🐾 Traveling to Spain with Pets
Pet-Friendly Spain
Spain is highly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, which are common companions in daily life. From Mediterranean beaches to bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid, many hotels, restaurants, and public spaces accommodate well-behaved animals, making it one of Europe's top pet-friendly destinations.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with Spanish embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
Spain bans certain breeds like Pit Bull Terriers nationwide; other potentially dangerous breeds require special licenses and muzzles.
Check the list of PPP (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) breeds and ensure compliance before travel.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with Spanish authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Spain on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Barcelona & Madrid): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for €10-30/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like NH and Ibis are reliably pet-friendly.
- Beach Resorts & Villas (Costa Brava & Andalusia): Coastal accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct beach access. Perfect for seaside holidays with dogs in sunny surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in rural areas. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Rural Casas (Finca & Cortijo): Traditional farmhouses in Andalusia and Catalonia welcome pets and often have outdoor spaces. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking authentic experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Nearly all Spanish campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Sites along the Costa del Sol are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like Mandarin Oriental Barcelona offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Hiking Trails
Spain's Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada offer thousands of pet-friendly trails for dogs.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check trail rules at national park entrances.
Beaches & Coastlines
Many Costa Brava and Canary Islands beaches have designated dog swimming areas.
Playa de la Malvarrosa in Valencia offers pet-friendly sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Barcelona's Parc Güell and Madrid's Retiro Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés commonly allow pets at tables.
Seville's Alcázar gardens permit dogs on leash; most outdoor terraces welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Spanish café culture extends to pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities.
Many tapas bars in Madrid allow dogs inside; ask staff before entering with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Barcelona and Seville welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and churches with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Many Spanish cable cars allow dogs in carriers or muzzled; fees typically €5-10.
Check with specific operators; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Renfe): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Barcelona and Madrid public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs €1.40-2.40 with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Cabify and Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (€20-60). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and coastal trips.
- Flights to Spain: Check airline pet policies; Iberia and Vueling allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Iberia, Ryanair, and EasyJet accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for €35-70 each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Barcelona (Clínica Veterinaria Barcelona) and Madrid provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range €40-150 for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Tiendanimal and Kiwoko chains across Spain stock food, medicine, and pet accessories.
Spanish pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming salons and daycare for €15-40 per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and Gudog operate in Spain for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected nature zones. Beaches may allow off-leash in designated areas away from swimmers.
- Muzzle Requirements: PPP breeds require muzzles in public; large dogs on public transport may need them. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are common; failure to clean up results in fines (€30-300). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check beach signage for dog-allowed sections; some ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-7pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks: Some trails restrict dogs during breeding seasons (March-June). Always leash pets near wildlife and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Spain
Spain for Families
Spain is a family paradise with vibrant cities, interactive museums, beach adventures, and welcoming culture. From Gaudí's whimsical architecture to sunny coastlines, kids are engaged and parents relaxed. Public facilities cater to families with stroller access, changing rooms, and children's menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Tibidabo Amusement Park (Barcelona)
Historic amusement park with rides, games, and panoramic views for all ages.
Tickets €28-35; open weekends with seasonal events and food stalls.
Barcelona Zoo
Modern zoo with dolphins, giraffes, and interactive exhibits in Parc de la Ciutadella.
Tickets €21 adults, €13 kids; combine with park picnics for full-day family outing.
Alhambra (Granada)
Moorish palace with gardens, fountains, and audio tours kids love.
Tickets €15 adults, free for kids under 12; family-friendly exhibits and Nasrid Palaces tours.
Cosmocaixa Science Museum (Barcelona)
Interactive science museum with rainforest, experiments, and planetarium.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets €6 adults, free for kids under 16 with multilingual exhibits.
PortAventura Theme Park (Salou)
Thrilling rides, shows, and themed worlds near Tarragona.
Tickets €45-55 adults, €40 kids; full-day adventure with Ferrari Land section.
Beach Adventure Parks (Costa del Sol)
Water parks, mini-golf, and beach activities across Andalusian coast.
Family-friendly with safety gear; suitable for kids 3+ in places like Selwo Aventura.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Spain on Viator. From Sagrada Familia tours to beach adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Barcelona & Madrid): Hotels like NH Collection and Barceló offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for €120-200/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Beach Family Resorts (Costa Brava): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Hotel Samba cater exclusively to families with entertainment programs.
- Rural Casas (Andalusia): Traditional farmhouses welcome families with animal interactions, pools, and outdoor play. Prices €80-150/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels: Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Seville and Valencia for €70-100/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Parador Hotels: Stay in historic castles and monasteries like Parador de Granada for fairytale family experience. Kids love the architecture and surrounding gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Barcelona with Kids
Park Güell, Magic Fountain shows, aquarium, and Barceloneta Beach.
Cable car rides and churros at traditional spots make Barcelona magical for children.
Madrid with Kids
Reina Sofia museum kids' workshops, Warner Bros Park day trips, Retiro boat rides.
Child-friendly flamenco shows and Prado highlights keep families entertained.
Seville with Kids
Alcázar gardens, Plaza de España rowboats, aquarium, and horse carriage tours.
Guadalquivir River cruises and easy flamenco experiences for young children.
Costa Brava Region
Tossa de Mar medieval village, water parks, cove swimming, and boat trips.
Easy coastal paths suitable for young children with scenic picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 4 travel free; ages 4-13 get 40-60% discount with parent. Family compartments available on Renfe AVE trains with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Barcelona and Madrid offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for €10-15. Trams and metros are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (€5-10/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 12 or 135cm. SUVs offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Spanish cities are highly stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pavements. Most attractions provide stroller parking.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all restaurants offer Menú Infantil with paella, pasta, or croquetas for €6-12. High chairs and coloring books commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Traditional tabernas welcome families with outdoor play areas and casual atmosphere. Barcelona's La Boqueria market has diverse food stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh produce for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Spanish churrerías offer churros and hot chocolate; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in shopping centers, museums, and train stations with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Farmacia): Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with product recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels in cities arrange English-speaking babysitters for €12-18/hour. Book through concierge or Ello apps.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EU citizens.
♿ Accessibility in Spain
Accessible Travel
Spain excels in accessibility with modern infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Cities prioritize universal access, and tourism boards provide detailed accessibility information for planning barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Renfe trains offer wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding at all stations.
- City Transport: Barcelona's metro and trams are wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor vehicles. Audio announcements aid visually impaired travelers.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with wheelchair ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps like Free Now. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports: Barcelona and Madrid airports provide full accessibility with assistance services, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Sagrada Familia and Prado Museum offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps throughout.
- Historic Sites: Alhambra has accessible paths; Barcelona's Gothic Quarter largely accessible though some cobblestones may challenge wheelchairs.
- Nature & Parks: National parks provide accessible trails and viewpoints; beaches in Costa Brava have boardwalks and adapted facilities.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) for mild weather and beaches; summer for festivals but hot inland.
Avoid August heat in south; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions often offer combo tickets; Barcelona Card includes transport and museum discounts.
Picnics on beaches and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
Spanish (Castilian) is official; Catalan in Barcelona, English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Learn basic phrases; Spaniards appreciate effort and are patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Light layers for Mediterranean climate, comfortable shoes for walking, and sun protection year-round.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Renfe app for trains, Google Maps for navigation, and Gudog for pet care services.
TMB and EMT apps provide real-time public transport updates in major cities.
Health & Safety
Spain is very safe; tap water drinkable in cities. Pharmacies (Farmacia) provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EU citizens for healthcare.