I love my dogs more than almost anything in this world. My two border collies, Archie and Gem, are my best friends. I recently realized that I could not imagine a holiday without them. Therefore, I decided to explore the 20 Best Dog Friendly beaches in europe. It was a wild ride. I found out that dog friendly beach holidays europe can be easy if you plan well. However, I also learned that some things can be a nightmare if you do not have the right papers. I want to share my journey with you so you can have the same fun. I will tell you about the sand, the waves, and the special beer for dogs. Yes, you read that right. Beer for dogs.
First of all, I had to deal with the boring legal stuff. Since I live in the UK, Brexit changed everything for me. I used to use a pet passport. Now, that is no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU. I had to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document is a bit of a pain. It cost me £250 for my first dog and £120 for the second one. You must get it from an official vet within 10 days of your travel date. Plus, it is only good for one trip. I felt like I was being scammed. Later, I found a better way. I went to Northern Ireland and got an EU pet passport for £52. It lasts for the life of the dog as long as the rabies shots are current.
My dogs needed a rabies vaccination. This is a must. You have to wait at least 21 days after the shot before you can travel. Additionally, they needed a microchip that works. If you go to places like Ireland, Finland, or Norway, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive. I spent a total of £619 to get both dogs ready for Ireland. That is a lot of money. But the joy on their faces? Priceless.
Is europe dog friendly? The answer is a big yes. But you must know the rules. I found that different countries have very different ideas about our furry friends. Some places love them. Others are very strict. Let us dive into the best spots I found on my tour.
Plage de la Salie Sud, France
This was my top stop. This beach is in La Teste-de-Buch. I heard it is the best dog beach europe can offer. It even scored a 90.33 out of 100 in a big study. The sand is flat and huge. It stretches for 2.4 kilometers. My dogs had the best “zoomies” here. The pine forests behind the beach provide great shade. I loved that it felt so wild. Plus, it is near the clear waters of the Bay of Biscay. Pure bliss.
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
I think the Netherlands is one of the most dog friendly countries in europe. Noordwijk is a Top Pick for me. National Geographic even said it is one of the best beach spots in the whole world. I visited in the spring. The tulip fields were in full bloom. It was a sea of color. From September to May, dogs can run off-leash on the whole beach. On top of that, there is a special dog beach open all year near exit 1. I found great walking trails through the dunes too.
Praia do Cabedelo, Portugal
I headed south to Portugal next. This beach scored an 84.75 for dog-friendliness. It is near Viana do Castelo. The shore is golden and very long. I saw people surfing and kitesurfing here. I had to keep my dogs on a leash to respect others, but the vibes were very laidback. The morning walks at sunrise were the highlight of my week.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk, England
I cannot forget my home turf. Holkham is part of a giant nature reserve. It has 6.43 kilometers of sand. My dogs loved sticking their noses into everything. It is horse-friendly too. However, I had to use a leash between April and August. This is to protect the birds that nest on the ground. It scored an 82.38 in the big study.
Crikvenica, Croatia
This was a special treat. I visited Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar. It is heaven. Top Destinations Croatia says it is the most equipped dog beach on the Adriatic. My dogs felt so welcome. Ruby, the owner, showed me the bone-shaped seats. They have ice cream for dogs in flavors like banana and watermelon. They even serve dog beer called Snuffle. It is non-alcoholic and made from beef and malt. I saw that they were even planning to make dog wine. My dogs also loved the dog pizza.
Saunton Beach, North Devon, England
I found this spot in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It has a score of 82.32. There are massive sand dunes for the dogs to explore. I could let them off the leash if the beach was quiet. They even have dog-waste stations to keep things clean. The beach donates money to dog charities, which I think is amazing.
Rhossili Bay, Wales
People call this the “supermodel of British beaches”. It has three miles of soft sand. The cliffs are towering and beautiful. My dogs had year-round off-lead access here. It is a rugged and wild place. I loved the freedom we felt walking along the Worm’s Head peninsula.
Lido de Fido, Grado, Italy
I traveled to Italy to see how they do things. Lido di Fido is a premiere spot. It has everything. I saw beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and even lead holders. They give you water bowls for the dogs too. Italy is getting more “Bau Beaches” or dog beaches every year. I made sure my dogs had their best collars on because people there are very stylish.
Skateholm Beach, Sweden
I wanted to see the north. This beach has white sand. It is near a dog-friendly campsite. My dogs loved playing in the chilly Baltic Sea. However, I had to be careful. There is a very old settlement nearby. The guards do not like dogs digging up 6,000-year-old bones. I kept them on a leash near the ruins.
Llevant Beach, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona can be tough for dogs. Most of the shore is off-limits. However, I found a small section at the end of Llevant beach. It has perimeter fences to keep everyone safe. They have dog urinals, drinking fountains, and doggie showers. It can only hold 100 dogs at a time. I got there early to make sure we got a spot.
Burrow Beach, Dublin, Ireland
People call this the “Hole in the Wall”. It is a mile-long stretch of sand near the city. It connects Howth Head to the mainland. The dunes are beautiful. The waves of the Irish Sea are very soothing. I felt my soul heal during our long sea walks here.
Potami Beach, Samos, Greece
Greece is usually relaxed about dogs. Potami is a pebble beach on the north-east coast of Samos. I watched the sunset here with my pups. It was very quiet. I made sure to keep my dogs close so we did not disturb other visitors. Additionally, I learned that I must protect them from Leishmania in Greece during warm months.
Carradale Beach, Scotland
I love the Scottish views. This beach is near Campbeltown. It has wildflower meadows and mountains in the background. I had to check the tide times so we did not get stuck. Also, I had to watch out for the wild goats at Carradale Point. My dogs wanted to chase them, but I said no.
Scheveningen Beach, Netherlands
This is the biggest resort in the country. It has a 400-meter pier and a Ferris wheel. From October to May, it is very quiet. I had the beach almost to myself. There is a part called Noorderstrand where dogs are welcome year-round. It is great for people who want to be near shops and restaurants.
Zandvoort Beach, Netherlands
This beach is only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. It is 9 kilometers long. Between October and May, dogs can roam free all day. There are even special “dog dunes”. I sat at a beach pavilion with my dogs leashed at my feet and had a nice coffee.
Fanø Beach, Denmark
I found this gem in Denmark. It scored a 78.33 for being dog-friendly. The whole island shore is 15 kilometers long. It has dunes and tidal flats. It is a giant canine playground. Denmark is very friendly to pets, but you usually need a leash in the summer.
Enniscrone Beach, Ireland
This beach is on the west coast of Ireland. It is 5 kilometers long. It has year-round access for dogs. It is a perfect spot for a very long game of fetch. I loved the wild feel of the Atlantic coast here.
Rubina Beach, Catalonia, Spain
This spot is only 200 meters long, but it is perfect. The waves are very quiet. The sand is soft. My dogs had a safe swim here. There are many pet-friendly restaurants nearby. It made for a full day of fun.
Bau Bau Village, Savona, Italy
This was the very first Italian dog beach. It opened in 1997. It has a playground and even doggie day care. It is a great place to meet other dog owners. I felt like part of a community here.
Dog Beach at Semedelska Promenade, Slovenia
Slovenia has a short coast, only 42 km. But I found a well-maintained spot in Koper. It is at the end of the promenade. There is even a drinking fountain for dogs. It is a hidden gem for sure.
Gradually, I realized that taking a dog to the beach is not just about the location. It is also about preparation. I learned that saltwater can be bad for dogs. If they drink it, they can get sick. I always brought fresh water and a bowl. I also learned that dogs can get sunburned. I put special sunscreen on their ears and noses. On top of that, hot sand can hurt their paws. I kept our walks on the damp sand near the water.
I also had to think about the ferry. Different companies have different rules. DFDS has pet-friendly cabins, but you might have to call to book them. On short trips like Dover to Calais, dogs usually stay in the car. I paid about £15 per dog on Stena Line. Some ferries even have dog decks where you can walk them. Irish Ferries has free kennels you can book.
FAQ
Where is the most dog friendly place in Europe?
I found that the Netherlands and Denmark are incredibly welcoming to pets. Many people also consider France a top choice because it has some of the highest-rated sandy spots.
What beach is the most dog friendly?
Plage de la Salie Sud in France is the winner with a score of 90.33 out of 100. It is a huge area with plenty of space for pups to run.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Germany?
Yes, they are. Germany has many special “Hundestrände” or dog beaches where pets can play. However, you must often keep them on a leash during the busy summer months.
Which beach is best for dogs?
I saw that Plage de la Salie Sud in France, Praia do Cabedelo in Portugal, and Holkham Beach in the UK are the top three. They have the best mix of space and soft sand.
Which country is most dog friendly?
The Netherlands is often called the most pet-friendly place because dogs can roam free on many shores during the off-season.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
I think a road trip through Southern France or the Netherlands is perfect. These areas have many restaurants and hotels that welcome our furry friends.
Why are dogs not allowed on most beaches?
Some beaches ban dogs to protect birds that nest in the sand. Also, some places worry about cleanliness and the comfort of other swimmers.
Which beach dogs are allowed?
You should look for the blue signs with a dog picture. Designated dog beaches like Lido di Fido in Italy are always a safe bet.
Can I take my dog on a beach?
You can certainly do that if you follow the local rules. I always bring poop bags and fresh water to keep my dogs happy.
Can I take my dog on the beach in Spain?
Yes, but you must stay on designated shores like Rubina Beach. You can face high fines if you go to regular public beaches during the summer.
Which UK beaches allow dogs? Holkham, Saunton Sands, and Rhossili Bay are some of the best. Many others allow them during the winter too.
Where are the most dog-friendly beaches?
The UK and France have the most spots in the top 20 list.
What is the new dog rule in the UK?
Since Brexit, I have to use an Animal Health Certificate instead of an old pet passport to go to the EU. A person must get a new one for every single trip.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
I noticed that small dogs up to 8kg can stay in the cabin on some airlines like Aegean for a fee. However, they must stay in a special carrier bag.
What’s the most dog friendly country?
Denmark and the Netherlands scored very high for being welcoming to pets.
Are vacations stressful for dogs?
I noticed that a first beach trip can be scary for a dog. I give them time to get used to the water and the loud waves.
Concluding words
I had a great time finding the 20 Best Dog Friendly beaches in europe. These spots range from the huge dunes in France to the fun dog bar in Croatia. You must plan well and get the right vaccinations and papers before you leave.
A person should always bring water and shade to keep their pet safe from the heat. Gradually, you will see that traveling with your dog is a wonderful way to bond. Finally, just remember to clean up and follow the rules so these beaches stay open for all of us.
