Jules Verne Times Two / CC-BY-SA
Praia do Malhao
Off-leash OK
Year-round (see details below)
Parking available
Bring water
Long wild beach 5km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, split into Norte/Centro/Sul sections. Part of the Natural Park. Note: some user reports mention prohibition signs at certain access points — verify on-site.
Hours & Seasons
Year-round. Non-concessioned beach within the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, dogs tolerated.
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
- 🐾Non-concessioned beach - dogs tolerated year-round.
- 🐾Bring your own water, waste bags, and supplies — no facilities.
- 🐾Part of the wild Alentejo coast within a Natural Park.
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 dos Aivados
Off-LeashOdemira, Portugal
Sand beach accessed via 3km sand road from Ribeira da Azenha hamlet. Relatively remote.
Praia da Foz
Off-LeashSines, Portugal
Small sandy cove at the mouth of a valley north of Porto Covo, with a large rock formation at centre.
Praia das Furnas-Rio
Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal
Praia das Furnas-Rio holds the distinction of being the only officially designated pet-friendly beach south of Lisbon, making it a must-visit for dog owners exploring the wild Alentejo coast. The pet-friendly zone occupies the river-side section along the south bank of the Rio Mira, upstream from the ocean-facing beach, offering calm, sheltered waters that are perfect for dogs who are wary of Atlantic waves. The municipality of Odemira has maintained this experimental pet-friendly designation since 2012, equipping the area with waste bag dispensers and a drinking fountain at the entrance. The beach was voted 'Best River Beach' in Portugal's 7 Wonders of Beaches competition, a testament to its natural beauty where the Mira River meets the Atlantic. At low tide, small sandy coves form among the rocks, creating natural paddling pools for dogs. The area is also popular for windsurfing and canoeing. Access is via two routes: a seasonal ferry from Vila Nova de Milfontes (approximately 3 euros, summer only) or by driving across the bridge — about a 10-minute detour. Ample parking is available at both ends of the beach. Cafes at each end of the beach serve refreshments. The surrounding Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park provides stunning cliff-top walking trails with wildflowers in spring. Vila Nova de Milfontes itself is a charming coastal town with excellent seafood restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that epitomises the Alentejo way of life.