International Dog Day falls on 26 August – so what better time to treat your best friend than with a waggy-tailed romp on these beautiful beaches in Croatia, Spain, Italy and beyond?
Le Touquet beach, France (Dreamstime)
With a seven-kilometre stretch of beach backed by colourful huts, chic Belle Époque architecture and pine forest, Le Touquet in northern France boasts an uninterrupted stretch of sand.
Dogs are allowed to explore the beach lead-free, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample the local speciality of moules-frites in dog-friendly cafés and restaurants.
Just keep an eye out for the ‘sand yachts’ that race along this sandy highway too.
Beach in Crikvenica, Croatia (Dreamstime)
Billed as Croatia’s first ‘dog-friendly’ beach, Crikvenica is a haven for man's best friend. There's a spot for owners and pups to cool off in the shade under a beach umbrella, or make a splash in the ocean's waves.
Look out for Monty’s Beach Bar, a lively establishment that welcomes humans and canines. As well as offering ice cream for dogs, it has developed a special beer for them called Snuffle. It’s non-alcoholic of course, and it's made from beef or chicken and malt barley extracts, which might be just the fix on a scorching Adriatic afternoon.
Crikvenica will be a welcome treat for your pet, as most Croatian beaches prohibit dogs. However, due to a recent demand of people wishing to walk their pooch on the sand, more beaches in Croatia are opening designated dog sections. If you’re unsure, just look out for a blue sign with a picture of a dog on it.
The seafront promenade in Grado, Italy (Dreamstime)
As its name suggests, Lido di Fido is Italy’s premiere canine spiaggia (beach), providing all the necessities – from beach umbrellas and deck chairs to a lead holder and water bowls for dogs. It also has a spacious parking area.
Just make sure your pooch is wearing his or her most modish accessories (this is Italy, after all), and check the rules before you go to ensure you're both beach ready.
Walking with dogs along Noordwijk beach in The Netherlands (Dreamstime)
Voted as one of the best beaches in the world, Noordwijk – on the North Sea coast – is a beautiful place to take your dog for a stroll, with an invigorating blend of sand, dunes and dog-friendly eateries.
The local authority also produces a guide to local dog walking routes. Visit in spring for an added treat when Noordwijk is surrounded by tulip fields, and transforms into a mosaic of colour during the blooming season. It is known as the Floral Seaside Resort for its exuberant spring celebrations.
Coastal view over Saunton Sands in North Devon (Dreamstime)
Backed by England’s largest collection of sand dunes, Saunton Beach between Braunton and Croyde offers endless opportunities for galavanting. Dog walkers are free to roam with their mutt to the left of the slipway. You needn't use a lead if the beach is quiet.
The beach cements its dog-friendly credentials by donating to dog charities.
A cocker spaniel runs along a beach in Sweden (Dreamstime)
This white sand beach in southern Sweden, close to the dog-friendly Skateholm campsite, offers your dog the chance to frolic in the chilly Baltic Sea.
Who knows what your pooch will make of the local delicacy of pickled herrings? And if you visit the local Mesolithic settlement, you might want to keep your pup on a lead: the authorities aren't fond of dogs digging up 6,000-year-old bones...
A dog playing near the water, Barcelona (Dreamstime)
Although dogs are banned from most of Barcelona’s busy shoreline, you can take your pup to the end of Llevant beach. Following a pilot scheme, Barcelona City Council decided to permanently allow dogs on a small section of the beach during high season. The dog beach is physically separated from the rest of Llevant beach with perimeter fences reaching the shore and breakwater.
There are dog urinals, drinking fountains and doggie showers, and it can only host a maximum of 100 dogs at any one time. Get there now and help Barcelona’s barking beach revolution.
Howth Head, Dublin (Dreamstime)
Otherwise known as the 'Hole in the Wall', Burrow Beach offers an idyllic spot for dog-lovers to escape the city without having to go too far.
The near mile-long stretch of sand connects Howth Head to the mainland, with undulating sand dunes next to the wave-crashing Irish Sea. Burrow Beach offers the perfect spot to soothe the soul with a good sea walk.
A dog takes a dip in the sea in Greece (Dreamstime)
This long stretch of pebble beach curves around the north-east coast of Samos, and offers plenty of space for you and your pup to take a dip, or simply to watch the sunset.
In general, Greece is reasonably relaxed about having dogs on beaches. Just remember to be mindful of others and keep your dog close-by while on the busier beaches, to avoid disturbing other visitors.
A dog enjoying Carradale Bay, Scotland (Mary Stewart)
Everyone appreciates a beautiful view when you’re on dog walking duties, and Carradale beach near Campbeltown in Scotland is no exception, as this charming stretch of sand is set against a backdrop of wildflower meadows and mountains.
Visitors should check tide times before setting off to avoid getting caught up in the waves. However, if you do happen to get there during high tide, take to one of the sign-posted paths that surround the beach instead.
If you end up walking to Carradale Point, make sure your dog doesn’t go after the goats that roam this nature reserve!
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