Sanxenxo

Sanxenxo's iconic 750 m Blue Flag urban beach of fine sand in the heart of town, backed by the promenade and marina. Leashed dogs are allowed out of the bathing season but banned from the sand from 1 June to 30 September.

Sanxenxo's flagship promenade, about 6 km round trip from the marina past the Silgar and Baltar beaches and Punta Vicaño park to Portonovo. A flat, leashed coastal walk, ideal year-round when the beaches close to dogs in summer.

A vast, wild Atlantic beach with dunes and a chapel-topped headland on the isthmus toward O Grove, superb for an off-season leashed walk. Dogs are banned from the sand in summer, and you should keep to the paths to protect the dunes.

The nearest official dog beaches, two small coves at San Vicente do Mar (O Grove) about 20 km away, beside the Pedras Negras marina. Pale sand and calm, shallow water, open to dogs year-round, summer included.

One of Galicia's prettiest villages about 15 km away, famous for its waterfront row of hórreos (stone granaries), cruceiros and narrow fishing lanes on the ría. Leashed dogs are welcome to wander the streets and quayside.

The Cíes and Ons islands, jewels of the Atlantic Islands National Park, are the region's headline boat trips, but all pets are banned there to protect the ecosystem, guide dogs excepted. Do not board with your dog; arrange a sitter for that day.