Praia do Esteiro

Povoa de Varzim, Portugal

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

Esposende, Portugal

Praia da Ramalha Sul is a peaceful, officially designated pet-friendly beach in the parish of Apulia, part of Esposende's pioneering Municipal Strategic Plan for Animal Welfare. Since June 2018, this quiet stretch of Atlantic coastline has welcomed dogs with dedicated infrastructure including drinking fountains and waste bag dispensers. Located along the Litoral Norte Natural Park, the beach features a long, wide sandy shore backed by dunes and low vegetation, offering a wilder and less crowded alternative to the busier Suave Mar beach further north. Clear signage at the entrance outlines the rules for pet owners, and the beach maintains a calm, low-key atmosphere that suits dogs who prefer quieter environments. The surrounding Apulia area is known for its distinctive espigueiros — traditional stone granaries on stilts — and the village offers a handful of cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Parking is available at the beach entrance, though spaces are limited. The beach is accessed via a short walk from the parking area, with the dune system providing natural shelter from the wind. For dog owners seeking a tranquil, regulation-compliant beach experience in northern Portugal, Praia da Ramalha Sul delivers genuine peace and space without sacrificing pet infrastructure.

Esposende, Portugal

Praia Suave Mar in Esposende is one of Portugal's best-equipped officially designated pet-friendly beaches, set within the stunning Litoral Norte Natural Park. Since July 2018, as part of Esposende's Municipal Strategic Plan for Animal Welfare, this Blue Flag and Gold Quality beach has welcomed dogs with dedicated infrastructure that sets it apart from most Portuguese beaches. The beach features purpose-built dog drinking fountains, waste bag dispensers with bins, and even a dedicated pet ambulance service in partnership with the Fao Volunteer Firefighters — a unique offering rarely seen at European dog beaches. The expansive sandy shore stretches along the natural park coastline, backed by an impressive dune system that is part of a protected coastal habitat. Suave Mar is also a popular spot for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers, with consistent Atlantic swells rolling in. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, but the wide beach provides ample space for comfortable walks along the waterline. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, foot baths, and a nearby restaurant-cafe, making it a comfortable destination for a full day out. The water temperature averages around 18 degrees Celsius in summer. Free parking is available in a dedicated car park near the beach entrance. Esposende itself is a charming coastal town with a lively market, seafood restaurants, and the beautiful Cavado River estuary just to the south.