Eight Dog Beaches Across the Canary Islands, Three on Tenerife

The Canary Islands with a dog? That’s no problem at all! The Canary Islands are extremely dog-friendly. There are now more dogs than children under the age of 14 on the islands. And so acceptance is growing too. However, the Canary Islands are a bit stricter when it comes to dog-friendly beaches. So here’s what you need to know:

Info: Dog-friendly beaches in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands currently have several dog-friendly beaches. They are spread across four of the Canary Islands. There’s room for improvement here. However, on many other beaches, there’s no problem if a dog happens to end up there. However, if complaints are made, it can get expensive. It therefore makes sense to head straight for an official dog-friendly beach in the Canary Islands. Below, we’ll introduce you to eight dog-friendly beaches and offer some further tips.

By the way: in the Canary Islands, it’s not just the obvious dog mess that needs to be cleared away. In an increasing number of local authorities, it’s also compulsory to wash away dog urine. It’s therefore a good idea to carry a bottle of suitable liquid with you.

Map of dog-friendly beaches in the Canary Islands

Dog-friendly beaches in Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands was the first to open its beaches to dogs. There are now three beaches where dogs are permitted. In Tenerife, a distinction is made between two types of dog-friendly beaches: traditional sandy beaches and more rocky beaches with pebbles. In the meantime, a new city beach for dogs was also opened in the capital, Santa Cruz, but its status was subsequently revoked following complaints about dog mess.

Playa El Puertito, Güímar

• When is Playa El Puertito on Tenerife open?
  El Puertito beach is open to dogs 365 days a year.
• What are the characteristics of Puertito Beach on Tenerife?
  The beach consists of black sand. The dog-friendly section is approximately 200 metres long. The beach owes its name to its location. It is situated right next to the Club Náutico del Puertito de Güímar.
• What rules apply at Puertito Beach on Tenerife?
  You must keep a close eye on your pet at all times and carry its veterinary certificate and the relevant identification with you. The dog must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If it is a dog on the list of high-risk breeds, it must wear a muzzle. Naturally, dog fouling must also be cleared away. Failure to do so may result in fines.
• Is there anything else to do in Güimar?
  This municipality is situated on the east coast of Tenerife. It has a rich history. For example, it is home to the famous pyramids and their museum. So, whether before or after a visit to the beach, there’s plenty to discover in Güimar.

Playa El Confital, Granadilla de Abona

• When is Playa El Confital on Tenerife open?
  Playa El Confital, sometimes also called Playa El Horno, is open all year round.
• What are the characteristics of Playa El Horno on Tenerife?
  The beach consists of fine black sand. There are usually moderate or even strong winds there. Just under 175 metres of the beach are dog-friendly. Dogs are also allowed to swim in the sea.
• What rules apply at Playa El Confital on Tenerife?
  An adult must always stay with the dog. Otherwise, the usual rules of conduct for dogs on the beach apply. Dogs on the ‚dangerous dogs‘ list must wear a muzzle, and the animal’s registration document must always be kept to hand. You should also carry poo bags and keep the beach clean.
• Are there any other things to do around Granadilla de Abona?
  The municipality of Granadilla de Abona is known not least for Tenerife’s South Airport. Sunshine is more or less guaranteed all year round. Historical sites are mainly to be found in the higher parts of the municipality. Near the coast, there are numerous beaches, promenades and cafés. The municipality has something to offer everyone.

Playa El Cabezo, Granadilla de Abona

• When is Playa El Cabezo on Tenerife open?
  You can visit El Cabezo with your pet all year round.
• What are the features of Playa El Cabezo on Tenerife?
  This dark sandy beach is situated a little way from the centre of El Médano. The beach is surrounded by a residential area for holidaymakers. Playa de El Cabezo offers a rather family-friendly atmosphere all year round. El Médano is also very popular with water sports enthusiasts.
• What rules apply at Playa El Cabezo on Tenerife?
  At Playa El Cabezo, too, you must have your dog’s registration documents and poo bags to hand. Muzzles are compulsory for dogs on the dangerous breeds list.

Dog-friendly beaches on Gran Canaria

There are also three dog-friendly beaches on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria.

Playa Los Tres Peos, Agüimes

• When is Playa Los Tres Peos on Gran Canaria open?
  The beach is open all year round. There are no time restrictions.
• What are the characteristics of Playa Los Tres Peos on Gran Canaria?
  The beach has dark sand and is rather small. The waves and currents are usually somewhat stronger than elsewhere on Gran Canaria. There are no toilet facilities.
• What rules apply at Playa Los Tres Peos on Gran Canaria?
  The local council has changed the rules regarding dogs on the beach on several occasions. It is therefore important to pay attention to the signs. Dogs must not be left unattended. An adult must always remain near the animal, and you must have the usual documentation for your dog. Furthermore, the beach must be kept clean, so bringing bin bags is a minimum requirement.
• Is there anything else to do around Agüimes?
  The view from the Guayadeque Gorge, in particular, is considered spectacular. Furthermore, the municipality offers sights such as the historic town centre and a variety of activities for holidaymakers.

Los Cuervitos Beach, Agüimes

• When is Playa Los Cuervitos on Gran Canaria open?
  This dog-friendly beach on Gran Canaria is also open all year round.
• What are the characteristics of Playa Los Cuervitos on Gran Canaria?
  The beach is rather rocky with scattered sandy sections. There are also no toilet facilities at Playa Los Cuervitos (Playa del Cabron).
• What rules apply at Playa Los Cuervitos on Gran Canaria?
  The rules at Playa Los Cuervitos are the same as those at the dog-friendly beach in Agüimes described above.

Playa Bocabarranco, Las Palmas

• When is Playa Bocabarranco open on Gran Canaria?
  The beach is open to four-legged friends 365 days a year.
• What are the features of Playa Bocabarranco on Gran Canaria?
  The beach covers an area of 6,000 square metres. It was designed with dog owners in mind, and dogs are also allowed to swim there.
• What rules apply at Playa Bocabarranco on Gran Canaria?
  The dog must be supervised by an adult at all times. Furthermore, the dog’s documentation must be kept to hand. Poop bags are compulsory. It is also essential to keep the beach clean.
• Is there anything else to do around Las Palmas?
  The capital of Gran Canaria has plenty to offer for everyone and everything. Restaurants, nightlife, beaches, culture… The choice is vast. Even with a dog, you won’t get bored in the region.

Dog-friendly beaches on Lanzarote

This island in the eastern Canary Islands has a dog-friendly beach:

Playa Las Coloradas, Yaiza

• When is Playa Las Coloradas on Lanzarote open?
  Although the beach is open all year round, there are time restrictions. Access with pets is permitted from 7 am to 10 am and from 7 pm to 9 pm.
• What are the characteristics of Playa Las Coloradas on Lanzarote?
  Playa Las Coloradas on Lanzarote is 410 metres long and consists of sections of sand, pebbles and gravel. There is both dark and light-coloured sand, creating wonderful contrasts.
• What rules apply at Playa Las Coloradas on Lanzarote?
  Grooming or feeding is prohibited. You must also carry poo bags and liquid for diluting dog urine. Furthermore, the dog must be supervised by an adult who can produce all relevant documents on request.
• Is there anything else to do around Yaiza?
  The municipality of Yaiza is one of the most popular destinations on Lanzarote. From Timanfaya National Park to the Femés Valley and the Janubio salt flats, there’s plenty to see.

Dog-friendly beaches on La Palma

On La Palma, there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to dog-friendly beaches. Nevertheless, there is now at least one beach where dogs are generally allowed:

Playa de Los Guirres / El Volcán / Playa Nueva, Tazacorte

• When is Playa de Los Guirres on La Palma open?
  You can visit this beach with your pet all year round. There are no time restrictions.
• What are the features of Playa de Los Guirres on La Palma?
  Playa de Los Guirres / Plaza Nueva Volcano is situated at the end of Playa de Los Tarajales, in Tazacorte. The beach occupies the northern half of the black sand beach, and dogs are allowed to run about and swim there.
• What are the rules at Playa de Los Guirres on La Palma?
  On this beach too, adults must stay with their dogs. You must also carry your dog’s registration papers with you and clear up after your dog. Dogs on the restricted list must wear a muzzle.
• Is there anything else to do around Tazacorte?
  Tazacorte is situated on the west coast of La Palma. The town is particularly popular for its many hiking opportunities. Good news for dog owners: dogs are allowed to hike everywhere. There is only one restriction: the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.