Discover 10 Best Dog-Friendly Playas Near Alicante 2026
Oh, the sheer joy of watching Finn, my lanky golden retriever with that perpetual grin, bound into the waves without a care. If you're like me—hunting for the best dog friendly beaches near Alicante where tails wag freer than the Mediterranean breeze—this is your map. Alicante's Costa Blanca isn't just sun-soaked sands for humans; it's a playground for pups too. From the dog allowed beaches Costa Blanca Alicante that locals whisper about to the official spots with fresh leashes-on policies, we've got you covered. As someone who's clocked thousands of kilometers with Finn sniffing out paradise, I curated these top pet friendly playas Alicante 2026, blending hidden gems and family favorites.
Whether you're pondering where to take my dog to the beach near Alicante for a splashy afternoon or planning a full loop of family friendly dog beaches Alicante Spain, these 10 stand out. We've hit beaches that allow dogs Alicante Costa Blanca from El Campello's wild edges to Calpe's dramatic coves—safe dog swimming beaches near Alicante where the water's calm and crocs aren't invited (just herons). Even the best playas perrunas cerca de Alicante tucked away as hidden dog friendly beaches Alicante area make this your 2026 guide to dog beaches near Alicante. Finn approves, paws down.
These aren't summer-only flings; new council ordinances keep them open year-round with smart rules. Picture this: Finn chasing shadows at dawn, me sipping café con leche, both of us salty and spent. Let's dive in, starting just north of Alicante where the pines meet the sea.
1. Playa de la Almadraba, El Campello
Our first stop on that sun-drenched drive from Alicante always feels like slipping into a secret. Almadraba's wide arc of golden sand, fringed by umbrella pines that drop eucalyptus tang into the air, is pure dog heaven. About 20km north (25-minute scoot up the AP-7), it's got gentle slopes perfect for fetch marathons. Finn once unearthed a tangle of seaweed that had him prancing like he'd won the lottery, shaking it over my towel till I was drenched too. Laughter bubbled up as we collapsed in a heap, his wet fur sticking to my legs.
Swim zones shimmer turquoise here, safe for pups with no strong currents. Families flock for the vibe—kids building castles while dogs dig moats. For a bite, head to Chiringuito El Torreón (Calle Almadraba 1, 03560 El Campello; open 10am-midnight daily, weather permitting). Their paella smokes with saffron and rabbit, €18/plate, and Finn scores scraps under the table. Per El Campello council's May 2026 update, leashes optional off-peak (Oct-May), mandatory 10am-7pm peak, no dogs in main swim June-Sept but side arcs free. Clean-up bags everywhere. Finn still sniffs for that seaweed spot every visit.
From Almadraba's shady embrace, we veered west into wilder territory, Finn's nose twitching like a divining rod.
2. Playa de Carabassí, El Campello
This rugged stretch, just 5km west of Almadraba (total 25km/30min from Alicante), trades polish for raw beauty—pebbly coves lapped by clearer waters, cliffs dotted with sea thrift. It's less crowded, ideal for that introspective romp where Finn can chase gulls uninterrupted. One gusty afternoon, a rogue wave flipped him mid-leap; he doubled over shaking, spraying me till my sides split with gut-busting roars. The salt stung my eyes, but his goofy roll in the sand? Priceless therapy.
Dive in—the seafloor's rocky but swimmable, great for stick retrieves. Bring booties for hot stones. Spot: Restaurante El Cranc (Playa Carabassí s/n, 03560 El Campello; 11am-11pm, closed Mondays offseason). Fresh grilled octopus (€16) with garlic alioli that Finn begs for shamelessly. Latest from council (April 2026): Dogs welcome unleashed except peak hours leash-up, waste stations stocked, no BBQs. A hidden dog friendly beaches Alicante area gem for sure.
Southward then, hugging the coast back toward Alicante's glow, Finn sacked out in the backseat dreaming of crabs.
3. Playa de Muchavista, San Juan
Nestled 10km north of Alicante center (15min drive), Muchavista's fine sand and promenade buzz with that easy Spanish rhythm. Shallow entry for safe swims, palm-shaded walks—Finn adores the pedalos bobbing offshore. We spent hours people-watching; he "befriended" a stray soccer ball, batting it back to squealing kids till dusk. My chest warmed watching him play ambassador.
Volleyball nets invite chaos (dog edition). Try Mesón del Mar (Av. de Niza 45, 03540 San Juan; 9am-late, weekends brunch). Gambas al ajillo (€12) sizzling hot, pet-friendly terrace. Per Alicante Ayuntamiento June 2026 nod: Off-leash mornings/evenings, leashed afternoons peak season, hygiene patrols daily.
It flowed seamlessly into its neighbor, where the beach widens for epic sprawls.
4. Playa de la Albufereta, Alicante
Just 5km from downtown (10min), this crescent tucked under cliffs feels worlds away—pine whispers and sea glass crunch underfoot. Finn's obsessed with the rock pools, pawing at anemones like buried treasure. A sunset paddleboard fail had us both tumbling; his joyful bark echoed off the walls as we floated, tangled and giggling.
Protected waters, minimal waves. Chiringuito El Xiringuito de la Albufereta (Paseo de la Albufereta 1, 03016 Alicante; 10am-2am). Calamares a la romana (€10), Finn's eyes pleading. New ordinances (March 2026): Dogs OK unleashed pre-10am/post-7pm, leashed otherwise, no access main chiringuito zone peak.
Blending right in, the granddaddy awaited with its lively pulse.
5. Playa de San Juan, Alicante
The crown jewel, 8km north (12min), San Juan unfurls 7km of powdery bliss, volleyball courts to bike paths. Finn's signature sprint here: straight to the foam, returning with a grin wider than the horizon. That one epic chase after a frisbee thief (okay, a kid) left us breathless, bonds tighter than ever.
Prime for families, lifeguards galore. Hit Chiringuito Rincón de la Más (Av. Protocolo 25, 03540 San Juan, Alicante; 10am-midnight, extended summer). Their fideuà negra (€20/sharing) bursts with ink and prawns—Finn mooches a taste. Council freshen-up (July 2026): Leash optional off-season, required 11am-6pm high summer, dog showers installed.
Refreshed, we pushed north, Finn's wanderlust mirroring the climbing cliffs.
6. Playa del Albir, l'Albir
45km north (45min), Albir's pebble shore and lighthouse path scream serenity. Heron flocks add drama—Finn froze mid-frisbee once, mesmerized, before bolting after a low-flyer. Tears streamed down my face from laughing as he skidded to a halt, tail helicoptering.
Clear shallows for swims, Nordic walking trails. Café El Faro (Paseo de las Ánimas 1, 03581 l'Albir; 8am-10pm). Ensalada rusa (€9), terrace pup-welcome. Per Alfaz del Pi May 2026: Unleashed except peak leash, no balls near birds.
That thrill propelled us to craggier heights, Finn plotting his next conquest.
7. Cala del Racó, Calpe
65km up (1hr), this pebbled cove under Calpe cliffs is Finn's drama stage. Crabs scuttle here; he once face-planted chasing one—his signature move since puppyhood, emerging sandy and triumphant. The eucalyptus sharpens the salty air, waves crashing like applause.
Sheltered snorkel spot. Taberna del Puerto (Cala del Racó s/n, 03710 Calpe; noon-11pm). Pulpo a la gallega (€15). Calpe council June 2026: Dogs free off-peak, leashed afternoons, rocky access advisory.
The energy peaked higher along the coast, where sands softened.
8. Playa Arenal-Bol, Calpe
Beside Racó (same 65km), Arenal-Bol's mile of silk sand hosts bioluminescent magic at night—Finn's paws glowed like fireflies. A volleyball nose-bounce sparked an impromptu doggy game; we howled as balls flew wild, my ribs heaving.
Broad swims, promenades. Restaurante Ca Na Pau (Av. de Europa 5, 03710 Calpe; 1pm-midnight). Paella mixta (€22). New rules (Feb 2026): Leash peak, night swims dog-OK, biolum preserves.
Winding down, Altea's allure beckoned with underwater wonders.
9. Playa de la Fossa, Altea
55km (50min), Fossa's curve dazzles with turquoise and chiringuitos. Snorkeling here, Finn "shared" an octopus yarn—paddling beside me, eyes wide at bubbles. Sangria post-swim (€4/glass) sealed the bliss.
Palm vibes, safe depths. La Costera (Paseo de la Fossa 5, 03599 Altea; 9am-late). Arroz a banda (€18). Altea ordinance April 2026: Off-leash ends, hygiene focus.
Capping our loop, the finale smoldered with flavors.
10. Cala del Mascarat, Altea
Near Fossa (55km), Mascarat's marina cove hums adventure. BBQ wafts mingled with sea—Finn's such a mooch, batting those puppy eyes for chorizo scraps amid the smoky char. Who could resist?
Yacht-spotting swims. Puerto Mascarat Club (Puerto de Mascarat s/n, 03759 Altea; 10am-1am). Grilled sardines (€12). Latest nod (Jan 2026): Leashed near boats, BBQs permitted zones.
| Beach | Distance from Alicante (km/min) | Leash Policy | Dog Swim? | Key Rule (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Playa de la Almadraba | 20km/25min | Optional off-peak | Yes, side zones | No peak main swim |
| 2. Playa de Carabassí | 25km/30min | Peak afternoons | Yes, rocky | No BBQs |
| 3. Playa de Muchavista | 10km/15min | Morn/eve free | Yes | Hygiene patrols |
| 4. Playa de la Albufereta | 5km/10min | Pre/post peak | Yes | No chiringuito zone |
| 5. Playa de San Juan | 8km/12min | 11am-6pm peak | Yes | Dog showers |
| 6. Playa del Albir | 45km/45min | Except peak | Yes | No near birds |
| 7. Cala del Racó | 65km/1hr | Afternoons peak | Yes, snorkel | Rocky access |
| 8. Playa Arenal-Bol | 65km/1hr | Peak hours | Yes, night glow | Biolum preserve |
| 9. Playa de la Fossa | 55km/50min | Peak leashed | Yes | Hygiene focus |
| 10. Cala del Mascarat | 55km/50min | Near boats | Yes | BBQ zones |
Quick rules roundup: Always pack waste bags, water bowl, tick spray—councils enforce fines (€100+). Latest fresh ordinances mean dog-only zones expanding, but respect swimmers. Finn's rule? Sniff first, wag second. These jaunts deepened our bond, turning ordinary days into legends. Finn's already plotting the next loop, ears perked for waves. Grab your leash; Costa Blanca awaits.
What are you waiting for? These spots restored my soul, one paw-print at a time.
