Dog-friendly beach holidays are plentiful in Europe where man's best friend reigns supreme in the hearts of many. Some coastal villages on the atmospheric beaches of Britain even host dedicated doggy festivals, while Italy and Spain also celebrate the hound.
Cornwall, on the southern coast of the United Kingdom, is renowned for its dog-friendly beaches. You will find charming cottage accommodation, often with sea views throughout the region. There are 51 dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, where you can play with your hound as the foaming surf laps the beach. Port Eliot even hosts a Dog Festival and Whippet Tea Party, where cream tea and bands are joined by doggy treats. Beneath the chalk cliffs along the coast, the beaches of Penzance, Porthgwarra and Towan are among the spectacular coastal beaches and walks that are waiting to be discovered.Italy's dog-friendly beaches include Lido di Fido, a sandy beach in Grado where your beach chair comes with a leash holder, dog water holder and waste bag. Swim and play with your four legged friend beside the turquoise Italian coast. Rimini's award winning beach doesn't just allow you to bring Fido, a dog is required for entry! Pups can train in the dog agility area, learn at special dog training courses and cool off in the dog showers.The majority of Spain's dog-friendly beaches are located in Catalunya and the Baleares, though you'll find some in most of the coastal hotspots you're likely to visit. Andalucia, for example, has eight. The best in the country include Playa de L'Ahuir, on the coast of Valencia. A family focus and crystalline waters make this beach perfect for swimming. El Puertito in the Canary Islands was the first of Tenerife's beaches to allow dogs, while Playa Isla de la Toja in Pontevedra is a stunning beach backed by pinewood forest, complete with an agility park.