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Beaches Near You

Bredene, Belgium

Bredene Twins Dog Beach covers the western section of Bredene's coastline, around beach post 1 (Turkeyen) and the Twins surf club, extending toward the border with Oostende. This area has specific rules that differ from the rest of Bredene's beach. Dogs on a leash are welcome year-round in the zone from the Twins concession area toward the Oostende border. However, the surf zone directly around the Twins club is excluded from the off-leash winter freedom that applies to the rest of Bredene's beach. During July and August, the same 10:30 to 18:30 daytime ban applies as on the main beach, but outside these hours leashed dogs are permitted. The Twins club at Driftweg 69 is a well-known surf and beach club, and the surrounding beach is popular for water sports and active recreation. Beach post 1 offers a 260-metre guarded swimming area with seasonal facilities including toilets, showers, and lifeguard services. Parking is available along Parklaan and Driftweg. This western section connects to the Oostende beach on one side and the broader Bredene main beach on the other. For dog owners, the key distinction is the year-round leash-only policy and the surf zone exclusion during winter off-leash season. The beach here is slightly more developed than the central and eastern sections, but still benefits from Bredene's characteristic dune-backed natural setting.

Almada, Portugal

Naturist beach at the southern end of the Costa da Caparica strip, backed by low dunes. Non-concessioned and unmonitored, dogs tolerated year-round.

Povoa de Varzim, Portugal

Very wide extensive beach with preserved dune system. Popular with surfers, known for tidal rock pools.

Brejao, Portugal

Praia da Amalia, also known as Praia do Brejao, is a hidden gem on the southern Alentejo coast named after Portugal's legendary fado singer Amalia Rodrigues, who owned a vacation house on the cliffs above. This dramatic, virtually deserted beach is reached by a trail from the hamlet of Brejao that descends the cliffs via a stone staircase — a challenging but rewarding access route that keeps crowds away year-round. The beach features a natural waterfall, Cascata das Cobras, cascading down the rocks on the left side, creating a stunning natural backdrop. As a completely non-concessioned and unmonitored beach within the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, dogs are tolerated without the seasonal bans that apply to managed beaches. The isolation means you will likely have this spectacular stretch of sand entirely to yourselves — a paradise for dogs who need space or are reactive to other animals. White storks nest on the coastal cliffs nearby, part of a globally unique population of cliff-nesting storks found only along this stretch of coastline. There are absolutely no facilities — no parking lot, no toilets, no shade structures, and no mobile reception. Park near the trailhead in Brejao and walk approximately 10 minutes. The trail requires careful footing and is not suitable for elderly visitors or dogs with limited mobility. Bring all supplies including water, waste bags, shade, and food for a fully self-sufficient beach day.

Lagos, Portugal

Small semi-private beach tucked between sandstone cliffs near Ponta da Piedade in Lagos.

Blankenberge, Belgium

Blankenberge East Dog Beach stretches from the J. Gadeynehelling beach access eastward toward the border with Zeebrugge. This beach section offers seasonal off-leash access for dogs, with the rules changing between winter and summer periods. From October 16 through March 14, dogs are welcome to run freely without a leash on this stretch, making it a great winter beach walk destination. During the warmer months from March 15 to October 15, dogs remain welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. This dual-season arrangement makes the eastern beach a year-round option for dog owners, unlike the central Blankenberge beach which bans dogs entirely during the peak summer period. The beach here is on the eastern outskirts of Blankenberge, away from the busiest tourist areas near the pier, offering a somewhat quieter experience. The J. Gadeynehelling is a beach access ramp along the Zeedijk promenade that marks the western boundary of this dog zone. Walking east from here, the beach continues toward Zeebrugge, where the neighbouring municipality's own dog rules apply. Parking is available along the Zeedijk and in nearby side streets. For dog owners visiting Blankenberge during winter, this eastern section provides generous off-leash freedom on a wide North Sea beach, while summer visitors can still enjoy leashed walks along the same stretch.