contender. People there treat dogs like kings and queens. However, the Netherlands is also very high on the list. Dogs are welcome in many places there and receive a lot of love from the locals.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Germany and Italy are excellent because their rules are very relaxed. The UK is also fantastic if you love long, scenic walks on wide beaches like Saunton Sands.
Why are dogs not allowed on most beaches?
The Blue Flag rules are one big reason. Dogs are usually not allowed on these beaches unless they are service animals. Local authorities also want to protect nesting grounds for shorebirds during the spring and summer. Additionally, some beaches have rules to prevent dogs from disturbing other visitors.
Can I take my dog on vacation to Europe?
Yes. It is very easy if you have the right papers. You will need an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Once you have these, crossing borders in the Schengen area is a breeze.
Can I take my dog on a beach?
You certainly can! You just need to find a designated dog beach. These are often marked with signs that show a picture of a dog. In some places, dogs can visit any beach during the low season from October to April.
Which beach is good for dogs?
Enniscrone Beach in Ireland and Praia do Cabedelo in Portugal are both excellent choices. They offer plenty of space for your dog to run and play in the water.
Concluding Words
Travel across Europe with your dog is a joyful experience that brings the whole family together. From the Top 1 ranking sand at Plage de la Salie Sud to the dog-friendly bars in Croatia, there is a perfect spot for every pup. You just need to bring your EU Pet Passport, some fresh water, and a lot of energy for fetch.
Europe is truly a leader in pet-friendly travel. Therefore, you should start planning your next coastal tour today. The sun is warm. The sand is soft. Your best friend is waiting for an adventure.
