Pet tourism plans

Traveling with your dog or cat is no longer a rarity. More and more destinations are betting on tourism with pets, offering real and comfortable options for those who do not want to leave their furry companion at home. From rural getaways in the middle of nature to adapted urban routes, the country has evolved towards a much more pet-friendly approach.

And we say this from experience: in our agency we have been organizing routes with animals throughout the peninsula for years, from Asturias to Cádiz. The best? Watch the dog run around among oak trees while owners taste local cheeses in a rural cheese factory. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to embark on the adventure.

Best regions for pet tourism in Spain

North: green paradises between mountains

Faro en galicia

Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia are jewels for rural tourism with pets. They are humid destinations, with large areas of forest and little overcrowded coastline.

  • Featured routes: The Senda del Oso in Asturias is perfect to do with medium or large dogs, as it is an old mining road converted into a cycle and pedestrian path. Low difficulty, shade in summer and rivers to cool off.
  • Local tip: In the rainy months (autumn and winter), always carry towels to dry your pet after walks.

Centre: villages with history and pet-friendly rural accommodation

Ávila, Segovia, La Vera (Cáceres), part of Cuenca and the inland area of Tarragona, especially in Poblet, offer cultural and rest alternatives with good access for animals.

In medieval villages such as Candeleda or Ayllón you can stay in pet-friendly rural houses, many with enclosed courtyards and quiet surroundings. But it is also worth looking at the natural environment of the Paraje de Poblet, between vineyards and pine forests, you will find gentle routes to walk with your dog and a great peace to disconnect from the daily rhythm. There, accommodations like ours in Villa Engracia, with years of experience welcoming families with pets, offer an ideal enclave to combine nature and comfort. Our rural apartments, perfectly integrated into the environment, have direct access to trails and areas where animals can move freely and safely.

Many owners appreciate the fact that not only are pets allowed, but that they are really designed for them. In fact, some accommodations include welcome packs with drinking fountains, snacks or small recommendations to enjoy the environment without worries.

South: beaches and hiking in nature

Andalusia offers the best of both worlds: mountains in areas such as the Alpujarra in Granada and dog beaches in Malaga or Cadiz.

  • Pet-friendly beaches: El Castillo beach in Fuengirola or El Pinillo beach in Marbella are open for animals all year round.
  • Best time: Avoid July and August if your dog suffers from the heat. May or September are ideal for the south.

Recommended activities for pet tourism

Hiking and nature routes

This is one of the star activities of rural tourism with pets. In Spain there are hundreds of approved routes that allow dogs as long as they are on a leash.

  • Average duration: Between 2 and 5 hours per route.
  • Necessary equipment: Comfortable harness, portable drinker, hygienic bags and basic first aid kit (tweezers, gauze, serum).
  • Recommendation: Use apps like Wikiloc to check the difficulty of the route before leaving.
turismo rural con mascotas

Pet-friendly cultural visits

Some castles, wineries and even museums allow dogs to enter.

  • Real example: The Castle of Loarre in Huesca allows dogs if they are on a leash. Several wineries in La Rioja and Ribera del Duero also offer adapted tours.
  • Useful tip: Check the website in advance or call to confirm the admission policy.

Urban tourism: cities with a pet-friendly soul

Although it may seem otherwise, there are ideal cities for tourism with pets in Spain.

  • Barcelona: it has a network of very well-equipped dog parks and public transport that allows access with dogs in certain strips.
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz: chosen several times as a green city in Europe, it offers large green areas where you can walk with your pet.

Accommodation: pet-friendly rural tourism without complications

The growth of pet-friendly rural tourism has driven a wide range of adapted accommodation.

Recommended types of accommodation

  • Rural houses and cabins: with outdoor spaces and without annoying noise.
  • Campsites with bungalows: perfect if you want to combine nature and comfort.
  • Urban hotels: more and more chains allow pets (see specific conditions).

Practical tips before going sightseeing with pets

  • Vaccination and chip: mandatory and reviewed in case of crossing borders (such as Andorra or France from Spain).
  • Transport: if you travel by train, Renfe allows one dog per passenger on AVE or Long Distance (up to 10 kg). If you go by car, remember to wear a safety harness or carrier.
  • Food: always take your usual feed and water in sufficient quantity. Not all destinations have specialty stores.
  • Climate and terrain: adapt the routes according to the breed. A husky won’t tolerate coastal routes well in the middle of July, and a bulldog will suffer on steep trails.

Some real experiences we recommend

Route through the Jerte Valley with dog

Ideal in March-April during cherry blossoming. Gentle walks, areas for the dog to cool off and a good offer of rural tourism with pets.

Weekend in the Catalan Pyrenees

Close to Camprodon, demanding routes for active dogs and views that will make you fall in love. It’s best to avoid winter because of snow if your dog isn’t used to it.

Getaway to the Sierra de Grazalema

Raw nature, white villages and several 100% pet friendly rural houses. Ideal for autumn, with mild temperatures and a good gastronomic offer where pets are also allowed on terraces.

Enjoy sightseeing with pets with peace of mind

Traveling with your pet is no longer an odyssey, but a real pleasure if you plan well. Tourism with pets is here to stay, with more accommodation, routes and adapted experiences than ever.

Whether you’re into the mountains or prefer a quiet beach, there are pet-friendly destinations perfect for you and your furry companion. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us: we know the best routes, accommodations and tricks for you to enjoy without complications.

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