Beaches in Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula
Here is our guide to the best beaches in Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. With nearly 100 miles of coastline, there is an abundance of beautiful beaches around the three sides of the Lleyn (Llŷn) Peninsula. The south coast of Llŷn is often referred to as the Welsh Riviera, with its long sandy beaches and calm seas. The north and western coasts are more rugged, with towering cliffs, offshore islands, long bays and hidden coves. You are never far from the sea on the Lleyn Peninsula and with all its diversity, you are bound to find a beach that suits your needs.
1. Llanbedrog Beach
This beach offers a mile long stretch of sand and is one of the calmest beaches in Wales, sheltered by the huge headland of Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd. This pet-friendly beach is now owned by the National Trust, with parking facilities, a cafe/bistro selling ice cream through the summer months and public toilets a little further up the road.
2. Abersoch Beach
Abersoch is sandy and very sheltered which makes it popular with water sports enthusiasts e.g. wake boarders and water-skiers. There are often sailing events which take place off the beach here and during the summer the beach is packed with plenty going on.
3. Porth Neigwl Beach
Also known as Hell’s Mouth, is famous for its good waves that attract thousands of surfers every year. Also popular with families, the top of the beach is made up of large pebbles, whilst lower down there is plenty of sand that is exposed at low tide. Porth Neigwl is a 4 mile, dog friendly beach, accessed through 500m of sand dunes from a car park near the village of Llanengan.
4. Aberdaron Beach
Is made up mostly of sand with the odd large rock around. The picturesque village is situated right on the back of the beach with parking and local services. Dogs are allowed on the part of the beach to the left of the slipway and the beach is also good for surfers if the conditions are right. Boat sets off for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) from Porth Meudwy which is around the bay to the right.
5. Porth Oer Beach
Definitely one of the most noteworthy beaches on the Lleyn Peninsula as the sand here does actually “squeak” under your feet! Only one other beach in Europe has this same quality and it is caused by the specific shape of the sand particles. You notice the “squeak” best on the dry sand just above the high tide mark.
6. Traeth Penllech
A long beach on the north side of the peninsula and makes you really feel you are away from it all. This pet-friendly beach has masses of sand at low tide but take care not to be cut off on a high tide. There are some very interesting rock formations and rock pools along the beach to the right as you walk down. Another good beach for surfing when the conditions are right.
7. Porth Tywyn Beach
The sand on this beach also “squeaks” when you tread on it, like its more famous neighbour, Whistling Sands. This pet-friendly beach can also accommodate surfers when the conditions are right. As you’re walking from the car park in a nearby field, you will pass many small coves to the right, accessed down the steep grassy slopes from the coastal path.
8. Porth Dinllaen Beach
Probably best known for its pub, the Ty Coch. The pub is just one of a handful of houses that line the top of the beach, nestled behind a steep little headland. This sandy, pet-friendly beach sweeps all the way around to Morfa Nefyn from Porth Dinllaen. There’s a shop and café by the car park entrance (which enjoys fantastic views to Yr Eifl and Anglesey).
9. Dinas Dinlle Beach
Sandy at low tide with large pebbles along the top area, though even here there is some sand to be found. The long promenade offers large amounts of parking and there are a couple of shops in the village of Dinas Dinlle that backs onto the beach. This dog-friendly beach is nearer Caernarfon and offers good views back towards the hills of north-eastern Llyn, Snowdonia and across to western Anglesey and Holyhead Mountain.
