Praia do Salgueiro

Peniche, Portugal

Praia do Portinho da Areia Norte holds the historic distinction of being Portugal's first officially designated dog beach, opened in August 2016 by Peniche municipality. This compact 80-metre sandy beach sits in a sheltered natural cove along the scenic road to Cabo Carvoeiro, wedged between rugged cliffs that provide wind protection and create a sense of intimacy. The beach offers stunning views of the Peniche coastline, with the dramatic Peninsula da Papoa visible to the north and, on clear days, the silhouette of the Berlengas archipelago on the horizon. Despite its pioneering status in Portugal's dog beach history, the beach remains largely undeveloped — there are waste bag dispensers at the entrance (though not always stocked) but no showers, toilets, or lifeguards. The rocky formations at the waterline add character but require some caution when dogs enter the water. The sheltered cove setting provides calmer conditions than the exposed Atlantic beaches on either side, making it a pleasant spot for a year-round beach walk with your dog. Free parking is available along the road towards Cabo Carvoeiro. The beach is small enough to feel cosy, but this also means it can feel crowded on peak summer weekends — visiting early morning or in the off-season offers a much more relaxed experience. Combine your visit with a walk along the spectacular Cabo Carvoeiro coastal path for panoramic ocean views.

Torres Vedras, Portugal

Wide 1.2km sandy beach in Maceira parish. Relatively uncrowded.

Torres Vedras, Portugal

Praia das Amoeiras in Santa Cruz became Torres Vedras municipality's first officially designated dog beach in 2020, and it stands out as one of Central Portugal's best-equipped pet-friendly beaches. Located on the seafront of the village of Casais das Amoreiras, this beautiful beach features an extensive strip of golden sand backed by tall ochre cliffs that catch the afternoon light. What truly sets it apart is the municipality's thoughtful investment in dog-specific amenities: charming dog shelters decorated to resemble traditional palheiros — the distinctive wooden fishermen's huts found along the Portuguese coast — provide shade and wind protection. Dedicated drinking water fountains for dogs and waste bag dispensers complete the infrastructure. The beach is rarely crowded with bathers, offering a peaceful experience that feels worlds away from the busier resort beaches further south. The southern section, known as Praia da Varandinha, extends the walking options. The surf at Amoeiras picks up good Atlantic swell, so caution is advised with dogs near the water on bigger wave days. The dramatic cliff backdrop and rock formations make this one of the most scenic dog beaches in Portugal. Access is easy with a parking area nearby, and the Miradouro de Santa Helena viewpoint just above offers panoramic views over the beach and coastline.