Alicante

9th-century Moorish fortress atop Mount Benacantil (166 m), reachable on foot via the south trail or by elevator from Playa del Postiguet. Leashed dogs allowed on all outdoor paths and ramparts, but not inside the museum rooms.

Official year-round dog beach 4 km south of the centre, one of the few in Spain. Golden sand, 450 m long, dog showers and waste bins, accessible by TAM bus line 21 or car (free parking). Off-leash permitted on the sand.

Iconic 500 m seafront promenade facing the marina, paved with 6,600 red, white and black marble tiles in a wave pattern, lined by four rows of palm trees. Leashed dogs welcome at all hours, pet-friendly terraces throughout.

Small 3 km coastal ridge between the city and Playa de San Juan, a former quarry site turned waymarked hiking trail. Panoramic views over the Gulf of Alicante, leashed dogs, little shade — avoid between 11:00 and 17:00 in summer.

Large 11 ha municipal park 3 km south, a shaded palm grove with artificial lakes, streams and picnic areas. Leashed dogs throughout, fully fenced off-leash dog zone in the north section with automatic watering.

Historic old town clinging to Mount Benacantil, whitewashed alleys, flower-decked stairways and façades draped in bougainvillea. Very pet-friendly on the tapas bar terraces, steep stairs best avoided in the hottest hours.