Friends of Boa Onda Guesthouse Peniche welcome back with news from our travel blog dedicated to Portugal. In this article we are going to find out what dog friendly beaches are in Portugal by going to discover the places where you are legally allowed to go to the beach with your four-legged friend. Among the various beaches there is one in Peniche, which was actually the first legally authorised dog beach in Portugal. Quite a record for our magnificent surfing destination. Enjoy reading.
Dog Friendly Beaches in Portugal
Doing some research online, we discovered that in Portugal, beaches with free access for dogs are unfortunately limited. The total number of dog-friendly beaches in Portugal is low, compared to other European holiday countries, but in the next few lines we will show you the best options for taking your dog with you during a nice morning spent at one of the many surfspots in Peniche.
First of all, however, you need to know the rules for pets in Portugal:
- It is mandatory that your pet be registered.
- A leash and muzzle must be used if it is a potentially dangerous breed.
- It is important to pay attention to the safety of other bathers.
- You must maintain the hygienic conditions of the beach.
- All beaches follow the rules imposed by the port authority that controls them.
Which are the dog friendly beaches in Portugal
Praia Porto da Areia Norte, Peniche
As anyone who follows our travel blog will know, Peniche is about 1 hour and 20 minutes’ drive from the capital Lisbon. It is regarded as an important holiday destination for all lovers of surfing and wilderness tourism. Praia do Porto da Areia Norte has a record that makes us very happy, as it was recognised as the first dog-friendly beach in Portugal back in 2016. It has a sandy area about 80 metres long, perfect for walking with your pet. There are also dispensers of bags for your dog’s needs that will help you clean up and keep the beautiful surroundings intact.
Praia Coral, Viana do Castelo
Also known as Praia do Aquário, Praia do Coral is located on the northern coast of Portugal near Viana do Castelo and was one of the first dog-friendly beaches in Portugal. Opened on 15 June 2018, it is an excellent option for your dog to enjoy this summer 2021. The beach is located about 1 hour’s drive north of Porto. The beach has a wide sandy shore and calm waters protected by the Lima river bar, so you can let your dog run and swim freely.
Praia de Ursa, Sintra
Close enough to the capital of Portugal, Ursa Beach is only 40 minutes from Lisbon. It is located in the Sintra Natural Park and is considered by the renowned Michelin guide to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As it is not a concession beach, dogs are welcome all year round. That’s great news!
Praia Suave Mar, Esposende
In Esposende is the dog-friendly beach of Praia Suave Mar, another perfect summer holiday destination for you and your four-legged friend. The beach’s wide sandy shore attracts many surfers and holidaymakers. In addition to being easily accessible and having a number of parking spaces nearby, this dog-friendly beach also has special facilities for dogs, where they can, for instance, drink water.
Praia Ramalha Sud, Espsende
Also in the north of the country, precisely in the Braga district, we find another beach at Espsende. About 40 minutes’ drive north of Porto. Praia da Ramalha Sul beach, like Praia Suave Mar, started allowing dogs on its sand in June 2018 as part of the Municipal Animal Welfare Strategic Plan created by the City Council.
This long sandy beach with its impressive infrastructure makes life much easier for pet owners, making it a perfect place to spend an unforgettable day at the beach with your dog.
Conclusions
Hoping that this article on discovering dog-friendly beaches in Portugal has been of interest to you, we remain at your disposal for further information. Do not hesitate to contact us for more details regarding accommodation in Peniche, surf school, yoga classes.
The staff of Boa Onda Guesthouse Peniche is always at your disposal through the following contacts:
See you soon!
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