Swimming, surfing and coastal hiking are the big draws at this mile-long sandy beach. At extremely low tide you can see the wreck of a paddle tugboat that ran aground here in 1882, and the fossil remains of a prehistoric forest. If Whitesands is really busy – and it often is – escape the worst of the crowds by walking north along the coastal path for 15 minutes to the gorgeously secluded cliff-rimmed bay at Porthmelgan.
Whitesands, 2 miles northwest of St Davids, has lifeguards, toilets and a cafe between May and early September. If you drive, expect to pay for parking (£5 per day). Otherwise, catch the Celtic Coaster bus from the Oriel y Parc center (summer only) or walk.
