1. Begur Coastal Path – Begur

📏 Distance: approximately 13 km (circular route)
⏱️ Duration: 3–4 hours
🥾 Difficulty: moderate, with uneven terrain, uphill sections and some stairs.

Begur’s coastal paths allow you to discover some of the Costa Brava’s most characteristic landscapes. Winding through pine forests, along cliffs and past small coves, you’ll find stretches with Mediterranean views that are perfect for an outing by the sea.

The circular route passing through Sa Riera, Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna takes you to different spots along the coastline before returning to your starting point in Begur. Bear in mind that there are uphill sections, uneven terrain and some stairs, so it’s important to assess your dog’s fitness before setting off.

Bring enough water for both of you, avoid the hottest hours of the day and keep your dog under control, especially on narrow sections and near cliff edges.

Ideal for: enjoying the Costa Brava’s scenery with a dog that is used to walking on uneven terrain.

2. Coastal Path from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc – Calella de Palafrugell

📏 Distance: 2.5 km (one way)
⏱️ Duration: 30–50 minutes
🥾 Difficulty: easy, with some sections of stairs.

The coastal path connecting Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc is a beautiful way to discover the Baix Empordà coastline. The route runs alongside the sea, offering views of the coves and the characteristic white houses of these two coastal villages.

It’s a short walk you can enjoy with your dog, although there are some stairs and uneven sections. If you walk there and back along the same path, allow for approximately 5 km in total.

During the warmer months, it’s best to set off early in the morning or in the evening and bring plenty of water. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your dog along narrow sections and when the path gets busier.

Ideal for: a coastal walk with Mediterranean views without having to tackle a long hike.

3. Carrilet Greenway – Olot

📏 Distance: approximately 57 km along the Olot–Girona section; you can choose a shorter stretch
⏱️ Duration: varies depending on the section and your pace
🥾 Difficulty: generally easy, with a gentle gradient.

The Carrilet Greenway follows a former railway line connecting several towns between Olot and Girona. Along the route, you’ll discover rural landscapes, fields, forests and villages where you can stop for a break.

As this is a long route, you can choose a section and adapt the distance to your dog’s age, stamina and pace. It’s an interesting alternative for walking without tackling steep inclines.

Keep in mind that the greenway is shared with cyclists and other users. Keep your dog under control, follow the signs and bring enough water for the journey, especially if you choose a longer stretch.

Ideal for: walks through rural landscapes and hikes that can be adapted to different fitness levels.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Barcelona and Central Catalonia

4. Carretera de les Aigües – Collserola Mountain Range

📏 Distance: approximately 10 km
⏱️ Duration: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty: easy, with a wide, mostly flat path.

Carretera de les Aigües is a popular option for enjoying a walk with panoramic views of Barcelona. Its relatively flat route allows you to walk without tackling significant elevation changes along most of the way.

You can adapt the walk to suit the distance you want to cover with your dog and turn back whenever necessary. As this area is popular with runners, cyclists and other hikers, it’s important to keep your dog under control and allow other users to pass safely.

Bring water, avoid the hottest hours of the day and respect the rules of the natural area to help everyone enjoy the surroundings while protecting local wildlife.

Ideal for: enjoying nature and views of Barcelona without having to tackle a challenging mountain hike.

5. Merlès Stream – Berguedà

📏 Distance: 3.7 km (circular route starting in Santa Maria de Merlès)
⏱️ Duration: approximately 1 hour
🥾 Difficulty: easy, with around 50 m of cumulative elevation gain.

The area around Merlès Stream offers riverside landscapes, lush vegetation and natural spots that invite you to walk and unwind. This route allows you to discover the village of Santa Maria de Merlès, cross its medieval bridge and enjoy the natural surroundings of Central Catalonia.

If you’re visiting with your dog, bear in mind that this is a protected natural area with specific public-use regulations. Before setting off, check the current access restrictions and the rules that apply to animals. Bring water and keep your dog under control throughout the walk.

Ideal for: a short, peaceful walk with your dog, surrounded by nature and riverside scenery.

6. Walk Around Lake Banyoles – Banyoles

📏 Distance: approximately 6.3 km
⏱️ Duration: around 2 hours
🥾 Difficulty: easy, with approximately 14 m of elevation gain.

Lake Banyoles is an iconic spot for walking and enjoying the scenery by the water. The route around the lake allows you to observe the vegetation, discover different scenic corners and enjoy a walk without significant elevation changes.

It’s a great option for adapting the pace to your dog’s needs and taking breaks along the way. However, keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a lead and are not allowed to swim in the lake.

Bring water for your four-legged companion, especially in summer, and avoid the hottest hours of the day. Respect designated areas and follow the instructions provided in the natural surroundings.

Ideal for: a relaxing walk with your dog, with lakeside views and no major physical demands.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre

7. Serra de Montsant — Clot del Cirer Route – La Morera de Montsant

📏 Distance: approximately 9 km
⏱️ Duration: around 4 hours
🥾 Difficulty: moderate to challenging, with around 600 m of elevation gain and demanding sections.

The Serra de Montsant Natural Park is known for its cliffs, ravines and rock formations, which create some of the most distinctive landscapes in inland Tarragona.

The Clot del Cirer route is a mountain hike that requires a good level of physical fitness. The elevation changes and more technical sections mean it is not the most suitable option for every dog, especially those that are not used to walking on rocky terrain.

If you decide to take your dog, check the park’s recommendations and restrictions before setting off. Bring plenty of water, keep your dog on a lead whenever necessary and avoid this route during the hottest hours of the day.

Ideal for: people and dogs accustomed to mountain hikes and demanding routes.

8. Deltebre Riverside Walk – Deltebre

📏 Distance: approximately 12.6 km (round trip, depending on the route consulted)
⏱️ Duration: around 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty: easy, with flat terrain.

The Deltebre riverside walk lets you enjoy the scenery along the Ebro River and the wide-open landscapes characteristic of the Terres de l’Ebre. It is a great option for walking alongside the river and taking in the surroundings at a relaxed pace.

The flat terrain makes it easy to adapt the walk, although you should consider the total distance if you plan to complete the entire route. If your dog is not used to walking for several hours, you can choose a shorter section.

Bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during the hottest months, as open areas may offer little shade. Keep your dog under control and respect the regulations in protected areas and wildlife corridors.

Ideal for: walking along the river with your dog and discovering the landscapes of the Terres de l’Ebre.

9. Prades Mountains — Natural Trail – Prades

📏 Distance: 28.2 km (according to the route consulted)
⏱️ Duration: approximately 7 hours, as a rough estimate
🥾 Difficulty: long route, with around 545 m of elevation gain according to the route consulted.

The Prades Mountains feature forests, rural paths, charming villages and rock formations, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.

The route consulted is long and is not suitable for every dog. Before setting off, consider whether your companion is used to walking for many hours, and check the route profile, water points and trail conditions.

A more practical alternative may be to choose a shorter section of the area that suits your dog’s age and fitness level. Bring enough water, avoid the hottest hours and respect the regulations in natural areas.

Ideal for: discovering the forests and mountain landscapes of inland Tarragona by choosing a route suited to each dog.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Pyrenees

Foto: Parcs Naturals GentCat

10. Camí dels Bons Homes – Berguedà

📏 Distance: approximately 245 km for the full route
⏱️ Duration: varies depending on the section chosen
🥾 Difficulty: moderate to challenging, with demanding mountain stages.

The Camí dels Bons Homes is a historic trail that crosses mountain landscapes between Berguedà, Cerdanya and southern France.

You don’t need to complete the entire route to enjoy its scenery. You can choose a stage or a shorter section and adapt it to your schedule and your dog’s fitness level.

If you’re going with your four-legged companion, plan your route carefully and check which accommodation options accept pets if you intend to stay overnight. Pay particular attention to grazing areas, bring plenty of water and avoid sections that are too demanding for your dog.

Ideal for: discovering mountain landscapes and enjoying a hike along one of the sections of this historic trail.

11. Camin Reiau – Aran Valley

📏 Distance: approximately 120 km for the full route
⏱️ Duration: varies depending on the section chosen
🥾 Difficulty: varies depending on the route and elevation gain.

The Camin Reiau lets you discover different villages in the Aran Valley along paths that connect local heritage, Aranese culture and Pyrenean landscapes.

You can explore one of its sections and discover the villages and scenery on foot without completing the entire route. Before setting off, check the distance and elevation gain of your chosen route so you can adapt it to your dog’s pace and fitness level.

In mountain areas, check the weather forecast, bring water and keep your dog under control, especially near livestock and wildlife. If you plan to stay overnight in the area, confirm in advance that your accommodation accepts dogs.

Ideal for: discovering the villages and landscapes of the Aran Valley on foot, choosing a route suited to both you and your dog.

12. Fageda d’en Jordà Beech Forest – Santa Pau, La Garrotxa

📏 Distance: 2.6 km (circular route consulted)
⏱️ Duration: approximately 1 hour
🥾 Difficulty: very easy, with around 40 m of elevation gain.

Fageda d’en Jordà, located in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, is one of Catalonia’s best-known forests. The beech trees and paths surrounded by vegetation create a particularly appealing setting for a walk and an opportunity to discover the volcanic landscape.

It’s a great option for a short walk, provided you stick to the designated trails and respect the regulations on access with dogs. There are steps at the entrance from the car park, which is worth bearing in mind if your dog has mobility difficulties.

In autumn, the changing colours of the leaves create a particularly beautiful landscape, although the forest can be visited at other times of the year too. Keep your dog on a lead and respect the vegetation and tranquillity of this natural area.

Ideal for: a short woodland walk with your dog, enjoying one of the most iconic natural settings in La Garrotxa.

Where to Find More Dog-Friendly Hiking Routes

If you’re looking for more ideas for dog-friendly hikes in Catalonia, these specialist websites can help you plan your next adventure:

Mascotes.cat: a directory of routes organised by county.

Mia-Pets: pet-friendly tips and suggestions in Catalonia.

Destino Animal: hiking guides for people with dogs.

Fem una Escapada: activities and getaways to enjoy with pets.

Wala: collections of dog-friendly routes.

It’s always advisable to check the current regulations for each natural area before visiting.

Tips for Hiking with Your Dog

Before planning a hike, keep these recommendations in mind to enjoy your outing safely:

• Bring enough water for both you and your dog, especially in summer.

• Check the regulations for the natural area and find out whether there are any access restrictions.

• Avoid the hottest hours and adapt the route to the weather conditions.

• Choose a suitable route for your dog’s age, stamina and fitness level.

• Keep your dog on a lead when required and respect wildlife, livestock and other visitors.

• Bring bags to collect dog waste and leave the surroundings clean.

• Check the terrain before setting off, especially if there are steps, loose rocks or steep slopes.

Good planning will help you enjoy your hike while taking care of both your dog and the natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Friendly Hikes in Catalonia

Are dogs allowed in Catalonia’s natural parks?

It depends on the natural area and its regulations. Dogs are allowed in many places, but specific conditions may apply, such as keeping them on a lead or respecting areas with restricted access. Always check the rules before visiting.

Which dog-friendly hikes can I do near Barcelona?

Carretera de les Aigües, in the Collserola mountain range, is a popular option for walking near Barcelona. You can also consider other routes in Central Catalonia, such as those around the Merlès stream, depending on access conditions and the route you choose.

What should I bring when hiking with my dog?

It’s a good idea to bring water, a drinking bowl, a lead, waste bags and your dog’s identification. For long or mountain hikes, make sure you also pack the necessary equipment based on the route’s duration and conditions.

What is the best time of year to hike with dogs?

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for walking. In summer, it’s best to avoid the middle of the day, while in winter you should check trail conditions and the weather forecast, especially in mountain areas.

Plan a Pet-Friendly Getaway in Catalonia

A hike can be the start of a weekend getaway to discover new landscapes with your dog.

At CampingsCat.com, you can find mountain, coastal and inland campsites that welcome pets and plan a stay where you can continue enjoying nature without leaving any member of the family at home.

Want to Extend Your Adventure?

Discover pet-friendly campsites in Catalonia and find the ideal accommodation for your next getaway with your dog.

Discover all the pet-friendly campsites in Catalonia

You may also be interested in: Pet-Friendly Campsites Open All Year Round in Catalonia