Playa de la Rubina, in Castelló d'Empúries, is an extensive natural sandy beach known for being the only beach on the Costa Brava where dogs are welcome year-round, offering an ideal space for families and animal lovers.
Ask AI about this beach
Instant answers about Playa de la Rubina
🌌 Did you know...?
Las olas oceánicas más grandes no son las que rompen en la costa, sino las que se forman en mar abierto y viajan miles de kilómetros.
About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
If there's a spot on the Costa Brava that has stolen our hearts with its uniqueness and welcoming atmosphere, it's undoubtedly Playa de la Rubina. Located in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the province of Girona, this beach stands as a true oasis for those seeking to combine the natural beauty of the Mediterranean with the company of their faithful four-legged friends. It's not just any beach; it's a space where freedom and nature go hand in hand, offering a beach experience different from what we're used to in the region.
We, as beach tourism experts, have visited countless sandy shores, but Playa de la Rubina always leaves us with a pleasant impression. Its expanse, golden sand, and calm waters make it the perfect place for both a day of play with the kids and a day of relaxation under the sun. But what truly sets it apart is its 'pet-friendly' policy, being a pioneer and a benchmark throughout Spain. Here, your dog is not just tolerated, but welcomed, allowing us to fully enjoy our vacation without having to leave a family member at home.
This sandy beach, framed within the Parque Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, gifts us a landscape of dunes and native vegetation that gives it a wild and pristine feel. It's a place where time seems to stand still, where the sound of the waves and the song of birds are the only soundtrack. Playa de la Rubina is not just a destination, it's an experience that invites us to disconnect, to reconnect with nature, and, above all, to share unforgettable moments with those we love most, including our furry companions.
How to Get to Playa de la Rubina
Getting to Playa de la Rubina is relatively straightforward, and most of the time, we opt for the car for greater comfort, especially if traveling with children or pets and needing to bring quite a few belongings. The beach is located between Empuriabrava and Roses, which facilitates access from different points in the province of Girona.
By Car
From Girona city, the journey takes approximately one hour, following the AP-7 towards France and then taking exit 4 (Figueres/Roses/Empuriabrava). Once on the N-II, you must turn off towards Castelló d'Empúries and follow the signs to Empuriabrava or Roses. The beach is well signposted, and it's easy to find. We always recommend using a GPS navigator, entering 'Playa de la Rubina' or 'Castelló d'Empúries'.
There are several parking areas near the beach. Some are free and others are paid, especially during the high season. We have found that, although sometimes you have to walk a bit, you can always find a spot. It's advisable to arrive early in the summer months to secure a good spot, as the beach is quite popular.
Public Transport
Although the car is the most comfortable, it's also possible to get there by public transport, albeit with more limitations. We can take a bus from Figueres or Girona to Castelló d'Empúries or Empuriabrava. From there, access to Playa de la Rubina may require a taxi or a longer walk, depending on the exact location of the stop. For a beach visit, we usually advise against public transport if you're carrying a lot or have pets, as comfort is compromised.
By Bicycle
For cycling enthusiasts, the area has an excellent network of bike lanes connecting nearby towns. From Empuriabrava or Roses, you can reach Playa de la Rubina by bicycle, enjoying a pleasant ride through the natural surroundings. This option is fantastic if we're staying nearby and want to avoid the car.
The Sand and Water
When we step onto Playa de la Rubina, the first thing we notice is its fine, golden sand, which stretches for almost two kilometers. It's a soft, pleasant-to-the-touch sand, perfect for building sandcastles, for children to play without worries, or simply for walking barefoot feeling the grains under our feet. We always highly value this type of sand, as it facilitates mobility and is very comfortable for spreading out a towel and enjoying the sun.
The type of ground is predominantly sand, making it a very uniform and safe beach for swimming. We don't encounter unexpected rocks or sudden changes in depth when entering the sea, which is a plus, especially if we're with young children or elderly people.
As for the water, that of Playa de la Rubina is generally calm and a clear blue, typical of the Mediterranean. It's often shallow at the shore, allowing the little ones to splash safely under our supervision. We have found that the water quality is good, and although it doesn't hold the Blue Flag (because dog-friendly beaches often have different criteria for this distinction), it does undergo the relevant sanitary controls that guarantee a safe and pleasant swim. The sea breeze is usually constant, which helps mitigate the heat on the hottest summer days.
Services and Facilities
Playa de la Rubina offers us a series of services and facilities that, although not as abundant as in more urbanized beaches, are designed to ensure our comfort and that of our pets. We always appreciate that, despite its natural character, the beach has the essentials.
Pet-Friendly: A Paradise for Dogs
As we've already mentioned, the star feature of Playa de la Rubina is its 'Pet-Friendly' status. It's the only beach on the Costa Brava where dogs can run and play freely all year round. We have seen how the dogs