In Sardinia the basic rule comes from the Region's bathing ordinance: during the bathing season, from 1 April to 31 October, you may not walk on or stop on beaches with animals, even on a lead, except before 8:00 and after 20:00 (evening limit at 19:00 from 1 September and at 18:00 from 1 October). Each municipality can then designate areas where dogs are allowed during the day too and sets its own conditions: that is why you need to check municipality by municipality, every year.
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Dogs are not allowed at La Pelosa. In 2026 the Municipality of Stintino set aside the beaches of Punta d’Elici and Pazzona for dogs, on the Gulf of Asinara side: free beaches without facilities (bring a parasol and water), access from dawn to dusk, dog registered with a microchip and vaccinated, lead on the access paths and a muzzle with you. The 2027 rules come out in spring: check the municipality's ordinance.
In 2025 the Municipality of Sassari created two fenced-off dog areas: one at Porto Ferro and a larger one (about 250 metres of sea frontage) at Fiume Santo, between Porto Torres and Stintino. The dog can swim in front of the area under your supervision; you need the dog registry, a health record, a lead along the route, and water and shade for the dog. Check the Municipality of Sassari's website to see whether the areas are confirmed for the current season.
In 2025 in Porto Torres dogs were banned from the beach from 8 to 20, except in the fenced-off area at La Farrizza (fines from €25 to €500). Convenient if you are staying in Porto Torres. Check the municipality's ordinance for the current season.
We did not find an official dog area in Castelsardo: check the municipality's website to see whether one has been designated for the season. Outside dog areas the regional rules apply: from 1 April to 31 October on the beach only before 8:00 and after 20:00. Out of season, the rocky coves beneath the old village are ideal for a walk with the dog.
In San Teodoro some beach clubs accept dogs (ask the club first), while on the free beaches the regional hours apply. The San Teodoro lagoon has pedestrian paths where you can walk dogs on a lead with a view over the water. Check the municipality's ordinance for the current season.
In the Porto Quadro area there is an equipped space where dogs are allowed; on the other beaches the regional hours apply (before 8:00 and after 20:00 in season). The cliffs towards Capo Testa offer paths and rocky coves perfect for dogs that love the water but not crowds. View of Corsica.
| Period | Sea | Dog beaches | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| April – May | 16-19°C | ⚠️ Before 8 and after 20, or dog areas | ⭐ The ideal period — empty beaches at dawn and sunset, mild climate |
| June (first half) | 22-24°C | ⚠️ Before 8 and after 20, or dog areas | Sea already warm, few crowds |
| July – August | 25-26°C | ⚠️ Designated areas only + hours | Watch out for the heat for the dog — never in a car in the sun, always water |
| September | 25-26°C | ⚠️ Before 8 and after 19, or dog areas | ⭐ Warm sea, beaches emptying out |
| October – November | 18-22°C | October: before 8 and after 18; November: free | From November the bathing season ends — beach walks with no one around |
