Almería

A vast 10th-century Moorish fortress, the second-largest in Spain, with terraced gardens and ramparts overlooking the city. An open-air complex where leashed dogs are generally admitted on the paths; check the rule at the entrance, as it can change.

A protected volcanic coast of wild beaches and crystalline coves, east of the city. Leashed dogs are admitted on many trails and unsupervised beaches, but some areas are regulated; you must bring water, as there is none anywhere.

A long palm-lined seafront promenade between the port and the city beaches, dotted with terraces. A pleasant on-leash stroll outside the hottest hours, and most terraces tolerate dogs outside.

A network of underground shelters dug beneath the city during the Spanish Civil War, among the best preserved in Europe, visited with a guide. Dogs are not admitted inside; arrange for a companion to wait outside for the length of the tour.

The only desert in Europe, some thirty kilometres north, famous for its still-standing spaghetti-western film sets. A day trip: leashed dogs are welcome in the open-air landscapes, but the heat is extreme, so keep to the cooler hours with plenty of water.

A large sandy city beach at the end of the Paseo Maritimo, lifeguarded and lively in summer. Dogs are banned in the peak summer bathing season; off season, an early on-leash walk is tolerated. In summer, fall back on the unsupervised beaches of Cabo de Gata.