The summer is synonymous with beach, heat and afternoons spent in the sun. In and around the city of Porto, there are several spots where you can spread out your towel. But what do you do when you take your dog to the seaside? For those who can’t live without their best friend, here are some of the pet friendly beaches in Portugal.
From north to south, there are concession beaches where dogs are more than welcome. Even so, there are always some rules and precautions to adopt, so make sure you’re properly informed so that nothing spoils your walk. After that, prepare the blanket, the snack for one picnic and take your best friend to have fun by the sea. Let’s go?
Pet friendly beaches in Portugal: the concessionaires
Praia do Porto da Areia Norte
Located in the Peniche area, this is where the first pet friendly beach in the country was born.
Praia do Coral
In the Minho region, more specifically in Viana do Castelo, Praia do Coral is another spot to consider for those who like to take their ‘little dogs’ by the sea.
Suave Mar Beach, in Esposende
On site there is a cleaning circuit, waste bag dispensers and drinking fountains.
Ramalha Beach
Esposende is a good destination for a weekend getaway, but also for those who can’t live without their little dogs. Praia da Ramalha Sul, in Apúlia, is another place to consider.
Amoreiras Beach
If you want to move a little further into the central region of Portugal, then Praia das Amoreiras, in Torres Vedras, could be a destination to consider. The beach has shelters, drinking fountains and more.
Praia dos Pescadores
In the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Praia dos Pescadores, in Oeiras, is another pet friendly beach in Portugal.
Furnas Rio Beach
According to the Zooplus website, at the moment, this beach in the Odemira area is the only pet friendly below Lisbon.
Praia de Brito, São Félix da Marinha
Closer than the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia there is no other on this list. Since 2022, the neighboring municipality has had a pet friendly bathing area.
What are the rules to follow?
Attending these beaches requires compliance with certain rules, such as:
- Dogs must always be accompanied by their owners;
- Dogs must wear a collar or harness and leash;
- In the case of dogs of potentially dangerous breeds, the use of a muzzle is mandatory and the leash must be short;
- It is mandatory to collect animal waste, and if the owner does not have the material to do so, they will most likely find it on these beaches, which are already prepared to receive animals;
- Pets that are ill, pregnant or in heat, or have injuries should not be allowed on the beaches;
- Owners should carry an updated animal vaccination report.