Whether you’re a local, visiting Marbella with your dog or volunteering at one of the city’s animal shelters, there are two officially designated dog friendly beaches in Marbella in 2026: El Pinillo and Ventura del Mar.

During the official bathing season, generally from 1 June to 15 October and during Semana Santa (Holy Week), dogs are not permitted on Marbella’s other beaches unless a specific legal exemption applies. Owners should stay within the marked dog areas and follow the current beach signs concerning leads, muzzles, access and permitted hours.

dog friendly beaches in marbella

Dog Friendly Beaches in Marbella at a Glance

BeachLocationOfficial statusBest forImportant limitation
El PinilloEast of Marbella centreDesignated dog areaMore space and dog facilitiesUse the authorised access route
Ventura del MarNear San Pedro Alcántara, Puerto Banús and Nueva AndalucíaDesignated dog areaVisitors staying west of MarbellaStay within the marked section

Marbella’s Two Official Dog Beaches

The two official dog beaches in Marbella are located on opposite sides of the town, giving visitors a designated option near both eastern Marbella and the Puerto Banús–San Pedro area.

Playa Canina El Pinillo

El Pinillo is the larger designated dog beach Marbella offers, situated east of the town centre. Facilities at the beach have included dog showers and drinking-water points, although their availability and condition can change. Bring water for your dog and follow the marked access route and current signs when you arrive.

Playa Canina de Ventura del Mar

Ventura del Mar is one of the two official dog friendly beaches Marbella provides in 2026. Located near Puerto Banús and San Pedro Alcántara, it is particularly convenient for visitors staying west of Marbella.

The surface can be pebbly in places, so suitable footwear may be helpful. Stay inside the clearly marked canine area and check the signs for the rules currently in force.

Other Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Marbella

Several Costa del Sol municipalities also provide designated dog-beach areas, but their rules differ concerning leads, muzzles, seasonal access and potentially dangerous dogs. Check the current regulations issued by the relevant council before travelling.

Here are a few nearby options to explore:

Playa de Piedra Paloma (Casares) 

Piedra Paloma is an authorised dog-friendly beach in Casares, west of Estepona. The canine section lies between Torre de la Sal and Piedra Paloma and has a mixture of sand and stones. Owners must keep their dogs under control, collect all waste and carry current pet documentation. Dogs classified as potentially dangerous must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Playa del Castillo–El Ejido (Fuengirola)

Fuengirola has a designated dog beach in the Castillo area, near Sohail Castle. Facilities publicised for the area include dog showers, foot-washing points and a drinking fountain. Municipal rules differ from those in Marbella, so read the signs carefully before letting your dog onto the beach.

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Rules for Dog Friendly Beaches in Marbella

When visiting dog-friendly beaches in Marbella, it’s important to follow local regulations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone:

1. Dog Control: Dogs must be under control at all times by the owner or responsible person, and the owner must follow the instructions displayed on the beach. Do not assume dogs may be off-leash unless the signs at the authorised section expressly allow it.

2. Waste Disposal: Owners are required to clean up after their dogs. Always bring waste bags and dispose of them properly.

3. Human Bathing: The designated canine sections should not be treated as conventional supervised bathing beaches. Check the posted rules before entering the water, as recreational bathing by people may be prohibited within the dog area.

4. Identification: Dogs must be identified with a microchip or any other authorised identification method.

5. Vaccination and Health: Keep your dog’s vaccinations and parasite treatment up to date and bring its current health documentation.

6. Muzzles: Dogs weighing 20 kg or more must wear a muzzle in public areas.

7. PPP dogs: Dogs legally classified as potentially dangerous must be kept on a non-extendable lead of less than two metres and wear an appropriate muzzle. The person handling the dog must carry the required licence and registration documentation.

8. Documentation: Dogs must be correctly identified, and owners should carry the relevant health and registration documentation. Anyone handling a legally classified potentially dangerous dog must also carry the required administrative licence and proof of registration.

Rules and annual authorisations can change, so always follow the current signs displayed at the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marbella’s Dog Beaches

Marbella has two officially authorised dog-friendly beach areas in 2026: El Pinillo and Ventura del Mar. Dogs are generally prohibited from the rest of Marbella’s beaches during the designated bathing season and during Holy Week, except for legally recognised assistance and rescue dogs.

If you are searching for dog friendly beaches near you while staying in Marbella, choose El Pinillo when based in or east of the town centre and Ventura del Mar when staying near Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús or San Pedro Alcántara. The best option depends primarily on your location and your dog’s needs.

Do not assume that your dog can be off-lead. Marbella’s general rules require dogs in public spaces to be properly controlled, and additional restrictions apply to dogs weighing 20 kg or more and those classified as potentially dangerous. Follow the signs at El Pinillo or Ventura del Mar and use a lead whenever required.

Dogs are allowed in Marbella’s officially designated canine areas, but you should not assume that unrestricted access applies to every beach throughout the year. From 1 June to 15 October and during Holy Week, dogs are prohibited from Marbella’s other beaches unless a specific exception applies. Annual authorisations and local rules can change, so check municipal information and the signs at the beach.

Marbella’s municipal ordinance does not establish a general ban on potentially dangerous dogs using the authorised dog-beach areas. However, they must wear an appropriate muzzle and remain on a non-extendable lead of less than two metres. The person controlling the dog must also carry the legally required licence and registration documentation.

Dogs weighing 20 kg or more must wear a muzzle under Marbella’s municipal animal regulations. Always check the beach signs because additional conditions may apply within a particular authorised area.

The designated canine areas are not necessarily conventional supervised bathing beaches. Rules concerning human bathing and access to the water may be displayed locally, so check the signs before entering the sea. For ordinary swimming facilities, lifeguard services and Blue Flag amenities, use one of Marbella’s regular public beaches.

Yes. Ventura del Mar is the closest officially designated dog-friendly beach area to Puerto Banús. Use the marked canine section and check the signs for the current access and control requirements.

Planning another kind of beach day? Compare Marbella’s official Blue Flag beaches or discover the best beaches near Marbella worth the drive.

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