8 dog-friendly beaches in the Region of Murcia

Places to let your four-legged friend to enjoy the Costa Cálida as much as you do!

During the long, hot summer in the Costa Cálida most of us enjoy a trip to the beach to cool down in the Mediterranean or the Mar Menor, but some wish they could do so in the company of their four-legged friends.

Unfortunately, the presence of dogs on the beach and in the water is not appetizing for other beachgoers, but in the Region of Murcia over the last few years various Town Halls have designated particular beaches as being “dog-friendly”, waiving the rules and regulations which effectively ban dogs from the beach during the peak tourist season.

The regional tourist board has published the following selection of some of the most attractive of these “playas caninas”, offering a range of opportunities to allow your pet to cool down with a refreshing dip without the risk of offending other bathers!

1. Cala Mijo (also known as Cueva de las Palomas) in Águilas

Located on the unspoilt coastline of the west of Águilas, close to the boundary with Andalucía, Cala Mijo is only 60 metres long and 10 metres wide but is rarely crowded, due to access being along a dirt track. However, for those making the effort the reward is some of the clearest water along this stretch of the coast. There are no facilities on the beach, and the nearest bar-restaurant is around 500 metres away in Calarreona.

2. Playa de la Cañada del Negro in Águilas

Also in Águilas, slightly nearer the town centre than Cala Mijo, is Playa de la Cañada del Negro, where the shore is a mix of sand and rocks. This and the rural setting mean that the water is extremely clear here, to the extent that it is popular not only with dog-lovers but also among scuba divers and snorkelers!

Click here for further information about the beaches of Águilas.

3. La Calera between La Azohía and Isla Plana

In the far west of the municipality of Cartagena, between Isla Plana and La Azohía, is the 160-metre-long stretch of coastline known as Playa de la Calera, which has been designated as dog-friendly by the Town Hall. Although the setting is again a rural one it lies alongside the popular seafront walk between the two villages, and can be reached along this path or by heading to the coast from the E-22 road along tracks leading from the Los Madriles campsite.

There is plenty of space here for dogs to run, play and have fun both in and out of the water, enjoying beach life to the full!

4. La Lengua de Vaca in Los Nietos

Still in the municipality of Cartagena, but almost an hour’s drive away on the shore of the Mar Menor, is the resort town of Los Nietos, and on the small headland just to the east of the town is the beach of La Lengua de Vaca.

Due to its proximity to other beaches there are slightly stricter rules governing this stretch of sand, and the fog-friendly area is marked off by wooden posts. Potentially aggressive breeds are not permitted, and all dogs must be fully vaccinated and microchipped with an up-to-date health record.

5. Playa El Gachero in Puerto de Mazarrón

Very close to the centre of Puerto de Mazarrón, Playa Gachero is easy to access and is alongside the remains of an old Roman structure which was used for salting and drying fish. Again, it enjoys very clear water for safe bathing, and is a popular walking area throughout the year for dogs and their owners living or staying in the El Alamillo area.

6. Playa de Las Moreras in Puerto de Mazarrón

This is an expanse of sand at the western end of the Playa del Castellar, where (unusually for dog-friendly beaches) there are some amenities and facilities to make your visit even more enjoyable. These include showers for the dogs and rubbish bins – please use them as you clear up after your pet!

7. Playa Cobaticas in Mazarrón

Playa Cobaticas is more of a wild beach, located along the coast road near the popular beach of Percheles. This is some distance from Mazarrón, on the western side of the Sierra de las Moreras, bit it is a long stretch of coastline (around a kilometre) for energetic dogs and owners to roam!

8. Playa de Las Salinas in Los Alcázares

For the summer of 2023 part of the Playa de las Salinas in Los Alcázares, on the inland shore of the Mar Menor, has been designated as “dog-friendly” and a 140-metre stretch of sand has been marked off and equipped for this purpose.

Among the amenities are dog showers and a walkway to make access easier, and the sand makes this a perfect family day out with the dog!