Pet-friendly Marbella: best beaches, cafes, and neighbourhoods for dog lovers
Marbella isn’t just about yachts, champagne brunches, and high-end shopping, it’s also a city where dogs get to live the good life! Most places are surprisingly pet-friendly; you can even take your dog El Corte Inglés, the town’s landmark department store. From sandy stretches where pups can paddle in the Mediterranean, to chic cafés that put out water bowls as readily as lattes, Marbella has built a solid reputation among dog owners as one of the most welcoming towns on the Costa del Sol.
If you’re moving here with your furry friend, or simply visiting and don’t want to leave them behind, this Marbella Guide for Dog shows where locals go to walk, eat, and unwind with their pets.
Dog-friendly beaches in Marbella
While not all beaches in Marbella allow dogs year-round, there are dedicated stretches where pups can run free:
Playa de Ventura del Mar
1. Playa de Ventura del Mar (Marbella West).
Located just west of Puerto Banús, 5 minutes walk from Ocean Club, this corner of the beach is a quiet, pebbly spot connected to the boardwalk, perfect for morning exercise and yacht-watching whilst your dog paddles around, and then heading into the port for a stylish breakfast.
This is the main designated dog beach, located right next to Opium beach club in Marbella east. It has banks of soft golden sand, shallow waters, and plenty of space for dogs to play and meet other furry friends. People often camp out for the day on the beach with umbrellas, large coolers and beach chairs. Bring water and shade in summer, as facilities are limited.
3. Playa El Ejido, (Next to Playa El Castillo, Fuengirola).
Further east along the coast from Marbella, turning off the A-7 road before entering Fuengirola town, there is a convenient beach near the castle with a large dog-friendly zone spanning 2,800 square meters. Playa El Ejido has spacious areas of soft sand and pockets of rock pools, along with facilities close by, including showers. This beach is Ideal for active dogs who love the water.
Insider tip: Check seasonal restrictions for all other beaches, as Marbella Town Hall adjusts dog beach regulations each year. Locals recommend early mornings or off-season for the best experience.
Best pet-friendly cafes & restaurants
Marbella has embraced pet-friendly dining, with most cafes and restaurants welcoming dogs both indoors and on terraces. In this Marbella Guide for Dog, the “best” pet-friendly places are those with their own dedicated dog-menus.
Rosas Café offers a dedicated healthy doggy menu (and a delicious human one too!)
Rosas Café.
This Instagram-famous café in Puerto Banús is practically perfect in every way, offering a delicious full-breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, alongside specialty coffees and a delectable selection of freshly made cakes and pastries. Think pink velvet chairs, flowery decor, marble tables, and an indulgent vibe. With its dedicated super-healthy doggy menu, pups can enjoy items such as organic cheese & apple bites, liver & carrot snacks, broccoli & parsley muffins and other healthy, homemade treats.
Oyana Beach Club have a dedicated doggie menu and for every order 2€ is donated to a local rescue foundation!
Oyana Beach Club.
Stylish and relaxed, and half the price of most other trendy beach bars, Oyana Beach Club combines Mediterranean views with a dog-friendly policy. Dogs are welcome to lounge beside you while you enjoy seafood paella or a sunset cocktail, and their dedicated Woofie dog menu offers chicken or salmon, available in medium (€6) or large (€10) portions. For every dish ordered, €2 is donated to the local rescue foundation Suspiros de Cuatro Patas, so your pup’s meal helps other four-legged friends too. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the Marbella beach club experience while treating your dog as part of the family
Another chic beachfront spot with a relaxed boho vibe, Luuma Beach is known for being dog-centric, with plenty of space for pups to stretch out by your table. Their Doggy Menu includes options like Pupcakes, meatballs, chicken and salmon, so your pup can tuck into a wholesome meal while you tuck into Mediterranean fusion plates and fresh juices or a chilled glass of rosé by the sea. With its stylish design, ocean views, and friendly atmosphere, Luuma Beach has become a go-to for locals and travellers alike looking to enjoy a day out without leaving their dogs behind
Leafy, spacious, and just minutes from Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía stands out for dog owners looking for community and convenience. The area offers an abundance of large villas with private gardens and terraces. The neighbourhood is filled with pet-friendly cafés and shops, alongside international vets like Pointer Clinic and services tailored for expat pet owners. It’s affectionately known as “Little Stockholm” due to its strong Scandinavian presence and long-term residents.
For those craving a blend of luxury living and natural beauty, this is the crème de la crème. Properties here are framed by panoramic sea views and elegant parks, many inside secure, gated enclaves offering 24/7 security. With forested hills nearby, easy access to nature trails and a beachside promenade at your feet, it’s an ideal setting for long dog walks that feel like statement outings.
Guadalmina Baja blends coastal calm with an upscale, village-like atmosphere, a great choice for dog owners. Spacious homes ranging from modern villas to contemporary townhouses often feature large gardens and immediate access to the beach and riverside promenade, offering endless paw-friendly walking routes that join the Senda Litoral, the 160km path system along the Costa del Sol.
