10 of the best beaches in Wales: Coastal gems

Explore hidden coves, spot coastal wildlife, and relax on huge expanses of golden sand. And do it all in Wales.

There is an irresistible beauty to the wild and rugged Welsh coastline. Stretching over 1,680 miles, it offers a huge variety of unspoilt beaches set against dramatic headlands. Whether you're planning a day out with the kids, a surf weekend with friends, or a romantic coastal walk, Wales is calling. Here we reveal 10 nice beaches in Wales for every type of traveller.

Plan a coastal escape to Wales

Discover hidden gems, insider tips, and practical advice for the perfect beach day in Wales

From the wild, untamed shores of the north to the breathtaking beauty of the west and the lively seaside resorts of the south, every stretch of the Welsh coastline has its own unique charm – but they're all equally spectacular. To inspire your Welsh adventure, here are 10 of the very best beaches in Wales – from windswept and secluded bays to golden sands that stretch for miles. To help you plan your trip, we've included everything you need to know about accessibility, parking, and facilities. The only thing left for you to do is decide which beach to hit first.

The 10 best beaches in Wales

From secluded coves and tidal islands to some of the best beaches in the world

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, the beaches in Wales won't disappoint. The sea might be a bit cold, but Welsh beaches more than make up for this with their stunning scenery and unspoilt golden sands. From the rugged beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to the relaxed shores of the Gower Peninsula, let's explore the best beaches in Wales.

Best beaches in Wales for families

Llansteffan Beach

Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire

Llansteffan, Llansteffan beach is a vast stretch of soft, golden sand, perfect for building sandcastles with the kids. Overlooked by the 12-century Llansteffan Castle, this family-friendly beach offers stunning views for a peaceful escape. There are two main car parks at either end of the beachfront – Water Lane car park and Llansteffan Castle car park, both just a few metres from the beach. Public toilets are available at Llansteffan car park.

Look out for:

  • The ruins of Llansteffan Castle

  • Carmarthen Bay ferry crossings and boat trips around the estuary

  • The children's play area next to Llansteffan Castle Car Park

Dunraven Bay (Southerndown Beach)

Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan

There's plenty to keep the kids entertained at Dunraven Bay. Little explorers will enjoy paddling in the shallow rock pools, searching for crabs, shrimp, and tiny fish, while older children will love the thrill of hunting for fossils. With its wide, sandy shore and striking limestone cliffs, this beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing family day by the sea. There is a large car park and visitor facilities just above the beach, with ramp access, making it easier for wheelchairs and prams. Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are located near the car park.

Look out for:

  • Spectacular sunsets over the sea

  • Dunraven Castle and walled gardens

  • Rock pools and fossils

3 different images, one of a castle with a welsh flag on and 2 of different beaches

Cultural fact file:

The Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of the UK's most important puffin colonies
The Wales coastal path was the first in the world to stretch the entire length of the country's shoreline
In 1956, the Gower Peninsula became the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Harbour Beach (Tenby)

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Harbour Beach is a picture-perfect beach in the heart of Tenby. This small, sandy cove is sheltered by the harbour walls and overlooked by a row of charming pastel-coloured Georgian houses. The beach offers stunning views of the harbour and calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for paddling, relaxing, and watching the boats drift in and out of the bay. The beach can be accessed via steps or a slipway from the harbour. Parking near the beach is limited, and includes a few blue badge spaces. More parking is available in Tenby town, which is just a short walk away. While there are no toilets at Harbour Beach, facilities can be found at Castle Beach and throughout the town.

Look out for:

  • Boat trips to Caldey Island

  • Panoramic views from the top of Castle Hill

  • Tenby's medieval town walls

and image of a beach with boats in the sea and colourful buildings surrounding the beach

Beaches for surfing in Wales

Llangrannog Beach

Llangrannog, Ceredigion

Located in West Wales, Llangrannog Beach is just waiting to be explored. This sandy cove enjoys consistent waves and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice with surfers. It is also the gateway to the secluded beach of Cilborth, only accessible during low tide. The walk to Cilborth reveals quiet caves and the distinctive Carreg Bica rock formation, which legend claims is a giant's tooth. There are two main car parks for the beach: a free one located higher up and a pay-and-display option closer to the sea. Toilets, including baby changing facilities, can be found near the beachside car park. Access to the beach involves a steep descent via a road or steps.

Look out for:

  • Surfing lessons at a local surf school

  • Scenic walks along the Ceredigion Coast Path

  • Carreg Bica rock formation

Top tip

This sheltered bay gets really good surf, but the optimal time to ride the waves is during low to mid-tide. It can get too deep for surfing around high tide.

Whitesands Bay

St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Surfs up at Whitesands Bay – one of the most popular surfing spots in the country. This wide, sandy beach is best known for its consistent waves and stunning views of Ramsey Island. The beach café sells drinks, cakes, and ice lollies. And if you haven't bought your own surf gear, you can rent wetsuits and surfboards to have a go. The beach has a large car park that includes accessible parking. A ramp ensures easy access to the sand for everyone, and beach wheelchairs are available to hire. Toilets, including accessible facilities, are conveniently located near the car park.

Look out for:

  • Boat trips to Ramsey Island to spot seals and seabirds

  • Rock pools teeming with marine life

  • Scenic walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Beaches for walking in Wales

Llanddwyn Beach

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Surrounded by sand dunes and the beautiful pine forest of Newborough Nature Reserve, Llanddwyn Beach offers a huge expanse of golden sand and stunning views of Snowdonia and Tŵr Mawr lighthouse. At low tide, visitors can walk over to the tidal Llanddwyn Island and explore the ruins of St Dwynwen's Church. The walk to Llanddwyn Island is about 1.5 miles each way. The beach is a short stroll (about 400m) from the car park through Newborough Forest. Public toilets, including an accessible toilet, can be found in the car park.

Look out for:

  • The ruins of St. Dwynwen's Church and the lighthouse

  • Impressive sand dunes

  • Red squirrels in Newborough Forest

3 images, one of someone walking in the water on the beach, one with a white building on top of a hill and another with two people sat on top of a hill

Tenby (South Beach)

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Tenby South Beach is a vast expanse of soft golden sand that seems to go on forever, perfect for a leisurely seaside stroll. Quieter than Tenby's North Beach, South Beach offers stunning views of Caldey Island and is a short walk from the town, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. For visitors arriving by car, there is a pay-and-display car park with accessible parking and toilets right by the beach. A ramp from the car park provides easy access to the beach for all. Beach wheelchairs are available to hire from Salty's beach bar and restaurant.

Look out for:

  • Rock pools at low tide

  • Grey seals and bottlenose dolphins

  • Beachside dining at Salty's Beach Bar and Restaurant

Rhossili Bay

Rhossili, Gower Peninsula

If there's one beach in Wales you've got to see, it's Rhossili Bay. Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the UK, this breathtakingly beautiful stretch offers nearly three miles of golden sand, framed by the tidal islands of Worm's Head and Burry Holms. You can only access the beach via a steep descent. Sadly, there is no wheelchair access. The main car park is located 400m from the beach and offers 24-hour public toilets and baby change facilities. Accessible parking and toilets are available in Rhossili village.

Look out for:

  • Walk to Worm's Head at low tide (check tide times carefully!)

  • Hike along the Gower Coast Path

  • The remains of the Helvetia shipwreck at low tide

Cultural fact file:

Wales is home to around 500 beaches
There are 42 Blue Flag beaches in Wales
157 miles of Welsh coastline is protected by the National Trust

Hidden gem beaches in Wales

Mwnt Beach

Mwnt, Ceredigion

Mwnt Beach is a secluded gem known for its golden sand, clear waters, and scenic views. It may be off the beaten track, but it still attracts visitors, particularly during the peak summer months. Mwnt is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is considered one of the best places in Wales to see dolphins. This unspoilt beach provides a peaceful escape from more crowded tourist destinations. Facilities include a National Trust car park with free parking for Blue Badge holders, toilets, and a kiosk selling ice cream. Access to the beach is via steep steps, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Look out for:

  • The 14th-century Church of the Holy Cross

  • Seals and bottlenose dolphins

  • Panoramic views of Cardigan Bay from the top of Foel y Mwnt hill

an image of a beach surrounded by a cliff and green fields

Barafundle Bay

Near Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

Reaching Barafundle Bay isn't the easiest. It requires a half-mile walk over cliffs – but your effort will be richly rewarded. This secluded beach offers breathtaking golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters – you'll feel like you've been transported somewhere far more exotic than Wales. It's an unspoilt paradise perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. There are no facilities on the beach. The nearest car park, toilets, and cafe are at Stackpole Quay.

Look out for:

  • The scenic walk to the beach is part of the experience

  • Seabirds including kittiwakes and choughs

  • Boathouse tea room at Stackpole Quay

Beaches in Wales FAQs

With its turquoise sea, golden sands, and backdrop of rolling dunes and pine trees, Barafundle Bay often tops the list of Wales's most beautiful beaches. It might be a little secluded, but it’s always worth the walk when you arrive on the sand.

There are so many beautiful seaside towns in Wales, it’s difficult to pick the best. But with its pretty harbour, pastel-hued Georgian buildings, and beautiful beaches, Tenby is widely regarded as one of Wales's most charming seaside towns.

The Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to stunning beaches like Rhossili Bay, is known for its breathtaking coastal scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful areas to visit along the Welsh coast.

Wales's most picture-perfect locations include Tenby Harbour and Barafundle Bay, both popular destinations for keen photographers.

Llanddwyn Beach in Anglesey is known for its clear waters and stunning views, making it a popular destination for anyone seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

Pembrokeshire, home to popular beaches like Tenby, Whitesands Bay, and Barafundle Bay, is regarded as one of the sunniest places in Wales.

Fall in love with Wales's rugged, unspoilt natural beauty, invigorating sea air, and golden sands. From wild and secluded coves like Mwnt Beach to vast expanses of golden sand like Rhossili Bay, the Welsh coastline is waiting to be explored.

To begin your adventure, find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car hire with Skyscanner.

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