20 Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Sardinia

Are you traveling to Sardinia with your pet and looking for dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia? Are you wondering, “Is Sardinia dog-friendly?”

I have you covered! You may know that I am the proud mom of Minnie, a lovely black cat. But I love dogs too, and many of my friends have dogs. We often go to the beach together, and of course, we look for places they can enjoy too.

There are approximately 35 dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia, and I have tried to choose the best ones around the island and give you some information about them. These are the best places to visit with your four-legged best friends, not to mention actually some of the best beaches in Sardinia!

Before I take you to the best beaches you can visit with your dog, however, let me highlight a few things you should know.

Is Sardinia Dog Friendly?

If you are traveling to Sardinia with your dog, you may be asking yourself, “Is Sardinia dog-friendly?”

Yes, Sardinia is actually quite dog-friendly. As a general rule, in order to travel to Sardinia with your dog, you will have to carry your dog’s international passport. This is a document that shows your pet has all the necessary vaccinations, including the one against rabies (which has been eradicated from the island).

Many holiday rentals and many hotels around the island allow you to bring your dog with you. Likewise, the vast majority of cafés and restaurants won’t have an issue with dogs at all – in fact, they will welcome you with a bowl of water for them.

Similarly, you can enter grocery stores with your dog and use one of the dedicated carts so your dog can sit comfortably. Dogs are welcome in all shops too, and on any hiking trail.

Some sites (ie, archaeological sites) will have a no-dog policy, unfortunately, and most museums will only allow guide dogs to enter. What about beaches then? Are there dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia? What do locals think about dogs at the beach?

Personally, I have zero problems with dogs at the beach, and all my friends feel the same way. In fact, I am always happy to see a furry friend hanging out with his or her family, under the umbrella, or playing in the water – they are part of the family, after all.

Other people, however, worry about the hygienic aspects and may not be too happy to spot a dog hanging out at a beach that is not specifically designed for that.

Anyways…

There is a local law that says that dogs are allowed on each and every Sardinian beach before 8:00 am and after 8:00 pm in the summer months.

In other words, this means that you can take your dog to the beach when there are fewer people around, provided that you take care of him/her, clean up after them, and respect a few rules.

If you bring your dog to a “no-pets beach” outside this time frame, and are caught with it (some people may complain about it and call the police, for example), you might get a fine that can range from €100 to €1000, so be careful.

If you want to spend a full day at the beach with your dog, you need to look for a dog-friendly beach.

Many dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia have everything to guarantee the best experience for both humans and animals. Some may simply be “free-to-enter” beaches where you have to carry anything your animal friend may need.

Both types of beaches will usually require your pet to have up-to-date vaccinations and a recent flea treatment.

It goes without saying that your dog should be well-trained and not aggressive towards other dogs or people. In the case of female dogs, access may be denied if they are in heat. This brings me to say that you should spay and neuter your dog, anyway.

Dog owners must also carry plastic bags and a plastic shovel, a short leash (generally not longer than 1.50 meters), and a muzzle. Your dogs don’t need to wear them, but you have to have them with you.

Let’s now see which are the best dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia, and how to get there.

Map Of Sardinia Dog-Friendly Beaches

As I have said before, there are many beaches in Sardinia that you can visit with your dog, and no matter where you are traveling, you will be able to find one near you. For ease, I have created a map of the best Sardinia dog-friendly beaches so that you can find one near you more easily.

How to use this Sardinia dog-friendly beaches map: This map points out the beaches you should consider visiting if you are traveling to Sardinia with your dog. To enlarge it, use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.

Now, let’s finally discover the best dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia.

The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Sardinia

Cagliari, Dog-Friendly Beach at Poetto

Poetto, the main urban beach in Cagliari, has its very own dog-friendly beach. You will find it between the old Ospedale Marino (pictured above) – a derelict building whose fate has yet to be decided – and the new one.

It’s by a beach kiosk known as L’Iguana, which is actually also dog-friendly and will happily provide a bowl of fresh water to your furry friend.

The actual dog beach is fenced, so you will know exactly which spot you should go to. There is an old watchtower on the shore (see the photo above). As this is a city beach, it can get quite crowded on the weekend.

You can easily get to Poetto Beach by bus from Cagliari city center, best from Piazza Matteotti or Via Roma. Just hop on any P bus.

Quartu Sant’Elena, Dog Friendly Beach at Is Canaleddus

I recently discovered this dog-friendly beach in Sardinia by pure chance, as I meant to go somewhere else, but decided to stop here instead. It’s actually out of Quartu Sant’Elena, between two more popular coves – Mari Pintau and Cala Regina.

The beach is small, pebbly, and backed by a thick forest of Mediterranean pines and bushes, and the water is incredibly clear, though almost immediately deep.

Here you have two options: you can either stay at the beach club, where you can rent an umbrella and sun beds for the day (and your dog will have plenty of space, a bowl of fresh water, etc), or use the public beach, in which case you will have to bring whatever you need for the day.

If you don’t wish to stay at the beach club, consider bringing beach chairs or beds for a better experience.

The beach has a kiosk for snacks and drinks, and even a small restaurant where you can have a meal. There are bathrooms and showers too.

To get to Is Canaleddus from Cagliari, follow the panoramic road to Villasimius. You will find access to the beach via the large parking lot in the pine forest, on your right. You need to pay a small fee to park your car.

Costa Rei (Muravera), Tiliguerta Dog Beach

This is one of the best – if not the very best – dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia, close enough to Cagliari that you can visit on a day trip from the city. It is located inside the homonymous resort and has an area of 500 sq. meters reserved for pets and their owners.

There are a lot of toys and equipment to entertain and take care of your dog, and you’ll find other services such as a vet, dog sitters, and dog trainers. The beach itself is completely sandy (so, no sharp, dangerous rocks!) and the dogs can swim in the crystal-clear water.

The beach is about 65 km (40 miles) away from Cagliari and only 9 km (5.6 miles) away from the Costa Rei exit on State Road SS 125, and it’s open to both the guests of the resort and outside guests, who, however, will have to pay a small admission fee, which is, anyway 100% worth it.

Villaputzu, Murtas

The beach is near the Quirra Military base, a bit off the beaten path and, as such, very peaceful, even during peak months. It’s one of my favorite secluded beaches in Sardinia.

There aren’t any hotels or villages in the immediate proximity, and the water is one of the cleanest and prettiest in the area. It simply is one of the best places to bring your dog to!

At Murtas, you can simply relax in front of the heavenly sea where your best friend can swim and stay fresh. The dog area is, as is common in many beaches, separated from the general beach by a fence, and doesn’t require an entrance fee.

You will need to bring your own water and food, pick up your pet’s poop, and have a leash and muzzle with you. Your dog must be healthy and have up-to-date vaccines and flea treatments – there won’t be anyone to check the documents, but in case the police show up, it’s best to have everything with you.

One thing to be aware of at this beach is that the water is almost immediately deep. If you are visiting with children, or if you or your dog aren’t great swimmers, you’ll need to watch out.

You can reach this beach by following SS 125 to Tortolì, turning at the Quirra crossroad, and then following the road signs to Murtas beach.

My post, A Complete Guide To Murtas, shares more information that will help you make the most of this beach.

Tortolì, Dog Beach Zaccurru

Another free access beach in a pretty area. The only thing you should pay attention to is the rock formations along the beach. They are not particularly sharp, but your dog might hurt his paws when running around!

You must follow the usual rules. Be sure to have a leash and muzzle with you (sometimes the police come for a checkup, and you might be fined). Keep all the papers with you. Remember to be polite and mindful of other visitors.

Water bowls, umbrellas, and the like are your responsibility.

The beach is only 9 km (5.6 miles) away from Tortolì; you just have to follow the signs pointing to Zaccurru.

Cala Gonone (Dorgali), Spiaggia Sos Dorroles

Sos Dorroles is a small beach just outside Cala Gonone, easy to reach by car (there’s both free and paid parking on the street) or even on foot.

The beach is free to access. It is made of thick orange/light brown sand, and the seabed is actually a mix of sand and rocks, which makes it a fun spot for snorkeling. However, I shall warn you, water is almost immediately deep.

The beach is just outside the center of Cala Gonone, so unless you are carrying a lot of equipment for your day, it’s probably easier to walk there.

Don’t forget Cala Gonone is a great starting point for boat tours of the Baunei Coast. Head over to my post, The Best Boat Tours From Cala Gonone, for more information.

Orosei, Oasi Biderosa

Biderosa is a series of small coves between Siniscola and Orosei. You can visit with your dogs, but you should bring them to the less-crowded areas. Though to be fair, as access to Biderosa is limited, none of the coves gets particularly crowded.

You will need to book your visit online via their official website or by phone (that’s for all visitors) and specify that you will bring your dog with you, and they will give you all the information you need. You must follow the usual rules, have all the papers with you, and take care of everything your pet might need during the day.

The whole area offers limited entry tickets to avoid excessive crowding, so be sure to book in advance!

You can reach the park (which consists of several elements such as a pond and five different coves) by following State Road SS 125. The entrance gate is about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Orosei.

My post, A Complete Guide To Oasi Biderosa, shares more information that will help you plan your visit.

Olbia, Doggie Beach le Saline

There are many nice beaches near Olbia, including ones you can visit with your dog.

The first part of Le Saline beach is reserved for dog owners, who can enjoy a nice day in a very scenic place. The dog area is huge and enclosed to guarantee peace and space for everyone; the rules are the usual ones, and there is no admission fee.

You will have to provide for everything your pets need and clean up after them.

The beach is a favorite of both locals and tourists, famous for the crystal-clear water and long, wide foreshore.

From the city of Olbia, you can easily reach the place by car by following State Road SS 127 first and then SS 125; after that, follow the signs pointing to Le Saline Beach.

San Teodoro, Dog Beach Costa Caddu

Located between Isuledda beach to the north and Saghefusti beach to the south, the dog beach in Costa Caddu is one of the oldest recognized Sardinia dog-friendly beaches. It’s in San Teodoro, home to other gorgeous beaches such as La Cinta, or other protected beaches in Sardinia, such as Cala Brandinchi.

The beach is rather small. No more than 25 dogs in total and no more than two dogs per person can enter the beach at any point. You will have to carry your dog’s passport with you to show that your dog has all the necessary vaccinations.

Much like other Sardinia dog-friendly beaches, there are some rules to follow if you wish to access Costa Caddu.

For example, you will have to keep your dog on leash on the way from the parking lot to the beach, and make sure to carry a bowl and leave fresh water for your dog and pick up after him/her (which is simply good practice!).

To get to Costa Caddu, you’ll have to follow SP1 to Porto Ottiolu, past Mariacheddu. From there, follow the direction to Isuledda beach, where you’ll find a dirt road that will take you to Costa Caddu beach.

Cannigione, Lu Postu

The Emerald Coast of Sardinia, in the northern region of Gallura, not only offers a scenic, heavenly beach where your dog will relax and spend some time in peace and silence (it’s quite isolated from the busier tourist spots). Indeed, there are also plenty of activities you can do with your best friend!

Several resorts offer sports, trekking, and even food-tourism packages specifically crafted for families traveling with pets.

This part of Sardinia is probably one of the best choices if you want to spend a pet-friendly holiday you will remember forever, and which is not limited to long runs along the beach. You can, in fact, benefit from parks, hiking trails, and even boat trips to enjoy together with your dog!

Lu Postu is one of the locals’ and visitors’ favorite beaches because it’s quiet and therefore suitable even for the shiest dogs, but the whole Arzachena area is a real gold mine in terms of pet-friendliness!

The beach is only 15 minutes away from the city, just follow State Road SS 125, then SP 13, and the road signs to Lu Postu.

Arzachena, Spiaggia di Razza di Junco

This beautiful beach is an excellent sunbathing spot for everyone, with or without a pet. You will find yourself in the middle of everything that represents Gallura: emerald, crystal-clear water, soft sandy beaches, and a peaceful and relaxing environment for a day you can pleasantly enjoy with whoever you like best.

You can rent an umbrella and a sun bed and benefit from the kiosk’s services. Your dog will be, as usual, required to be healthy, non-aggressive, and not to bother the other visitors, and you will need to monitor him/her, clean up after him, and keep a leash and muzzle ready to use.

You can get to Razza di Junco Beach by following SP 59 or SP 160 and the road signs pointing to the place. It’s also on Google Maps so you can get there easily with a good GPS.

Palau, Bau Bau

Located in Palau, this dog beach is perfect for a day with your best friends. There are about 30 reserved spots; it’s open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it’s free to access.

Upon arrival, you will receive a set with an umbrella, a water bowl, and a potty kit. There are also showers available if you want to rinse the salty water from your pet’s fur. All the dogs must be registered on the Dog Registry. They need to have up-to-date vaccines and flea treatments and be in good health.

You have to keep your dog on a leash even when swimming; pick up their poop immediately, and always keep an eye on them.

There is also a pine grove nearby so that your dog can enjoy some shade in the hottest hours or have a run.

The beach is inside Palau. Follow the directions to Via del Vecchio Marino and you’ll find it easily.

Caprera (Maddalena Archipelago), Porto Palma

I couldn’t skip the best dog beach in La Maddalena Archipelago. The beach of Porto Palma is completely dedicated to dogs and their owners – you can’t get in without a pet!

It is free to access, and the volunteers will give you a set which will include an umbrella, potty kit, water bowl, and shower access upon arrival.

The rules are the same as usual, and the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

You can drive to Caprera Island from La Maddalena. Once in Caprera, follow the signs pointing you to the Doggie Beach.

By the way, did you know that some boat tours of the Maddalena Archipelago are dog-friendly?

Bosa, Spiaggia di Turas

Added to the list of Sardinia dog-friendly beaches in 2020, Spiaggia di Turas is located near the colorful town of Bosa, and it’s a nice sandy beach, and a place where you can spend a day with your dog.

The dog beach here is cleaned daily, and you will find bins to dispose of your dog’s poo if needed. Much like for other dog-friendly beaches, you will have to keep your dog on leash until you actually are at the beach, and provide for his/her well-being by bringing an umbrella for shade, and plenty of fresh water.

You are also requested to bring all your dog documents with you.

Turas Beach is located a 6-minute drive south of Bosa. Follow SS129 Bis westbound, then turn left to follow Località Turas / Strada Bosa Marina – Turas until you get to the dog beach, which is clearly marked.

Tresnuraghes, Porto Alabe

I learned about this beach from one of my readers, who traveled there with his dog Toffi. They both loved it, so he decided to share it with me (for which I am thankful).

This is another dog beach near Bosa, more specifically in Tresnuraghe, in a region of Sardinia known as Planargia. The exact spot that is dog-friendly is at the southern end of the beach, close to the rocks, which, by the way, provide excellent natural shade for your dog.

There’s a small trail to follow to get to the beach, which is free to access but provides no services. You will have to bring whatever you and your dog may need for the day.

Porto Alabe Beach is a 15-minute drive south of Bosa. You’ll have to follow SS 129 Bis to get there – it’s just further south of Spiaggia di Turas.

Cabras, Maimoni

The dog-friendly beaches under the Cabras Municipality are located in pretty areas, easy to reach, and utterly gorgeous. The most famous one is Maimoni, which is just a continuation of the more famous Is Arutas and Mari Ermi Beaches.

This beach requires the usual precautions (microchip, vaccines, leash, etc.) but has another, singular rule: you have to take your dog for a walk at least once every two hours.

The beach doesn’t have any umbrellas or toys for your dog, so you will have to take care of everything. However, rest assured, you will spend an unforgettable day in one of the most renowned places in the Oristano province.

From Cabras, follow SS 131/ E 25 to Cabras and then follow the road signs to the beach of your choice.

Cabras, San Giovanni di Sinis

Not far from Cabras and Oristano, you’ll find one of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia. You’ll find it at the very end of San Giovanni di Sinis beach, under a promontory surmounted by a Spanish watchtower.

The beach has fine golden sand and incredibly clear, shallow waters. What’s special about this place is that right behind the beach, you’ll find Tharros, one of the most interesting archeological sites in Sardinia. This is not a good beach on Mistral days, as it’s very exposed.

This is not an equipped beach – you’ll have to bring everything you and your dog need for the day. However, on the way to the beach, right off the parking lot, you will find a number of kiosks where you can grab lunch and a drink.

From Oristano or Cabras, you’ll have to follow the signs to the Tharros archeological site. There is a large parking lot for which you’ll have to pay (use coins or cards).

My post, A Short Guide To San Giovanni Di Sinis, shares even more tips on places to visit and activities in the area.

Porto Pino (Sant’Anna Arresi), Animal-Friendly Beach

The beach of Porto Pino is one of my favorite beaches in southern Sardinia.

This was considered among the best-equipped dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia until it was abruptly shut down in 2019. After two years, dogs and their owners are once again allowed to go in, but the place is now a simple dog beach spot with no toys or umbrellas.

The place is quite stunning, though, so in case you don’t mind bringing your own water and equipment and following the usual safety rules, you will still spend a pleasant day with your best friend.

The beach is very close to Sant’Antioco Island, and you will need about one and a half hours to reach it from Cagliari. Just follow State Road SS 130 to Assemini, then drive on State Road 293 to Siliqua and follow it until Sant’Anna Arresi. That’s where you’ll find road signs pointing to Porto Pino Beach.

Piscinas (Arbus), Dog-Friendly Beach

The beach of Piscinas, in Sardinia’s Costa Verde, is one of the best nudist beaches in Sardinia, but it’s also a dog-friendly beach. In fact, it is actually a generally pet-friendly beach, as you may even bring your cat if you wish!

The beach is one of the wildest in Sardinia, so don’t expect to find much in the way of services: you will have to bring whatever you and your dog may need for the day – including water, food, and an umbrella for shade. There are bins in the dedicated area that you can use to throw away your dog’s poo.

I should also add that the water at Piscinas is almost immediately deep, and there can be very strong currents, especially on windy days, so make sure both you and your dog approach the water with caution.

The rules to follow are similar to those of other Sardinia dog-friendly beaches. You’ll need to bring your dog’s passport and keep him/her on a leash until you reach the spot where you wish to plant your umbrella. You must carry a muzzle.

There’s a rule that dogs can only swim between 12:00 and 3:00 pm and 6:00 and 7:00 pm. To be fair, I am not sure anyone is there to make sure it is applied.

Piscinas is located a 1.5-hour drive from Cagliari. There are many roads that will take you there, but some are incredibly windy, so make sure to follow this one: take SS131/E25 northbound past Villasanta, then follow the directions to Guspini. From there, follow the signs to Arbus and then Ingurtosu Mines – the final part is along a dirt road.

Fontanamare, FuntanaBAU Gonnesa

This is another pretty beach in south Sardinia. You may see it from your car on your way to more famous places such as Masua Pan di Zucchero, Porto Flavia mines, or even the Laveria Lamarmora in Nebida. If you are traveling with a dog, this is the best spot to stop for the day.

The dog-friendly beach is managed by volunteers, who will give you a welcome kit upon arrival (although it’s not specified what’s in it, so bring your own umbrella and water just in case).

Remember the usual rules: up-to-date vaccines and flea treatments, dog registry papers, leash, muzzle, and so on.

The beach is quiet, so your dog will have plenty of space to run and fool around, the water is clean and fresh, and there aren’t dangerous rocks or other elements that might hurt your pet: the volunteers do an excellent job taking extra care of the beach.

FuntanaBAU is located a one-hour drive from Cagliari. Follow the directions to Iglesias, driving along SS130, and once there, take SS126 to Gonnesa. You have to pay for the parking.

Conclusions on Dog-Friendly Beaches In Sardinia

Mine is a short list of the best dog beaches in Sardinia. There are more than I can write about, and I love getting emails from readers that inform me they found one that’s not mentioned in this post (if that’s you, let me know!).

Sardinia is constantly becoming more dog-friendly.

The good news is that dogs are likely to be “tolerated” even in beaches that aren’t officially dog-friendly. However, if you are bringing your dog to a beach that’s not an official dog-friendly one, you’ll have to study the room a bit, as people at the beach may, unfortunately, get annoyed and even call the police.

I hope you will find a suitable dog beach for you, your family, and your pets to spend an unforgettable holiday!