Catalonia with your dog: The best dog-friendly suggestions and activities
Wednesday, April , 2026
Dog-Friendly Destinations
Catalonia has the privilege of having been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List with the works of Gaudí, the archaeological site of Tarragona, the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, and the Romanesque churches of Vall de Boí, among many other attractions. But if there is one thing that catches our attention and makes us fall in love with it, it is that Catalonia is undoubtedly a benchmark for dog-friendly tourism. Want to know why? Read on...
THE BEST DOG-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSALS
GET YOUR BOOTS ON! Because in this article Viajes4patas.com brings you the best proposals and activities to discover the best corners of Catalonia with your dog. Kayaking in the Ebro Delta, Cruise to the Medes Islands, Ascent to Pedraforca, Guided tours of the largest walled enclosure in Catalonia, rack railway to Vall de Núria... And a long etcetera of fun and original activities. If you want to discover more dog routes in Spain 2026, these and other experiences await you. Do you feel like experiencing it with your dog? What are you waiting for? Take note, because we know you won't be able to resist.
ADVENTURE IN THE EBRO DELTA
The Ebro Delta is the largest wetland in Catalonia, with an area of 320 km2. It constitutes one of the most important aquatic habitats in the western Mediterranean. The balance between its natural wealth and exploitation by humans has not been easy, which is why, in 1983, the Government of Catalonia approved the creation of the Ebro Delta Natural Park.
We propose:
-Kayak Routes:
Discover the most virgin corner of Catalonia and the best-kept treasure of the Ebro Delta Natural Park, on one of the most original Kayak routes through the Alfacs Bay. You will enjoy the panoramic view of the fishing village of Sant Carles de la Ràpita while navigating among the immense mussel and oyster farms. Or experience the magic of the final stretch of the Ebro River, when the river embraces the sea; there is no other itinerary like it, it is unique and unrepeatable.
Organized by: Natura y Aventura
-Cruise in the Ebro Delta. Three boats await you to enjoy a different experience. Right in front, there is the Restaurant lo Transbodador Olmos, where you can eat with your dog in a designated area.
Organized by: Creuers delta Ebro
-Bicycle routes in the Ebro Delta: If your dog is used to or capable of keeping up with you on a bicycle, Riu Abre offers different bike routes suitable for dogs, without the risk of crossing roads. They also organize kayak outings. www.riualebre.com
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NATURAL PARK OF THE VOLCANIC ZONE OF LA GARROTXA
The Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa is the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. It has about forty volcanic cones and more than 20 lava flows.
We suggest:
The Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone has several hiking trails that run through the most interesting areas of the Natural Park. Most of them are signposted, except for some of the longer ones, which, if you are used to it, can be easily followed with the help of the Natural Park's guide map.
More info: Turisme Garrotxa
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ADVENTURE IN LA LLOSA DEL CAVALL
This reservoir is a unique space where nature and the rural world still reign. Water sports, hiking excursions, and lush nature. The Llosa del Cavall reservoir and its surroundings, in the Vall de Lord (Solsonès), offer dozens of activities to enjoy the mountains and forests that surround it.
Starting this summer, if we travel with our pets, at Llosa del Cavall we have the opportunity to practice canoeing with them. The kayak rental company and canoeing school Kayak K1 promotes what they call 'canikayak', which offers the possibility of sailing accompanied by our dog and with the option of renting canine life jackets, specially designed for them. A very different adventure from what they are used to. It is fun and enriching.
It also organizes kayak and hydrobike activities relleus.cat
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LA SELVA, THE REGION OF WATER
Water manifests itself in multiple ways in La Selva and has become its main source of economic, natural, and cultural wealth. The large number of mineral water springs, rivers, and thermal springs, as well as the spectacular presence of the Costa Brava, make water a key element for interpreting the landscape and history of this region, which gives it its name: Selva, the region of water.
We suggest:
-Visit the town of Anglès, which stretches over the small hill rising in the center of the valley. At the highest point is the old town, one of the oldest and best-preserved Gothic neighborhoods in Catalonia, where very diverse architectural styles coexist, creating unique buildings. Strolling along Carrer Major and its adjacent streets, we find both medieval houses and Gothic manor houses. Notable are the arcade of Can Verdaguer, with Romanesque windows, the Noucentista building of Can Cendra, restored by Rafael Masó, and Can Camps, with Gothic windows.
From Anglès, numerous paths for cycling or walking depart. These routes allow you to discover rural landscapes offering different panoramic views of the town. All of them are perfectly signposted, although the best-known route is the greenway that connects the city of Girona with Olot.
More info: La Selva tourism
-Visit Montsoriu Castle, the most important Gothic castle in Catalonia. You can tour Montsoriu Castle with the support of printed guides in different languages. The tour follows 20 marked points along the entire itinerary.
More info: Montsoriu
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MONTSENY NATURAL PARK
The Montseny massif is a Natural Park formed by the ridge of Turó de l'Home (1,706 meters), Les Agudes (1,703 meters), Matagalls (1,697 meters) and the plain of La Calma (Mount Drau, 1,344 meters). It is crossed by the Congost, Tordera and Riera Major rivers. This combination results in very rich vegetation and hosts abundant wildlife.
Notable cultural heritage includes the megalithic constructions of the Sierra del Arca, the Roman villa of Can Terrers, many medieval churches, numerous castles, the fortified farmhouses of Bellver or La Sala, the Tagamanent complex, and the hermitage of Sant Segimon.
The beauty and diversity of the landscapes of the Montseny Massif Natural Park have inspired many artists, writers, and intellectuals, and each year attract nearly two million visitors.
More info click here.
Photo El molí del montseny
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GUIDED ASCENT TO PEDRAFORCA
The Pedraforca (2,506m), along with mountains like Canigó or Pica d'Estats, is one of the great symbols of Catalan mountaineering. Located in the Berguedà region, in the Pre-Pyrenees of Barcelona, this attractive and iconic mountain captivates hikers and visitors in general with its peculiar Enforcadura and the numerous legends that have surrounded it for centuries. Not without reason, it has earned the nickname 'the magical mountain'. Formed by two twin peaks, called ''pollegons'', its walls have become a challenge for the best climbers, such as the historic Lluís Estasen, in whose memory the refuge at the foot of Pedraforca bears his name.
We propose:
-Climb with your dog one of the most popular and mythical mountains of Catalonia. A classic and spectacular ascent to Pedraforca!
Organized by: Rutas Pirineos
-The Gresolet sanctuary is located at the foot of Pedraforca in the municipality of Saldes. To access it, you must turn off the B-400 road just before the Saldes bridge. The sanctuary consists of the church and the house, located at 1,300 meters altitude in the valley of the Gresolet stream, which, when it meets the Riera Salada, forms the Saldes River. A highly recommended route to do with a dog. Follow the route in detail here.
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LA CERDANYA, HEART OF THE CATALAN PYRENEES
La Cerdanya occupies the high valley of the Segre River, in the center of the Catalan Pyrenees. It is a region with important tourist resources: ski resorts, excellent gastronomy, beautiful natural landscapes, Romanesque monuments, and a set of high mountain towns, with popular festivals that preserve the flavor of our origins.
Taking the itineraries on foot or by bicycle through the magnificent landscapes dominated by the Cadí mountain range or the routes that can be done through these natural places are some of the attractions that captivate the visitor.
We propose:
-The Route of the Reapers
In the town of Gósol, the Route of the Reapers begins, also known as the Camino de Cerdanya, as it reaches Bellver de Cerdanya. It is an itinerary that was previously used, in addition to reapers, by muleteers, vigilantes, bandits, musicians, and smugglers. The painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso also took this route in 1906 during his stay in Gósol. This historical route, now signposted, can be completed in about seven or eight hours, crossing the Cadí mountain range. During the itinerary, one discovers the unparalleled landscape and Pyrenean fauna of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park.
-Path of the Good Men
-The Path of the Good Men is a GR that connects the Castle of Montségur (Ariège) and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Queralt (Berga) with a route of 200km. The route we propose is a small part of a distance of 16km that runs through the Vall de la Llosa, passing by the Molí del Salt (spectacular waterfall surrounded by magnificent fauna and flora typical of the Pyrenees).
-Loop of the Devil's Bridge
We start at the medieval village of Músser, continue through Aransa, and reach Lles. Three typical towns of Cerdanya with their stone houses, threshing floors, meadows, and pastures. We will cross the Pont del Diable on the way back to Músser, crossing the Aransa river. There we can read the legend of a love story between the Moor Músser and a witch.
Views of Cadí and Moixeró from Cerdanya Eco Resort
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THE CISTER ROUTE
The three Cistercian monasteries are the bait of the Cister Route: Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges. All three and only royal monasteries in Catalonia are located here and are the soul of the Cister Route. Three exceptional monumental complexes, both for their architectural beauty and for the spiritual essence they still exude today:
We propose:
- GR 175 - The Cister Route
If you are one of those who likes to walk and get lost among beautiful natural landscapes, the GR 175 is your route. This trail connects the three most emblematic monasteries of this order in Catalonia: Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges. The layout is circular with a total of 105 kilometers fully signposted in both directions, suitable for any practitioner accustomed to hiking.
This route will allow you to enjoy some impressive experiences such as participating in the vespers prayer listening to the chant of the monks of Poblet, participating in the prayers of the nuns and letting yourself be enveloped by their chants, or simply strolling through the monastery, enjoying its corners and listening to medieval legends.
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THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF MONTBLANC
It is true that the main attraction of the Cistercian Route is the three Cistercian monasteries that make it up: Poblet, Santes Creus, and Vallbona de les Monges. But a route through this area should highlight the walled medieval town of Montblanc.
If you have decided to take the Cistercian Route, you will find the town of Montblanc just 10 kilometers from the aforementioned Poblet monastery.
A historic town whose origins date back to the year 1080 and which currently preserves the largest walled enclosure in Catalonia.
We suggest:
-Guided Tour of the Monumental and Artistic Complex to stroll through streets and squares, visit churches and palaces, and, with the help of Montblanc's tourist guides, discover the history and legends held by the living stones through a personalized visit. Info and reservations here
-Visit to the wall walk and towers of the wall. Let Montblanc's tourist guides take you with their explanations back to the remote times of King Peter III the Ceremonious, in the 14th century, the era of the wall's construction. Climbing the towers, walking along the wall walk, and enjoying the panoramic views gives the monumental setting the added value of being able to interpret and understand the passage of time. A journey of 850 years to know where we come from. Info and reservations here
Both guided tours are organized by the town council and are dog-friendly.
ROMANESQUE AND SALINAS AT THE FOOT OF THE NOGUERA PALLARESA
On the northern slope of El Pallars Sobirà lies Gerri de la Sal, a small medieval town that still preserves its walled enclosure and stands out for its industrial and architectural heritage: the salt warehouse and the Monastery of Santa María.
We suggest:
A visit to the Gerri Museum where dogs are allowed. This museum is dedicated to salt production, explaining the work done in the warehouse and the saltworks, and includes a small oral history section where former salt workers share their memories of working in salt firsthand. Info and reservations here.
VALL DE NURIA BY CREMALLERA RAILWAY
Vall de Nùria is a mountain resort with unique natural and scenic beauty located in the Eastern Pyrenees, in the municipality of Queralbs. Dominating one of the highest points in the Girona Pyrenees, it is surrounded by peaks of almost 3,000 meters and located in a place where many springs and streams originate.
We suggest:
Enjoy this spectacular high mountain landscape with a unique form of transport: the rack railway. It covers a distance of 12.5 km and climbs more than 1,000 meters. No matter what time of year it is, this tourist destination offers visitors a wide variety of winter and summer activities, such as hiking or a boat trip in an environment where you can enjoy the high mountain flora and fauna.
At the same Vall de Nuria hotel, dogs are also welcome. Book here!
AIGÜESTORTES PARK, A STARLIGHT DESTINATION
The Aigüestortes and Estany Sant Maurici National Park is the only national park in Catalonia. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, it is an excellent representation of the main ecosystems we can discover in the Catalan high mountains.
We suggest:
-Stargazing. The Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is accredited as a Starlight tourist destination, a certification granted by UNESCO to destinations with excellent qualities for observing the night sky and protected from any light pollution.
-Visit the eight Romanesque churches and one hermitage declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE IN THE BOÍ VALLEY
In this small valley in the Pyrenees, we find a group of exceptional churches and hermitages that stand as the cradle and highest expression of Catalan Romanesque art. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, the churches of the Boì Valley are functional and simple temples with one or three naves, built with small granite blocks. The roofs are wooden beams or ribbed vaults. These churches are the artistic reflection of an austere society, linked to the natural environment and strongly hierarchical.
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CRUISE THROUGH THE MEDES ISLANDS AND THE COSTA BRAVA
Located just 1.5km from L'Estartit beach, the Medes Islands archipelago is part of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. The Medes archipelago has seven islets that constitute one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean, as well as one of the most appreciated destinations for diving enthusiasts. Twenty years of protection have enabled a spectacular recovery of the wealth of its seabed, aquatic environment, and terrestrial environment.
We suggest:
-Visit the dog beach of L'Estartit. This is a 600 square meter area located next to the Els Griells and La Pletera urbanization.
-Cruise to discover the spectacular seabeds of the Medes Islands Underwater Natural Reserve. There is nothing better than boarding one of the glass-bottom boats and touring the islands as well as the Montgrí coast.
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THE FIRST CANINE AQUAPARK IN EUROPE
The Canine Aquapark located in La Roca del Vallés, 30km from Barcelona, is any dog's dream: a place designed exclusively for them, where they can play with their owner and many more furry friends. Don't you think your dog deserves a day in paradise?
Do you want to see your dog surfing?
At Perros al Agua you will find two huge pools where your dogs can swim freely, water slides, canoes, a dune area to roll around in, and gardens to play frisbee or ball.
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BARCELONA
We couldn't forget Barcelona, a cosmopolitan, urban and dog-friendly city. There are many parks, shops, stores, and restaurants where you can go with your dog in Barcelona.
We suggest:
-Park Güell. One of the most important parks in the city of Barcelona, where you can go with your dog. Dogs are allowed throughout the grounds, but must be on a leash. From there, the views of the city are spectacular. It is a green environment, surrounded by Gaudí's unmistakable modernist architecture.
-Wander through the city. Without a doubt, it is the best way to get to know it, letting yourself be carried away by the routes that appear at every step. Get ready because the walk is long, but it's worth it. And if you get tired, you can always take the metro (within the hours that allow pet access), the trains, or stop for a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants that allow dogs in Barcelona.
- Collserola, the central park of the metropolis. With Tibidabo as its most emblematic hill, the Collserola massif has become an essential natural space for the metropolitan conurbation. This park offers numerous trails and routes with beautiful panoramic views of the city and its coastline.
¡INTO THE WATER! - DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES
Did you know that Catalonia has a total of 13 dog-friendly beaches where our dogs can enjoy the beach in summer? Take note:
Llevant Beach (Barcelona). The dog area is located on the northern part of this beach. Made up of fine sand, it was inaugurated last year and, due to its popularity, will be open again this summer 2019.
Cala Vallcarca (Sitges, Barcelona). This is one of the most popular dog beaches in the province of Barcelona. It is surrounded by green areas and located next to the cement factory.
Les Salines Beach (Cubelles, Barcelona). Located next to a thermal power plant, this is a small sandy beach that was opened in 2016 and has been very well received by users.
La Picòrdia Beach (Arenys de Mar, Barcelona). In 2018, the city council decided to set aside a section of this beach for dogs. It will be open from June 1 to September 16, and only dogs registered in the town will be allowed access.
Pineda de Mar dog area (Pineda de Mar, Barcelona). This is a small dog area that has been open to dogs since July 2017. It has fine sand and calm, crystal-clear waters. It is open all year round.
La Rubina Beach (Empuriabrava, Girona). La Rubina Beach was the first beach in Spain to set aside a space for dogs and is considered the best. On the same beach, you will find Camping Castell Mar, which is dog-friendly and even has a dog menu at the restaurant!
-Playa del Rec del Molí (l’Escala, Girona). This dog beach occupies half of the beach. Its surroundings are quiet, and it has many services nearby. It can be an ideal destination for your vacation with a dog in Catalonia.
-Dog area of Els Griells Beach (Estartit, Girona). This is a small section of beach area that replaces Playa la Platera, where dogs have been banned since 2016. It has received many complaints due to its small size.
-Playa de las Barcas (Colera). Opened last year. Located near the French border, a small sandy and gravel beach. Ideal for those who love tranquility.
-Playa de la Riera d’Alforja (Cambrils, Tarragona). The Cambrils City Council decided to change its ordinances to enable a section of beach for dogs. This dog beach is made up of stones and sand.
-Platja de la Bassa de l’Arena (Riumar, Tarragona). Located in the Ebro Delta, it is one of the best dog beaches in all of Catalonia, as it is spacious and made up of fine golden sand surrounded by natural environments.
-Playa la Platjola (Alcanar, Tarragona). A narrow beach located next to the road, ideal for a refreshing dip in summer. It is made up of small pebbles.
-Cala Cementiri and Cala Bon Caponet (l’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona). 2 small coves made up of rock and little sand.
If you are planning your vacation with your furry friend and want to discover more destinations throughout Spain, don't miss our updated list of dog beaches 2026, with information by autonomous communities and tips for enjoying the summer together.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
If you are traveling to some of these wonderful places, don't forget to book your accommodation through viajes4patas.com. By clicking here, you will find all dog-friendly options.
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