10 Welsh beaches for your next staycation

You don’t have to go abroad to experience beautiful beaches. As summer gets closer and closer, now is the best time to switch it up a bit. Whether you like camping under the stars, being tucked away in a holiday cottage, or relaxing in a beachside hotel, go and explore the award-winning coastline of Wales (Cymru). From lazy days by crystalline water, to learning to rock climb on one of the dramatic cliff-faces in Three Cliffs Bay, or even searching for hidden fossils at Southerndown Beach. Voted the world’s best region to visit in 2012 by Lonely Planet after the inception of the Wales Coast Path, there literally is a beach for everyone. 

Top voted: Rhossili & Worm's Head, Gower Peninsula

Rhossili isn’t first in this list for no reason. It is regularly voted one of the best beaches in Europe, with its 3-mile-long stretch of coastline attracting countless visitors all year round. Having stunning views; hectares of wildflowers; the husk of a nordic ship from the late 19th Century; and a tidal path to Worm's Head, a small island once famed for its sheep (this is Wales after all). This isn’t a beach to miss. There are no restrictions on dog access and facilities include toilets, a visitor centre, shops and places to eat. Make sure to check your timings if you do decide to head over to the island - it is impossible to traverse back at high tide.

 
OS grid reference: SS 413890
What3Words: ///modern.raven.they
Getting there: Just under an hour away from Swansea by car with parking and facilities only 400m away from the beachfront. It is also accessible by bus from the city centre. 

Best for Families: Southerndown Beach (Dunraven Bay), Bridgend

Southerndown Beach (officially named Dunraven Bay) is sheltered, lively, easily accessible and has excellent facilities. Dip in the waters for a swim; have a go at surfing during low to mid tide; try to find fossils in the nearby caves; and search for sea creatures in some of the best rock pools found along the Welsh coast. Near to the car park there is also a well maintained walled garden and the remains of a castle originally dating from the 12th Century. However, there is a dog ban from May until September.

OS grid reference: SS 885730
What3Words: ///unsightly.dose.refuse
Getting there: Less than 20 minutes away from Bridgend, and just to the south of the small village of Southerndown. There’s plentiful parking available right next to the seafront and a regular bus from Bridgend town centre. 

Award Winning: Cilborth & Llangrannog, Ceredigion

The town of Llangrannog hosts some of the most popular beaches in Ceredigion for a reason. In 2025, both of these beaches won awards. Cilborth was awarded a Green Coast Award which recognises smaller, more rugged beaches that are held to high environmental standards. Llangrannog was awarded a Blue Flag Award, which is globally trusted and recognised, given to areas that uphold high environmental standards. Separated by a distinctive rock formation called Carreg Bica, this spot is popular with both surfers and families. There are smugglers' caves to explore, and a deep history to uncover. The facilities include toilets, a general store, and several different eateries. Dog access is restricted on the southern part of the beach between May and September.

OS grid reference: SN 310542
What3Words: ///sizing.fire.cooked
Getting there: Just off the village of Llangrannog. There are several car parks, one of which is free, although it is a little further away from the shore.

Dog Friendly: Traeth Gwyn (Llanina Beach), Ceredigion

This mile-long, secluded, crescent-shaped beach is one of Wales’ top sailing spots, with unrestricted dog access all year round; it’s also close to Ceredigion’s coastal path. Swimming here is generally safe, although there aren’t any lifeguards, and it is also popular for fishing.

 
OS grid reference: SN 396596
What3Words: ///crafts.splashes.clocked
Getting there: The beach is nestled between Newquay Harbour and Llanina Point, there is a free car park at Llanina woods, although the path to the beach itself is not the most accessible. 

Best for Adventure: Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

If you fancy something a bit more adventurous, Three Cliffs Bay is brimmed full of it. Try your hand at rock climbing or explore the salt marshes and the ruined castle overlooking the bay. Stay up late to watch the stars or swim with bioluminescent plankton. This beach is also lifeguarded in the busier summer months. There are no restrictions on dog access, and toilets can be found in the nearby holiday park. 

OS grid reference: SS 536878
What3Words: ///folk.rigs.students
Getting there: There are several different parking spots that are accessible, including a National Trust pay-and-display car park with a coffee shop and toilets. However, be careful as the river that separates the beach is tidal, meaning that one of the routes to access either side gets cut off at high tide. 

Best for Walking: Abereiddy Bay & the Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire

Previously a quarry, the Blue Lagoon has a plethora of activities, from walks around the crumbling ruin to coasteering and water sports. The crystal clear water is also perfect to try wild swimming. If you’re stuck for a walking route to try, check out Elise Downing’s book Walk Britain for a 20km car-free walk that includes this location. Abereiddy Bay is the nearby beach, with dark sand and shingle. Catering vans are usually staples here, and public toilets are accessible in Abereiddy and other nearby towns. It does get quite busy in the summer months though, so if you want to beat the crowds - get there early, or go off season. However, it may be closed during autumn as it is a breeding ground for seals. The beach is also dog friendly all year round! For more inspiration, check out Day Walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast by Harri Roberts.

OS grid reference: SM 794313
What3Words: ///cuddled.rekindle.brand
Getting there: The beach is just next to the small hamlet of Abereiddy. There is limited parking and steep access to the coastal path. There are, however, steps and a bridge to the Blue Lagoon.

Best for Wild Swimming: Harlech Beach, Gwynedd

Whether you already love wild swimming, or are curious and willing to have a go there is no better place than Harlech Beach.  However, that isn’t the only thing this beach has to offer, with sand dunes that are perfect to relax on, a medieval castle, and a famous golf course close by. Facilities are available in the car park, and vans providing refreshments are typically on site in the summer months. Unfortunately, dog access is restricted from April through to September. One thing’s for certain, in Harlech you certainly won’t lack things to do!

OS grid reference: SH 568316
What3Words: ///protrude.breathed.duke
Getting there: Just to the west of the town of Harlech, there is a pay-and-display car park just 400 meters from the seafront, with a train station about half a mile away.

Best for Surfing: Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl), Gwynedd

This beach is known for its big waves crashing in from the Atlantic; it is popular with surfers and windsurfers (only for the more experienced). It is a three-and-a-half-mile sandy beach, with no facilities other than seasonal catering vans throughout the summer months. Rip currents often occur in surf conditions, so swimming can be dangerous.

 
OS grid reference: SH 282264
What3Words: ///exit.pheasants.fade
Getting there: Located near to the village of Llanengan, there is a small, free car park with further roadside parking available nearby. 
Alternative: For more gentle surfing conditions in summer, try Porthor (OS grid reference: SH 166299; What3Words: ///evoked.validated.memory). Also known as Whistling Sands due to a regular quartz grain that, in dry conditions, squeaks when walked on. Occasionally, if you are lucky, you can find tubular, barrelling waves and in winter the surf can be excellent either side of high tide and with a south-west wind.

Best for Sauna: Porth Nobla & Porth Tyn Tywyn, Anglesey

These two adjoining sandy beaches are somewhat underdeveloped, but perfect for a quiet day out. A popular choice for windsurfers, kayakers and canoers, with a wood-fired sauna open nearby, operated by Sawna Bach. The perfect close after a long day of outdoor adventures. This beach is also dog friendly all year round!

OS grid reference: SH 328714
What3Words: ///outings.bribing.processor
Getting there: located near to the villages of Llanfaelog and Rhosneigr, there is a small car park situated just off of the A4080 and access to the shore is a short 50-metre walk. 

A More Peaceful Getaway: Cemetery Beach, Gwynedd

Technically a part of Aberdyfi’s beach, this sandy, four-mile-long stretch gets its name from the cemetery just behind it. Whether you dream of spending hours laying in the sun, or splashing in the sea, this sheltered, quieter section of sand has you covered. Swimming here is also generally safe, and dogs are allowed all year round. Although, if you do head towards Aberdyfi, keep in mind that dog restrictions apply from April until September on a section of the beach.

 
OS grid reference: SN 592969
What3Words: ///saloons.glorified.neutron
Getting there: A short drive away from Aberdyfi on the A493 (a mile and a half to the north-west), parking can be found across the road from the cemetery. To reach the beach, follow a public footpath across a railway, golf course and then across the dunes to the sea.

Even if none of the beaches on this list feel like your perfect getaway Alistair Hare's Book, The Beaches of Wales, is bound to include at least one you’ll be inspired to visit. With approximately 500 beaches handpicked from around the coast of Wales anyone can find their next favourite coastal spot, as long as you can tolerate the potential splash of rain.