11 of the best beaches in Wales

From vast belts of golden sand and rolling surf to under-the-radar bays, beaches in Wales are plentiful and delightfully unspoiled. Don't hold out for blazing sunshine – from the Gower to the Llŷn Peninsula, these beauties are spectacular whatever the weather. Here's our pick of the best beaches in Wales.

1. Rhossili Bay, the Gower

Best beach for surfers

With a list of accolades almost as long as its shoreline, Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula is arguably the best beach in Wales. Its broad, 3-mile stretch of golden sand and rolling surf – the scale of which is best admired from the surrounding heather-clad cliff tops – is overlooked by the Old Rectory, a pretty, whitewashed cottage owned by the National Trust (good luck getting a lodging reservation). Waves are consistent year-round.

Planning tip: Beginners are better off sticking to the slightly sheltered southern end, while more experienced surfers should head north for bigger swells. Swing by PJ’s Surf Shop in Llangennith for board rentals.

2. Porth Iago, Llŷn Peninsula

Best beach for camping

The narrow inlet and surrounding grassy headlands mean little Porth Iago is well sheltered, with clear and calm waters. Local farmers charge a fee for parking and camping. Although they’ve upgraded their facilities to include toilets and running water, it’s still a pretty wild place to set up your tent.

Detour: The beach’s bigger but equally beautiful sister, Porth Oer, is an hour or so’s walk south along the Wales Coast Path.

3. Barafundle Bay, Stackpole

Best beach for sunbathing

South Pembrokeshire’s most raved-about beach, Barafundle Bay, would make Goldilocks happy: not too big, not too small, never too hot (this is Wales, after all), with a location that’s juuuust right. It’s only accessible on foot via the Wales Coast Path and a set of steep stone stairs, but the masses still make it their mission to get here come summer.

Planning tip: If you want to soak up the scene in seclusion, try visiting on a weekday out of season.

4. Mwnt, Cardigan

Best beach for dolphin spotting

This “hidden” cove might no longer be a local secret, but time it right (early morning or out of season) and you could still have it all to yourself. Don’t miss a walk up Foel y Mwnt, the conical hill that gave the beach its name, while keeping an eye out for frolicking porpoises and dolphins.

Planning tip: During seal-breeding season (August to December), you might even spot some fluffy pups on the sand, but be sure to keep your distance.

5. Whitesands Bay, St Davids

Best beach for families

Whether you travel with surf-mad teens, sand-eating toddlers, grandparents who love to ramble or all of the above, popular Whitesands Bay has everything you need for a fun family day out at the beach. The slipway is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and there are bathrooms and a cafe.

Detour: Once you’ve had your fill of rockpools and body boarding, hike to the summit of nearby Carn Llidi or take the (seasonal) shuttle bus to St Davids.

6. Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey

Best beach for romantics

Llanddwyn Beach (also known as Newborough Beach) could easily be mistaken for a slice of the Oregon coast or a far-flung Norwegian island, thanks to its abundant pines and away-from-it-all feel. Nearby lies Llanddwyn Island, where the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen, once lived. When the tide is out, it’s worth walking there with your loved one to soak up the dreamy views – it’s a popular spot to pop the question.

Planning tip: The best way to reach this almost-tidal island is via the 3.5-mile circular walk along the Wales Coast Path.

7. Castle Beach, Tenby

Best beach for island hoppers

The seaside town of Tenby has three sandy beaches on its doorstep, but compact Castle Beach, flanked by two hilltop ruins, is the most interesting. Time your visit with low tide so you can walk to St Catherine’s Island and wander its eerie 19th-century fort. Boats to Caldey Island also depart from here when the main harbor is dry.

Detour: When the water’s out, it’s also possible to walk along the shore to the temporarily adjoining Tenby South Beach.

8. Harlech Beach, Gwynedd

Best beach for solitude seekers

Harlech’s huge beach is overlooked by a UNESCO-listed castle (it’s just a quarter-mile walk away) and backdropped by the distant peaks of Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). The 4-mile-long expanse of sand is often empty, and the shape-shifting dunes that trim the shoreline are home to an array of wildlife.

9. Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

Best beach for photographers

Three jagged limestone cliffs protruding from the sand like shark teeth give this Gower beach its name, and photographers the perfect subject come sunset. Backed by rolling dunes and only accessible by foot, it still feels wild despite its popularity and proximity to Swansea.

Planning tip: Resist the temptation to go for a dip in the off-season – the currents are deceptively strong, and swimming without a lifeguard present is not advised.

10. Cefn Sidan, Carmarthenshire

Best beach for spotting shipwrecks

At 8 miles long, Cefn Sidan is the longest beach in Wales and is backed by a network of wildlife-rich dunes, a thick pine forest and family-friendly Pembrey Country Park. The flat powder-fine sands are said to hide up to 300 old shipwrecks, some of which can be seen at low tide, including SV Paul, which ran aground here almost 100 years ago.

11. Llandudno Beach, Conwy

Best beach for a classic day at the seaside

Punch and Judy. Fish and chips. Amusement arcades on the pier. Llandudno Beach (also known as North Shore) is the quintessential retro British seaside resort. When you’re tired of skipping stones and protecting your ice cream from greedy seagulls, make your way to the top of the Great Orme headland – by tram or cable car – for spectacular 360-degree views.

Planning tip: The West Shore Beach is less crowded than North Shore and offers glorious views of Conwy Mountain and the Snowdonia range.