The Llŷn Peninsula is a treasured part of North Wales for many reasons but stands out because of its beautiful views and spectacular, rugged landscapes. One of the most cherished parts of the region is the many great beaches which surround this headlands, outlining the towns and villages of this popular travel destination.
With nearly 100 miles of coastline, the beaches around the Llŷn Peninsula have some charming seaside towns like Abersoch, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, and Porthmadog, to name a few. However, it is the beauty of the beaches which draws many to this area each year. Known as the ‘Welsh Riviera‘, because of its long sandy beaches and calm seas, this region is truly beautiful and must be seen to be beheld. Below, you will find five of the best beaches which can be found along the coaatline of the Llŷn Peninsula.
1. Porth Ceiriad
This spectacular beach is set in superb scenery at the southern edge of the peninsula, about a mile from the village of Abersoch. The large bay is backed by pebbles and cliffs which shelter it from many of the elements. The beach faces south, which makes it perfect for sunbathing and water sports; as well as making it a great place to watch the surfers throughout the colder months. One of its perks is the fact you are allowed to bring your dog with you throughout the whole year, with no seasonal restrictions and because of that, dog owners are very thoughtful.
2. Porth Iago
Porth Iago is a small yet picturesque bay located on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. The white sands and blue water sit inside a cove, which is defined by headlands. When the weather warms up, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in the Mediterranean basking in the sun, but in all honesty, it is great at any time of the year. The beach is sheltered and clean and great for the whole family, so it makes the perfect location for a day at the seaside.
3. Aberdaron
On the west point of the Llŷn Peninsula lies the small village of Aberdaron, which sits in a beautiful bay and an expansive sandy beach. This beach is perfectly suited for those with younger children as the rock pools can provide hours of entertainment. The village which is located behind the beach has local amenities, so there isn’t far to go if you need a refreshment. Around the bay and to the right of the seafront is Porth Meudwy where boats set off. Walking down the bay to the far end of this beach will reveal a glimpse of Enlli. This charming village is small but does house two lovely pubs, a great fish and chip shop and a National Trust centre.
4. Whistling Sands (Porth Oer)
This mystical beach has to be one of the most noteworthy beaches on the peninsula, as the sand can ‘squeak’ or ‘whistle’ under your feet, giving the distinctive shoreline its name. The act of the sand whistling or singing is actually due to the shape of the sand particles, and only one other beach in Europe has the same type of sand, on the Isle of Eigg in Scotland.
When here, you can partake in a variety of watersports or just sit back and admire the steep, grass-covered cliffs that surround the curved sands — This beach is popular with surfers, and it can be a great base for a coastal walk to view the surrounding countryside. Nearby, there is a great café which is perfect for a light refreshment as well a car park for easy access.
5. Borth-y-Gest
The quaint fishing village of Borth-y-Gest often goes amiss, however, this small harbour overlooks the Afon Glaslyn on the northern side of Tremadog Bay. This beach has a nostalgic look, and the village retains much of its Victorian charm, with its horseshoe-shaped promenade and brightly coloured houses. On a clear day. The views over the estuary stretch all the way to Snowdon, and you can usually spot the first dusting of snow on the peaks from here. The seafront boasts some lovely bistros and cafes and can be the perfect place to watch the world go by.
If these five amazing pitstops on Llŷn Peninsula sound appealing, then you can be safe in the knowledge that this list just scratches the surface. There are in fact, 14 beaches on this thin finger of land that juts out and reaches down into the Irish Sea, and all of them have their own charm. Wales, and North Wales in particular, can serve as an amazing destination for those looking for tranquillity as well as enjoying some of the best panoramic views in the United Kingdom.
By Gareth Robinson
