10 Most Beautiful Beaches in North Wales You Need to Visit

When you think of a beach holiday, North Wales may not be the first place that springs to mind. The water can be rough, and the weather does not always cooperate, but if you have not visited the beaches in North Wales, you are missing out. Head out in summer, between June and August, when the weather is at its best, and on a warm day, you will have plenty of beaches to explore, and waves to catch. Of course, there are amazing sunny days in spring, too, and the beaches are still beautiful in autumn and winter, for lovely walks when the beaches are tranquil, or crisp jaunts that end at a cosy pub in one of the many charming North Wales coastal towns. From secluded coves to glorious stretches of sand, some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK are located in Wales. In fact, there is such an embarrassment of riches, we felt it necessary to create this North Wales guide to the best beaches, to help you narrow it down.

The Best Beaches in North Wales

• Abersoch is an extremely popular beach, for good reason. Located in the gorgeous coastal village of Abersoch, this expanse of golden sand is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine. Located on the area known as the “Welsh Riviera”, on the southern coast of the Llŷn peninsula, this beach is sheltered, and offers safe swimming, making it an excellent option for families. It is good for active adventurers, too, offering a wealth of opportunities for the sporty crowd, including jet skiing, windsurfing, coasteering, surfing, sailing, kayaking, and more. If the weather is not conducive to a day at the beach, you will find plenty of things to do in Abersoch’s town centre, where independent cafes, high-end restaurants, and boutique stores are abundant.

 

 

• Traeth Llanddwyn is an excellent beach for paddleboarding. In fact, it is one of Britain’s finest beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Snowdonia mountains in the near distance. During high tide it is more of an island, and it is part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. When the weather is fine, it is a romantic picnic site, and when the winter winds are high, it is an exhilarating place to be. It is also a wonderful place to explore, with rolling dunes, historic buildings, and large rock outcrops, as well as a spectacular stretch of sand and views of the beautiful Llŷn peninsula. Follow a path from the beach into the natural reserve, and you will find enchanting footpaths through the nearby forest. This remote area is also fantastic for wildlife watching, boasting birds and other wildlife. On a more practical note, this beach has plenty of parking, a toilet, and there are often food trucks in the vicinity.

 

 

• Aberdaron has all the charm of a quaint fishing village, and the splendour of a mile of beautiful, golden sand. It is sheltered by headlands and features cliffs laced with caves, at the southern tip of the Llŷn peninsula. It is a favourite with locals, perfect for surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The strong currents can make it dangerous for swimming, but families will find plenty to do, with loads of sea caves and rock pools to explore. In the village, there are picturesque cafes, an ice cream parlour, a sweet shop, and even a small stream running through the centre of town. This is an excellent place to access the Wales Coastal Path, and a short boat ride will take you to Bardsey Island, with its fascinating history, abundant seabirds, and dramatic coastline.

 

• Harlech Beach, on the Western coast of North Wales, has a fine, white, sandy beach. If you prefer your beaches with a side of medieval castle and gorgeous mountain peaks on the horizon, this is the place for you. The dunes are full of life, with rare butterflies, bees, moths, and birds that include skylarks, stonechats, and ringed plovers. White-tipped waves roll onto white sands under the expansive sky while, perched on a crag, Harlech Castle’s medieval turrets and towers overlook the whole glorious scene. Surveying the calm bay from the sand dunes, you might easily believe you are in the Caribbean. 

• Porthdinllaen/Morfa Nefyn Beach features one of the most unusual beaches in Wales. Something of a seaside fantasy, this two-mile arc of beach has headlands on either side, grassy cliffs along its edges, and whitewashed, stone-built cottages behind it. Whether you like to fish, surf, walk, or explore rock pools, you will be in your element here, and you are likely to see grey seals and varied seabirds. There is also Iron Age hillfort, Garn Boduan, and one of the most atmospheric pubs in Wales, Tŷ Coch Inn. Known as the best pub in Wales, this famous red pub is on the beach, which can only be accessed on foot. You can also hook into the Wales Coast Path from this beautiful spot located, as with so many other stunners, on the Llŷn peninsula.

 

• Rhosneigr is one of the few famous surfing spots in Wales. Technically three beaches, separated by rocky crags, it is a vast, open, stretch of soft sand with different areas to meet different needs. All three beaches are dog-friendly, and you can bring your canine companions all year round. Treath Cymyran is secluded and good for fishing. Traeth Crigyll is popular with water sports enthusiasts, because of its shallow, clear waters, perfect for paddling, windsurfing, canoeing, and surfing, when conditions are right. Traeth Llydan is to the east, and while it is smaller than Traeth Crigyll, it is also known for surfing and kayaking. People love to go there for swimming, boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, as well. Rhosneigr is an ideal spot for walking, located right on the coastal path. Heading through the dunes, you can reach Aberffraw, and the walk is good, no matter the weather. In Rhosneigr, you will find plenty of cosy pubs, quaint cafes, and worthy restaurants at which you can refuel after a brisk afternoon walk. 

• Black Rock Sands is a superb beach, beachgoers are allowed to drive their cars onto it. The sand is not black, but golden, and the beach is very large, with caves to the side and a camping and caravan spot behind the beach. The black rocks are the rocky headlands surrounding this picturesque spot, and as the tide recedes you will notice an extremely interesting multi-coloured rock face. There are plenty of rock pools to explore, and because you can bring your car, it is easy to pack a picnic, bring a dinghy, pack buckets and a kite, or whatever else you need to really make the most of a day on this magnificent bay. There is also a special zone in which motorboats and water bikes are permitted. 

• Porth Iago is truly a hidden gem, and because it is not as well-known as some other beaches, it tends to be less crowded. It is one of the loveliest beaches in Wales, a gorgeous, golden little cove, with grassy headlands and clear blue water that evokes the Mediterranean. Locals love it for paddleboarding and kayaking, and it is one of the quietest beaches in all of North Wales. Be aware that it is only accessible from a nearby car park on a farm, and the steep path down the cliff to the beach is not ideal for those who are not able walkers. 

• Traeth Porthor is also known as Whistling Sands, because of the way the sand squeaks under foot as you walk across the beach. Why does the sand sing like this? It is a unique type of sand, with sphere-shaped granules that contain quartz and silica. Even discounting the whistle, this would still be an outstanding beach for walking, surfing, body boarding, and wildlife watching. Porthor used to be a busy port, importing lime and coal, and the lime kiln on the beach offers a glimpse of this interesting past. It is an excellent place for surfing, and you can easily find surfboard rentals and lessons during peak season. You can also expect to see wildlife that includes dolphins, seals, and seabirds that include shags, cormorants, choughs, guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills. 

• Llandudno Beach is located in one of the best North Wales coastal towns. With its stunningly beautiful beach, Llandudno was a tourist mecca in the early 1900s, and you can still enjoy its 19th century pier and noteworthy Victorian architecture. The North Shore beach at Llandudno is most popular, with a wide promenade and a resort offering donkey rides, live music, ice cream, and Punch & Judy shows, for a truly traditional seaside day. There is a paddling pool and a play area on the promenade, and deckchairs for hire, allowing you to settle in for the day.  Windsurfing and sailing are popular at Llandudno, but swimming is discouraged because of jellyfish. However, you will still find plenty to do, with tons of shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs to discover. 

 

Where to stay in North Wales?

There is no place better to enjoy the stunning Llŷn peninsula coastline than in a luxury cottage or modern apartment, steps from the coast. Our beautiful, self-catering holiday homes include some unique offerings, like converted barns bursting with character and a traditional Welsh farmhouse, along with contemporary apartments and cottages. Whatever you are looking for, we have the perfect properties, with beautiful sea views and all the coastal charm you need for a perfect beach holiday. 

Explore North Wales Beaches with Together Travel

Why go abroad for a beach holiday when you can find such gorgeous beach spots right here in the UK, particularly on the gorgeous Llŷn Peninsula? Whether exploring coastal trails, sampling local cuisine, or soaking in the natural beauty of the region, visitors are sure to create unforgettable memories on this enchanting Welsh peninsula. Together Travel Co. can facilitate your holiday, and we invite you to explore our unique collection of beautiful self-catering luxury cottages and modern apartments. Our properties are perfect for couples, families, and larger groups, offering all the sea views and coastal charm you could desire. Find out how we can make your holiday amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.