Pet-Friendly Holiday Rentals on the Costa Blanca

Why Bring Your Pet to the Costa Blanca?

Leaving a beloved dog behind can overshadow even the best holiday. The good news is that the Costa Blanca is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Southern Europe, and bringing your pet along is far easier than most people imagine. The region’s mild Mediterranean climate — warm but never oppressively hot outside of July and August — means comfortable walks year-round, and the outdoor lifestyle here is tailor-made for dogs who love exploring.

Between October and May, the majority of Costa Blanca beaches officially permit dogs, and several municipalities maintain dedicated dog beaches that operate all year. Beyond the sand, the region offers pine-scented nature trails, coastal boardwalks, and vast open spaces around salt lakes and nature reserves where your dog can stretch its legs properly. Restaurants and cafes across the coast are remarkably welcoming to well-behaved dogs, particularly at outdoor terraces — it is completely normal to see dogs sitting under tables while their owners enjoy a long Spanish lunch.

Spain has a well-established network of veterinary clinics, and the Costa Blanca is no exception. English-speaking vets are easy to find in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Benidorm, Javea and most other tourist centres. Pet supply shops and supermarkets with dedicated pet food aisles are plentiful, so you will never struggle to find what you need.

What Makes a Property Pet-Friendly?

Travelling to Spain with Your Pet

Before travelling, ensure your dog has a valid EU Pet Passport (or an equivalent Animal Health Certificate if travelling from the UK). Your pet must be microchipped using the ISO 11784/11785 standard and have a current rabies vaccinationgiven at least 21 days before the date of travel. These requirements are straightforward but non-negotiable — airlines and ferry operators will check documents at boarding.

Most airlines operating to Alicante airport accept dogs in the cabin (under 8kg including carrier) or in the hold for larger breeds. Alternatively, driving through France and into Spain is popular with pet owners, as it avoids the stress of flying for your dog. The journey from Calais to the Costa Blanca takes roughly 14–16 hours with breaks and is well-served by pet-friendly hotels along the route.

Once you arrive, stock up on supplies at local pet shops such as Kiwoko and TiendAnimal, both of which have branches throughout the Costa Blanca. Supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour carry good ranges of pet food. In warmer months, always carry water for your dog and avoid walks during the midday heat — early mornings and evenings are best.

Best Areas for Dog Walks

Guardamar del Segurais a dream for dog owners. The town is famous for its pine forest dunes — over 800 hectares of shaded woodland planted in the 19th century to halt sand encroachment. These forests are crisscrossed with wide paths perfect for off-lead walks in the cooler parts of the day, and the beach beyond the dunes permits dogs during the off-season.

La Mata Natural Park, just north of Torrevieja, offers flat trails around the salt lagoon that are ideal for dogs of any fitness level. The birdwatching routes are quiet and scenic, looping through wetland and scrubland with views across the pink-tinged water. It is an excellent morning walk spot.

Torrevieja’s Salt Lake Trails provide easy, flat walking along well-maintained paths that circle the Laguna de Torrevieja and the Laguna de La Mata. These routes offer shade in sections and are popular with local dog walkers year-round. The unusual pink and turquoise colours of the lakes make for a memorable backdrop while you and your pet explore.