Top 20 dog-friendly beaches in Europe revealed in new study

At CV Villas, our new study reveals Europe's top 20 dog-friendly beaches.

Anyone who owns a dog will know how much they love the beach, but with many beaches across Europe banning dogs throughout the peak summer months, choosing a beach destination for your dog-friendly holiday can be surprisingly tricky.

For many dog owners, going on holiday without their four-legged companions would be unthinkable. In fact, according to research for Dogs Trust, around 7 in 10 dog owners take their dogs on holiday. 

That's why, at CV Villas, we decided to analyse the average annual temperature, size, and terrain from over 130 European beaches to create a unique Dog-Friendly Beach Score out of 100, revealing the best pooch-perfect ones.

Except for a few seasonal leash restrictions, these best beaches welcome dogs even at the height of summer...

The UK and France dominate the rankings

From the windswept dunes of France's Atlantic coast to the rugged cliffs of Wales and the golden stretches of Portugal, our four-legged friends are more than welcome on the continent’s finest sands.

France’s Plage de la Salie Sud takes the crown, topping our dog-friendly index with a score of 90.33/100. With 2.4 km of unspoilt beach backed by pine forests, it’s ideal for off-lead runs and long seaside strolls.

Claiming second place with a dog-friendly score of 84.75 is Praia do Cabedelo, in Portugal. The golden-sand shore is a quick hop (just 1.7 km) from Viana do Castelo, buzzing with water-sports action by day, along with quieter coves for dog walks at sunrise.

But it’s the UK that stands out among the top 20 most pet-friendly beaches, home to more than half the top 10 list. 

Ranked third (82.38) is Norfolk’s Holkham Beach’s vast 6.43 km stretch of sand, and as part of a 10,000-acre nature reserve, it has plenty of smells for visiting dogs to stick their noses into. Dogs are welcome year-round, although leash rules may apply during summer to protect nesting birds.

Saunton Sands in Braunton follows behind in fourth place, with a mere 0.06 point difference in the index. Part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers leash-free freedom and dedicated dog-waste stations to keep the beach pristine.

Wrapping up the top five is Rhossili Bay in Swansea, hailed as ‘the supermodel of British beaches'. Three miles of soft sand beneath towering cliffs, and year-round off-lead access along the Worm’s Head peninsula, means furry friends will adore the freedom.

Elsewhere in Europe

Fanø Beach in Denmark breaks the British streak, in eighth place. With a score of dog-friendliness at 78.33, its 15-kilometre-long island shore is entirely dog-friendly, with dunes, tidal flats, and all, making it Denmark's best seaside canine playground.

Two Irish beaches also join the rankings: Enniscrone and Ballinesker. Tied at 10th, these gems on Ireland’s west coast each stretch 5 km, offering year-round dog access for the ultimate long-distance fetch. 

Further down the list is Italy’s Spiaggia di Balestrate (12th position), alongside France’s Le Touquet beaches, Plage des Dunes and Plage Nord (15th and 18th respectively).

Germany’s two official Hundestrände (dog beaches): St. Peter-Ording and Zinnowitz, also join the top 20. 

But it’s two Scottish beaches that prove even the chillier waters don’t deter the most dedicated pooches: Sandhead Beach (11th) and Irvine Beach (19th).

Planning your next dog-friendly getaway? Discover pet-friendly villa holidays across Europe's most welcoming beaches.

Methodology

We analysed over 130 dog-friendly beaches across Europe, evaluating each location across three key criteria to create a comprehensive Dog-Friendly Score out of 100.

The weighted scoring system prioritised:

• Beach Length (40% weighting) - Longer beaches scored higher, as expansive shorelines provide dogs with ample space to exercise while minimising crowding with other beachgoers. Measurements were taken using a combination of official tourism data and Google Maps analysis.

• Climate Conditions (30% weighting) - Beaches with average temperatures between 13 and 16°C scored highest, as this range represents optimal comfort levels for canine activity according veterinary guidelines. 

• Terrain Suitability (30% weighting) - Sandy beaches received higher scores than rocky or pebbled shores due to higher paw comfort and safety for dogs during extended play sessions.

All results were normalised into index scores out of 100, with higher scores indicating more dog-friendly conditions. The final rankings excluded beaches with seasonal restrictions during peak summer months or locations that offered only small, designated dog zones, rather than full beach access.