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Praia da Ribeira de Altura
Off-leash OK
October to May only
Parking available
Bring water
Unlicensed beach at a river mouth with white sand and calm waters. Flat terrain, no beach services.
Hours & Seasons
October to May only. Dogs PROHIBITED June-September under POOC regulations (Vilamoura-VRSA zone).
Beach Rules
- ●Non-concessioned beach - dogs tolerated under Portuguese law.
- ●Owners must clean up after their dogs.
- ●Dogs must have a microchip and be registered; carry your DIAC or pet passport.
- ●Potentially dangerous breeds must wear a muzzle and be on a leash no longer than 1 metre.
Local Tips
- 🐾IMPORTANT: Dogs are PROHIBITED June-September under POOC regulations.
- 🐾Visit October to May only.
- 🐾Bring your own water, waste bags, and supplies.
Amenities
Beach day checklist
Don't forget the essentials!
🦺 Dog life jacket
💧 Fresh water + bowl
🧴 Dog sunscreen
🎾 Floating fetch toy
🧹 Poop bags
Nearby Dog Beaches in Portugal
Praia Orlamar
Off-LeashVila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal
Section of Manta Rotas long sandy beach in the Orlamar area. Within Ria Formosa.
Praia da Fabrica
Off-LeashVila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal
Barrier-island beach accessed by boat from Cacela Velha village. Part of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Praia de Cacela Velha
Off-LeashVila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal
Praia de Cacela Velha is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve — a pristine barrier island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park where golden sand stretches between the warm lagoon waters and the open Atlantic. For dog owners, this is an off-season paradise: from October to May, dogs can explore the vast, often deserted sands with virtually no restrictions. During summer (June-September), however, dogs are strictly prohibited under the POOC coastal management regulations that govern the entire coast from Vilamoura to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, with fines up to 2,500 euros. Access to the island is part of the adventure — small fishing boats ferry visitors across the narrow channel from Sitio da Fabrica for about 1.50 euros per person (a two-minute crossing), or at low tide you can wade across, though the water can reach chest height. Once on the island, the beach extends for kilometres in both directions with no development, no facilities, and often no other people in sight. The lagoon side offers calm, warm, shallow water perfect for dogs who are nervous about waves, while the ocean side has proper Atlantic surf. The off-season Algarve is a wonderful time for dog walking — temperatures hover around 15-20 degrees Celsius, the light is beautiful, and tourist crowds are absent. Bring all supplies including fresh water for your dog, shade, and waste bags.