On vacation with dog in Portugal? At Casa Traca dogs are welcome
As a dog lover I know better than anyone how difficult it can be to find a nice destination for a vacation with your dog. Not just a place where dogs are “allowed”, but a place where your dog is really welcome and where you can enjoy peace, nature and space. Therefore, at my small-scale B&B in Arganil – Casa Traca – I have deliberately chosen to welcome dogs. Here in Central Portugal you can relax, walk, swim and explore – together with your dog.
In my hospitable bed & breakfast in Central Portugal, dogs are welcome. So you and your dog can enjoy the tranquility, nature and space. No mass tourism, but plenty of opportunities to walk, swim and relax together. Because a vacation is only complete when everyone can join in – including your dog.
Why vacation with your dog to Portugal?
Portugal is a wonderful vacation country, even for dog owners. The climate in Central Portugal is warm, but not too hot – especially in spring and autumn. Nature is still unspoiled here: mountains, forests, rivers and small villages make it an ideal destination for long walks and quiet moments with your dog.
The region around Arganil is often much quieter than the well-known coastal towns, so your dog will experience more freedom and less stimuli. Moreover, many places are more dog-friendly than you might think.
Casa Traca: small-scale, dog-friendly B&B
With me, dogs are welcome in the Byzantine Room, a spacious room with a large private balcony. This makes the stay not only comfortable for you, but also safe and quiet for your dog. You have your own outdoor space where your dog can just be with you, without having to consider other guests.
I myself live on the property with my two dogs, cats and ducks. Therefore, I do ask that you be considerate of my animals. Dogs are not allowed loose on the grounds and are not allowed in the breakfast room. But otherwise they are welcome, as long as they are social and do not cause a nuisance.
What can you do with your dog in the Arganil area?
There are countless options for fun outings and walks with your dog. I’ll be happy to give you personal advice when you get here, but below are just a few of my favorite spots:
Beautiful hiking trails with dog
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Serra do Açor – A mountainous nature reserve with marked trails, plenty of shade and viewpoints. Ideal for active dogs.
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Fraga da Pena – A short but beautiful hike to a waterfall. Nice and cool in summer, with many places to rest or cool off.
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Piódão – A historic schist village where you can stroll with your dog through the streets and take beautiful walks in the surroundings.
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Ribeira da Mata – Less known, but a wonderful hiking spot with lots of greenery and running water, perfect on hot days.
Swimming spots for you and your dog
In the surroundings of Arganil there are surprisingly many opportunities to swim with your dog. Of course there are the famous praias fluviais (river beaches) with facilities, but the nice thing here is that there are also many natural spots where you can just take your dog into the water – also during the day, even in the middle of high season.
Some of my (and my guests’) favorite swimming spots:
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Rio Alva near Côja – Quiet, accessible spots along the river where your dog can safely enter the water. There are grassy areas and shady spots to relax together.
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Praia Fluvial de Secarias – A small river beach with calm waters. Fine to visit with dog in low season or at quiet times.
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Rio Mondego near Penacova – Here and there you will find small “wild” beaches, ideal for stopping and letting your dog cool off.
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Praia Fluvial de São Sebastião da Feira – Less known, but therefore quieter. Fine place for a short swim.
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Vila Cova de Alva – Small scale and friendly. With a little searching, you can find quiet places here where your dog can have a nice swim.
And perhaps the best thing: around Arganil there are many natural swimming spots that are not marked as official praia fluvial, but where you can just take your dog into the water. That makes it so special – you will always find a quiet spot by the river where you can swim undisturbed, even in high season.
For many guests, this is one of the highlights of their stay: taking a moment to cool off together with their dog in clear, running water, surrounded by nature and silence.
Practical information
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Dogs are welcome in the Byzantine room
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Surcharge: € 5.00 per dog per week
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Dogs are not allowed loose in the garden
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Dogs are not allowed in the breakfast room
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Be considerate of my own animals on the property
When making your reservation, please let me know that you are bringing your dog. Then I will make sure everything is well arranged for both of you, so you can enjoy your vacation with dog in Portugal carefree.
Taking your dog on vacation
Would you like to enjoy a relaxing vacation in Portugal with your dog? Then you are most welcome at Casa Traca. I look forward to welcoming you and your four-legged friend and showing you how nice it is to stay in a dog-friendly accommodation in beautiful Portugal. I would love to help you make it a nice and carefree time, with plenty of tips for walks, swimming spots and days out.
Book your stay easily through my website: https://casatraca.com/boek-reserveer/
I look forward to welcoming you – along with your four-legged friend, of course.
