Pet Owner’s Guide to Estepona, Spain

Own a pet? This is everything you need to know to live happily with your furry friend in Estepona, Marbella and Benahavís

Before anything, it’s crucial to know the basic legal requirements for having a pet in this area:

• Microchip and registration: Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets. You must register your pet at the Town Hall or through a local veterinarian.
• Rabies vaccine: Must be up to date and shown in an EU pet passport.
• Dangerous breeds: Require a special license, liability insurance, and must always wear a muzzle and leash in public spaces.
• Leash laws: Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas except inside dog parks or designated dog beaches.
• Clean-up: You must always pick up after your pet and dilute urine with water on streets and façades. Both Estepona and Marbella strictly enforce this.
• Noise: Avoid excessive barking to prevent complaints and possible fines.
• Car travel: Pets must be restrained using a harness or travel crate.

Estepona: There are no official dog beaches yet, but Playa Piedra Paloma in nearby Casares is fully legal for dogs year-round. Within Estepona, you can visit Playa Arroyo Vaquero or Playa del Castor during the off-season (usually October to May).

Guadalmansa: This area sits between Estepona and Marbella and is known for its long, wide beaches and luxury urbanizations. There isn’t an official dog beach here, but off-season walks with a leashed dog are common and well tolerated, especially along the coastal path (Senda Litoral). Many local residents use quieter stretches early mornings or evenings.

Marbella: Two official year-round dog beaches — Playa Canina Ventura del Mar (near Puerto Banús) and Playa Canina El Pinillo (east side of Marbella). Both have dog showers, waste bins, and good facilities.

Benahavís: No beaches, but you can easily reach Marbella’s dog beaches or enjoy riverside walks, such as the Guadalmina River trail.

During high season (June to September), always check local signage before bringing your dog to the beach.

Estepona:
Parque de los Niños (Las Mesas) — 2,200 m², agility areas.
Parque La Cala — next to the promenade, agility features and water fountain.
Parque La Lobilla — the largest park (3,000 m²), plenty of shade and safe enclosures.

Guadalmansa:
While there is no fenced dog park directly in Guadalmansa, the green areas along the coastal path and beach promenade are excellent for pet owners long walks. Many urbanizations have private gardens and communal green zones, making it especially pet-friendly.

Marbella:
Parque Nagüeles — Andalucía’s largest (12,000 m²), includes agility and separate areas for large and small dogs.
Additional parks: Chucholandia park, Arroyo de la Represa (central), Tres Jardines (San Pedro).
Benahavís:
Parque Canino Azalea and Horno de Miera.
Extensive natural trails for leashed walks.

Estepona: Popular spots include El Cortijo, Healy’s Irish Bar, Etcetera Café Bar, and Sonora Beach. Most terraces welcome dogs. Guadalmansa: You’ll find dog-friendly terraces at beachfront venues such as Tikitano Beach Restaurant & Lounge and the various beach bars along the Guadalmansa Playa area. Many residential communities have cafés that openly welcome dogs on terraces, adding to the area's pet-friendly charm.

Marbella: Highlights include Rosas Café (with dog menu), Luuma Beach, Cascada Marbella, Bao Garden, and Trocadero Playa. Almost every beach club and chiringuito on the Marbella promenade allows dogs on their terraces.

Benahavís: La Terraza de la Torre, Nova Café (labeled dog-friendly), La Green Café, and Amanhavis Hotel Restaurant — all known for their warm welcome to dogs.

Estepona:
Kiwoko (Polígono Industrial Estepona, km 159, A-7): Large pet superstore with food, beds, toys, accessories, aquariums, and a grooming salon. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Mascota Planet (Calle Gutenberg, Polígono Industrial): Wide range of food brands, treats, grooming services, and supplies.

Vida Salvaje (Calle Gregorio Marañón): A local boutique store focused on premium food and accessories.
Marbella:
Animal World (La Cañada Shopping Center): One of Spain’s largest pet chains with a huge selection of food, health products, and accessories.

Happy Tails Dog Boutique (Puerto Banús): Upscale boutique for clothes, treats, and accessories.

Home Pet – Luxury Boutique for Dogs (Nueva Andalucía): Specializing in premium beds, clothing, and accessories.

Mascota Planet Marbella (Avda. Ricardo Soriano): Complete pet store for all needs.

Benahavís:
Centro Veterinario Benahavís (Av. de la Moraleda): Small shop inside the vet clinic with food, basic accessories, and health products.
For larger shopping, most residents visit Marbella or San Pedro.

About 58% of landlords in Spain are open to tenants with pets, but very few listings specify this.
How to improve your chances:

• Prepare a “pet owner's resume” describing your pet’s behavior, training, and past rental experiences.
• Offer an extra deposit and proof of pet insurance.
• Choose villas or ground-floor apartments with private gardens.
• Always check community regulations about pets (some buildings have limits on pet size or require use of certain elevators).
• Get everything in writing — this protects you and reassures your landlord.

Livingstone Estates is a trusted real estate agency based in Estepona that offers a curated selection of properties for rent, including many options that accept pets. Their team understands the needs of pet owners and can help you find villas, apartments, or townhouses with secure gardens, spacious terraces, and direct access to green areas.

They also provide personalized guidance on local rules and community restrictions, making the rental process smoother for you and your furry friend.

Yes, we love animals! Most of our properties are pet-friendly for a small additional fee. To confirm whether the accommodation you’re interested in accepts pets, please check the description and look for the relevant icon in the amenities section. Note: Some properties may have restrictions on the size or number of pets.

Estepona:
Clínica Veterinaria Estenova (24h emergency)
Centro Veterinario Blue Bird (also for exotics)
Clinica Veterinaria Estepona

Marbella and Benahavís:
Urvet Marbella (24h),

GreenVet (San Pedro), and several private practices.
Animal shelters and community groups:
ADANA Estepona — shelter and adoption center with volunteer opportunities.
Triple A Marbella — large rescue and rehoming shelter.
Regular events: dog fairs, charity walks, and San Antón blessings in Estepona.

The Costa del Sol — especially Estepona, Marbella and Benahavís (Known asThe New Golden Mile) is one of Spain’s most pet-friendly regions. With dog beaches, large parks, welcoming cafés, excellent pet stores, and a strong community of animal lovers, you and your furry friend can truly enjoy Mediterranean life together.