As fellow dog lovers, Cathy and I often share tips about our pups while on the road. This summer, like every summer, I headed to southern Spain — a place I’m deeply drawn to, not only for its scorching heat (which most people avoid!) but also for its culture, the warmth of its people, and especially for Cabo de Gata, the natural park.
One of the best things about Cabo de Gata is that the beaches aren’t patrolled, which means you can bring your dog without worry. Of course, traveling with a puppy brings its own set of challenges. Julião is 11 months old, and I still don’t trust him off-leash. He also doesn’t like being left alone in unfamiliar places. So I’ve learned to adapt — and honestly, that’s part of the journey.
1st Stop – Setenil de las Bodegas
We drove from Lisbon to Setenil de las Bodegas, a small village tucked away in the hills, known for its houses built into massive rock formations. Walking through Setenil feels like stepping into a different world, with the cliffs looming over the narrow streets.
Julião was a star here. He joined us for dinner at a beautiful restaurant built right beneath one of those rocks — and not a single bark during the meal! A perfect beginning.
We left with two local treasures: a slice of award-winning Payoyo cheese (gold medal at the World Cheese Awards and named Spain’s Best Cheese in its category in 2013) and a perfectly ripe pink tomato.
2nd Stop – Isleta del Moro, Cabo de Gata
Next, we made our way to Isleta del Moro. Although it’s my fifth time in Cabo de Gata, it was my first time staying in this charming fishing village — a peaceful, no-fuss place with the exact kind of slow-paced vibe I crave.
Julião was thrilled with the apartment! 😊 Most of the time he came along to explore the beaches and swim (yes, he is a swimmer!), but on hotter days, he stayed behind to cool off and rest.
One night, we had the most magical dinner overlooking the beach. The view, the light, the breeze — it felt like a scene from a Spanish postcard.
3rd Stop – Málaga
From quiet to crowded: we headed to Málaga. A vibrant, seaside city brimming with tourists — mostly Brits and even some Americans. It’s the kind of place that combines culture, nightlife, and beach life all in one. But after the peace of Isleta del Moro, I found it a bit overwhelming.
The heat here was brutal, and poor Julião struggled. He would stop in every shaded corner and practically beg to rest. And, of course, I obeyed — when a dog speaks, you listen! So we took breaks, drank cañas, and embraced the only way to survive an Andalusian summer: long drinks, short walks.
Cañas, tinto de verano and Oysters— true saviors. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on La Malagueta, Málaga’s most famous beach, so we had to skip it. We stopped in Pedregalejo, and I immediately felt it was the perfect place for me to stay in Málaga — a charming fishing village with a warm, welcoming vibe. Next time, this is where we’ll spend the night.
Final Stop – Seville
We wrapped up our spanish week in Seville, one of my favorite cities. But again, the heat was intense, and poor Julião wasn’t in the mood.
We had to adjust our routine: early morning walks, siestas by the pool in the afternoon, and tapas at night — it worked.
Julião didn’t love the hotel room and refused to stay alone without crying so that meant we had to skip the museums. But Seville will always be there. Thankfully, the city is filled with terraces where we could enjoy quiet meals together.
To top it off, Seville Pride was happening, and we soaked up the atmosphere with live music in Alameda de Hércules. Julião was there too, dancing and showing is cuteness to everyone. Seville never disappoints.
I already miss Spain. Maybe I’m half Spanish at heart!
Hasta Pronto!
