Discover the Best Beaches in Wales: A Complete Guide
Best Beaches in Wales 2026: Blue Flag Awards, Hidden Coves and Family Shores
Wales has 41 Blue Flag beaches, 870 miles of coastline and some of the cleanest bathing water in Europe. From the wide golden sands of Pembrokeshire and the hidden coves of the Llyn Peninsula to family-friendly bays along the Gower and wild surf beaches on the west coast, this guide covers the best beaches in Wales for 2026 — organised by what you are looking for, so you can find the right stretch of sand for your trip.
Best Beaches for Families
Tenby (South Beach and Castle Beach), Pembrokeshire
The most popular family beach destination in Wales. Tenby’s three beaches are sheltered, clean and backed by the colourful harbour town with ice cream shops, cafes and boat trips to Caldey Island. Lifeguard patrols run throughout summer. South Beach is the largest and easiest for families with buggies and beach gear.
Barmouth Beach, Eryri (Snowdonia)
A long, wide sandy beach on the Mawddach estuary with mountain views behind and a Victorian promenade. Shallow water, rock pools at low tide and easy parking make it a favourite with families visiting North Wales. The Barmouth Bridge walk is a bonus for older children.
Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula
Known as the “Welsh Riviera,” Abersoch has calm, sheltered water perfect for young swimmers. The village has restaurants, surf hire and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Nearby Llanbedrog and Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth) offer quieter alternatives.
Whitmore Bay, Barry Island
Just a short drive or train ride from Cardiff, Barry Island’s main beach has a funfair, cafes and lifeguards. It is the easiest beach day out from the Welsh capital and a great option if you are on a city break.
See our family activities guide for more ideas near these beaches.
Best Beaches for Surfing and Water Sports
Llangennith (Rhossili), Gower
The most consistent surf beach in Wales. A 3-mile stretch of sand facing the Atlantic swell with surf schools, hire shops and a laid-back vibe. Works on all tides and suits beginners through to experienced surfers.
Newgale, Pembrokeshire
A 2-mile beach with reliable surf and a dramatic pebble ridge. Popular with surfers, kayakers and kite surfers. The beach is right on the A487 coast road, making it one of the easiest surf spots to reach in West Wales.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
A wilder, more powerful surf beach favoured by experienced surfers. Strong currents mean this is not a beginner beach, but the waves and scenery are outstanding. Famous as a filming location for several major films.
Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Llyn Peninsula
A 4-mile beach facing the prevailing swell with consistent waves. Less crowded than Gower beaches and popular with surfers looking for something off the beaten track.
Our full surfing beaches guide covers more options plus surf school recommendations, and our water sports guide covers kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering.
Best Hidden Beaches and Quiet Coves
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Regularly named one of the best beaches in the world. Reached only by a 15-minute walk from the nearest car park at Stackpole, which keeps it uncrowded. Turquoise water, golden sand and no facilities — just pure, unspoilt coastline.
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire
A remote beach backed by red sandstone cliffs, accessible via a half-mile walk from the car park. Rock pools, dramatic geology and very few people even in high summer. Skomer Island (puffin colony) is visible from the beach.
Mwnt, Ceredigion
A tiny cove beneath a medieval church on the Ceredigion coast. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted from the beach, and the 360-degree views from the hilltop are some of the best in West Wales. Accessed via a steep path — not buggy-friendly.
Porth Oer (Whistling Sands), Llyn Peninsula
Named for the unusual squeaking sound the sand makes underfoot. A sheltered cove with clear water, backed by grassy cliffs. National Trust-managed with a small car park and seasonal cafe.
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Many Welsh beaches welcome dogs year-round, though some popular beaches have seasonal restrictions from May to September. The best year-round dog-friendly options include Newgale and Marloes in Pembrokeshire, Llangennith on Gower, Harlech Beach in Snowdonia and Poppit Sands near Cardigan. Dogs on leads are welcome on most parts of the Wales Coast Path year-round.
Our detailed dog-friendly beaches guide covers every region with seasonal restriction details and the best year-round options.
Best Beaches for Couples
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Voted one of the top 10 beaches in Europe. A 3-mile sweep of sand beneath Rhossili Down with Worms Head at its southern tip. The sunsets here are legendary. Accessed via a walk from the National Trust car park — the effort keeps it from feeling crowded.
Broad Haven South, Pembrokeshire
A stunning arc of sand between dramatic limestone stacks, accessible via the Stackpole estate. Quieter than nearby Barafundle and equally beautiful. Combine with a walk to the Bosherston Lily Ponds for a memorable day.
Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
Connected to Newborough Beach by a tidal causeway, this tiny island is dedicated to Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Ruins of a 16th-century church, a lighthouse and views across to Eryri (Snowdonia) make it one of the most romantic spots in Wales.
For romantic accommodation near the coast, see our romantic breaks guide.
Blue Flag Beaches in Wales
Wales currently holds 41 Blue Flag beach awards — a mark of excellent water quality, safety, environmental management and facilities. Blue Flag beaches are tested throughout the bathing season and must meet strict standards to retain the award. Pembrokeshire, Gower and Anglesey consistently hold the most Blue Flag awards in Wales.
The 2026 Blue Flag list is announced each spring. Key beaches that regularly hold the award include Tenby (South Beach and Castle Beach), Whitmore Bay (Barry), Langland Bay (Gower), Benllech (Anglesey), Aberdovey (Gwynedd) and Saundersfoot (Pembrokeshire). We will update this section once the 2026 awards are confirmed.
Beach Safety in Wales
Welsh beaches are generally safe but the sea can be unpredictable. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible — the RNLI patrols popular beaches from May to September and marks safe swimming areas with red and yellow flags. Check tide times before visiting, especially at beaches with limited access at high tide (Barafundle, Three Cliffs Bay). Rip currents can occur at surf beaches like Newgale and Freshwater West — if caught in one, swim parallel to the shore rather than fighting against it.
Coastal paths can be slippery in wet weather. Cliff edges are often unfenced. Wear appropriate footwear and keep children supervised near cliff edges and rock pools with deep water.
Beaches by Region
Harlech, Barmouth, Abersoch, Llanddwyn/Newborough (Anglesey), Porth Oer (Llyn Peninsula). Big skies, mountain backdrops and quieter sands.
Whitmore Bay (Barry), Three Cliffs Bay (Gower), Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Easy access from Cardiff and the M4 corridor.
Tenby, Barafundle, Newgale, Freshwater West, Marloes, Rhossili, Llangennith. The highest concentration of world-class beaches in Wales.
Borth, Aberystwyth, Mwnt, Penbryn, Llangrannog. Quieter Ceredigion beaches with dolphin-spotting opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach in Wales?
Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula is consistently voted the best beach in Wales and one of the top 10 in Europe. For a more secluded experience, Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire is regularly named among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Both are free to access — the only cost is car parking.
Are dogs allowed on Welsh beaches?
Dogs are welcome on many Welsh beaches year-round, though some popular beaches have restrictions from May to September. Newgale, Marloes, Llangennith and Harlech are among the best year-round dog-friendly options. Our complete dog-friendly beaches guide lists every region.
Which beaches in Wales have Blue Flag status?
Wales currently holds 41 Blue Flag awards. Pembrokeshire, Gower and Anglesey have the highest concentration. The full 2026 list is announced each spring — we update this page as soon as the new awards are confirmed.
What is the best family beach in Wales?
Tenby in Pembrokeshire is the best all-round family beach destination, with three sheltered beaches, a colourful harbour town, boat trips, cafes and lifeguard patrols. Barmouth and Abersoch in North Wales and Whitmore Bay in Barry (near Cardiff) are also excellent family choices.
Can you surf in Wales?
Yes — Wales has excellent surfing. Llangennith on Gower is the most popular surf beach with consistent Atlantic swell and several surf schools. Newgale and Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire and Porth Neigwl on the Llyn Peninsula also offer quality waves. Our surfing beaches guide covers all the best breaks.
Plan your beach holiday
Find coastal cottages near your chosen beach, browse beachside campsites, or explore the best seaside towns in Wales for a traditional bucket-and-spade holiday. Our destinations guide helps you choose the right region for your trip.
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