Pet-Friendly Attractions in Zahara de los Atunes

The symbol of Zahara, a late-15th-century fortress built by order of the Duke of Medina Sidonia to house, salt and prepare the bluefin tuna caught in the almadraba nets. Declared a monument of cultural interest and even mentioned by Cervantes, its surviving walls anchor the old town and mark the start of the coastal trail. Dogs on a leash can stroll the open exterior and surrounding lanes freely.

The heart of the village is a cluster of narrow whitewashed streets with a salty maritime air, centred on Calle María Luisa with its old-fashioned shops and easy, slow rhythm. It is perfect for a leashed dog walk between terraces, and includes the 16th-17th century church of the Virgen del Carmen, patron of Zahara. Dogs are at home on the lanes and on most café terraces.

South of Zahara the developed beach gives way to the wild Atlanterra coast, rising to the Cabo de Plata headland and its 19th-century lighthouse with sweeping cliff-top views of the Atlantic. The coastal trail there, much of it on dune boardwalks, is the area's standout outdoor experience and a beautiful leashed walk away from summer crowds.