There’s nothing quite like the joy of spending a day at the beach with your loyal companion. Watching them run along the sand, splash in the sea, and revel in the sunshine is a priceless experience. As more travelers choose to bring their pets on vacation, Malaga is embracing this trend with an increasing number of dog-friendly beaches.
This guide will help you discover the best dog-friendly beaches in Malaga where your pet can run freely and enjoy the sea. Each of these beaches offers special facilities and a welcoming environment, ensuring both you and your dog have an unforgettable day.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Malaga Center
1. Torre Del Mar Dog Beach
Located near the mouth of River Velez, this spacious, sandy beach covers more than 4,000 m², making it one of the largest dog beaches in the area. The beach includes a dedicated dog playground with swings, balance bars, a jumping area, a jumping wheel, a tunnel, a rest area, and a ramp.
This beach is specifically located in the Mortero section and offers an ideal environment for dogs to play and socialize. The coastal area surrounding the beach features a bird observatory and is close to the Vélez River mouth, a natural area of high ecological value.
Beach Services: The beach provides dog showers, trash bins, tables and benches for picnics, and a dedicated dog play area.
Rules: Larger dogs are required to wear a muzzle, and owners must clean up after their pets.
2. Playa de Arroyo Totalán
Located between Malaga and Cala del Moral in the municipality of Rincón de la Victoria, this beach is the largest dog-friendly beach in the province of Malaga, spanning over 14,000 square meters.
Although the beach is not officially classified for swimming, it is clean, peaceful, and a great place to let your dog run free. The area is surrounded by nature, and the water from the stream provides a cool and pleasant environment on hot days.
Beach Services: The beach offers a small parking area, special waste bins, dog showers, and a small oasis with palm trees where dogs can rest.
Rules: Dogs over 20 kg must wear a muzzle, and entry is prohibited for potentially dangerous dogs.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Benalmadena
1. Playa de Arroyo Hondo
This lovely dog-friendly beach near Benalmádena features several dog-centric amenities. The area possesses showers, dog-friendly fountains, and rest areas for your furry friends to enjoy.
Beach Services: The area features dog showers, drinking fountains for dogs, and rest areas. You’ll also find beach bars and restaurants nearby.
Rules: Entry is prohibited for potentially dangerous dogs, dogs weighing more than 20 kilos must wear a muzzle, and swimming is not allowed in this area for humans.
2. The Benalcan Canine Beach
Located near the Holiday World Hotel, close to the coastal road in Benalmádena, this beach is ideal for a stroll and has convenient nearby parking. The beach is situated in a rocky area of the coast, allowing dogs plenty of space to run and enjoy the surroundings.
It is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area, with a length of approximately 200 meters and a width of 15 meters. The beach has dark sand and stones, but the water is clear and usually maintains a pleasant temperature.
Beach Services: This beach provides dog showers, trash cans, water fountains for pets, a nearby parking lot, and several bars and restaurants in the vicinity that allow dogs.
Rules: PPP breed dogs must wear a muzzle, owners must carry all necessary documentation for their dogs, dogs must be under control at all times, owners must come prepared with waste bags, and swimming is not allowed for people in this area.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Fuengirola
1. Playa El Ejido
A dedicated dog-friendly section of El Ejido Beach in Mijas offers a perfect escape for you and your dog. With fine sand, calm waters, and dog showers, it’s an ideal spot to let your dog enjoy the beach to the fullest.
The beach is family-friendly, with plenty of space for everyone to relax. Located just a short distance from Fuengirola, you can also make a stop there on the way back.
Beach Services: The beach features dog showers, easy access, and a serene environment.
2. Playa del Castillo
Located in Fuengirola, this is one of the best-known dog-friendly beaches in the province of Malaga that allows access to dogs all year round. Situated near the historic Sohail Castle, it adds a cultural touch to your visit. The beach has a specific area for dogs where they can run and play freely.
Beach Services: The beach provides drinking water fountains to keep dogs hydrated, trash cans and bags to collect waste, sun loungers, showers (including dog-friendly ones), and beach bars for refreshments.
Rules: Dogs over 20 kg must wear a muzzle, and breeds considered dangerous are not permitted.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Marbella
1. Dog Beach El Pinillo
Located about 7 km from Marbella’s city center, El Pinillo is the only beach in Marbella that is dog-friendly. It spans 1,600 meters in length and 40 meters in width, offering a calm, relaxed environment ideal for dogs to roam and play.
One of the most remarkable features of this beach is its natural environment, as it is surrounded by dunes and a wooded area with pine trees, making it an ideal place to enjoy a day outdoors with your pet.
Beach Services: The beach includes showers, trash bins, public bathrooms, a beach bar nearby, and a parking area close to the beach.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed and muzzled except in designated areas. Owners must ensure their dogs behave and do not disturb others. Potentially dangerous breeds must be properly identified and registered. Dogs must not access the bathing area reserved for people.
2. Dog Beach Ventura de Mar
Located on the westernmost area of Nueva Andalucía Beach in Marbella, Ventura de Mar is a semi-urban beach with dark sand and an average width of about 25 meters.
The dog area is enclosed and spans about 250 linear meters next to the Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banús. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach with your four-legged friend. Although it is somewhat rocky, its natural environment is unmatched as it is located near the mouth of the Guadaliza River.
Beach Services: This beach offers nearby parking, trash cans, bags for collecting waste, showers, public bathrooms, and beach bars and restaurants nearby (near Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banús).
Rules: Dogs must remain under control at all times. Vaccination records must be up to date, and dogs must have microchips. No bathing for humans is allowed in the dog beach area. Dogs can only be loose in the designated area.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Nerja
1. Vélez-Málaga Dog Beach
Vélez-Málaga Dog Beach (El Mortero)
This dog cove is one of only two in Malaga province authorized by the Autonomous Community where humans are expressly prohibited from bathing. Located near the mouth of the River Vélez, it stretches 1.2 miles long and has an off-leash area. Along the coast, visitors can enjoy fountains specially designed for dogs.
Rules: Entry is prohibited for potentially dangerous dogs. Dogs weighing more than 20 kilos must wear a muzzle. Swimming is not allowed for humans in this area.
2. Dog Beach Torrox Costa
Torrox dog beach is the closest beach to Nerja and is one of the few beaches in the area that allows dogs. The beach is 500 meters long and about 20 meters wide, offering pebbles, sand, and clear seawater, with fewer crowds compared to other beaches.
It is easily accessible and has an interesting archaeological site nearby containing important remains from the Roman and Andalusian periods. The archaeological site has a small interpretation center that provides detailed information about the history and culture of the area.
Beach Services: The beach provides trash cans, showers, water fountains for dogs, nearby parking areas, and beach bars and restaurants near the beach.
What to Know When Taking Your Dog to the Beach in Costa del Sol
1. Keep Your Dog Under Control: Even on off-leash beaches, always keep your dog under supervision to avoid any incidents.
2. Clean Up After Your Dog: Ensure you clean up your dog’s waste and dispose of it in a bin. Many beaches provide waste bags for this purpose.
3. Check Local Regulations: Rules can change, so be sure to check official beach websites or local information before your visit.
4. Muzzle Requirements: Dogs over 20 kg may need to wear a muzzle, especially on certain beaches.
5. Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds considered dangerous may not be allowed on designated dog beaches.
6. Leash Rules: Always keep your dog under control, either on a leash or within the designated off-leash area.
7. Documentation: Ensure your dog has proper identification, such as a microchip, and up-to-date vaccination records.
8. Essentials to Bring: Carry a sturdy leash, water, a collapsible bowl, dog toys, waste bags, and any other necessities for a comfortable outing with your pet.
9. Pet Passport: If traveling internationally, make sure you have your pet’s passport and ensure that its vaccinations (especially rabies) are up to date.
10. Comfort Items: Bring a comfortable harness and your dog’s favorite toys to make the experience more enjoyab
Sun, Sand, and Tails Wagging
The Costa del Sol has embraced pet-friendly travel with wonderful dog-friendly beaches throughout Malaga province. From the spacious shores of Torre del Mar to the historic surroundings of Castillo Sohail, there’s a perfect spot for every dog and their human companion to create lasting memories.
These beaches provide not just play areas but thoughtful amenities like specialized showers and drinking fountains designed for our four-legged friends. The regulations ensure these spaces remain clean, safe, and enjoyable for all visitors.
Whether you’re a local or tourist exploring Malaga’s beautiful coastline, these beaches allow you to experience the Mediterranean’s charm without leaving your beloved pet behind. So pack your beach bag, grab your dog’s leash, and head to one of these welcoming shores – the best adventures are the ones we share with our loyal canine companions.
If you are treavelling without pets, check out the best beach clubs in Malaga to enjoy the sun nonetheless!
