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Llanbedrog Beach

Snowdonia has an impressive coastline with a stunning array of beaches, each with their own unique charm and breath taking scenery. 

From the wide, golden sands of Harlech Beach, overlooked by the iconic Harlech Castle, to the more secluded and rugged beauty of Porth Dinllaen beach, these coastlines provide both tranquillity and adventure. Many of the beaches are surrounded by dramatic mountain backdrops, creating a striking contrast between the land and sea. With so many things to do in Snowdonia, these beaches should definitely be on your agenda while visiting.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, explore rock pools, or enjoy water sports like surfing and kitesurfing, Snowdonia’s beaches offer something for every kind of beachgoer. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with seals, dolphins, and a variety of birdlife often spotted along the coast.

Keep reading as we take you through 10 of the best beaches Snowdonia has to offer…


Barmouth Beach

Barmouth Beach, located on the western edge of Snowdonia National Park, is a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline with stunning views across the Mawddach Estuary and towards the rugged mountains of the national park. The beach is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering ample space for picnics, sandcastle building, and long walks along the shore.

It’s also an excellent spot for watersports, such as windsurfing and kayaking, and has a scenic promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll. With its mix of natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and proximity to the charming seaside town of Barmouth, the beach is a favourite destination for those looking to enjoy the Welsh coast.

Parking: There is plenty of parking close to the beach, including a large car park across from the promenade.

Postcode: LL42 1NE


Abersoch Beach

Abersoch Beach, situated on the stunning Llyn Peninsula, is a popular spot for both relaxation and water sports. Known for its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it attracts visitors looking to enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, with ideal conditions for these activities thanks to the sheltered bay.

The beach has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, with cafes, shops, and a vibrant village nearby offering a range of amenities. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore, soaking up the sun, or exploring the charming coastal village, Abersoch Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and seaside fun.

Feeling peckish after a day of relaxing on the shoes of this wonderful village? Head to our guide on the best restaurants in Abersoch.

Parking: There is parking by the beach, at the Abersoch Riding Centre.

Postcode: LL53 7EY


Harlech Beach

Harlech Beach, is a striking and expansive sandy beach nestled between the rugged hills of Snowdonia and the vast Irish Sea. With its dramatic backdrop of Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the beach offers breath taking views and a sense of timeless beauty.

The wide, unspoiled sands make it ideal for relaxing, walking, and exploring, while the surrounding dunes and natural environment provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, Harlech Beach is also a great spot for kite flying, picnicking, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. The combination of historical landmarks and natural splendour makes it one of the most scenic beaches in Wales.

Parking: Harlech beach has plenty of parking in close proximity, including long stay parking lots.

Postcode: LL46 2SR


Aberdyfi Beach

Aberdyfi Beach, in the south of Snowdonia National Park, is a picturesque stretch of golden sand along the Dyfi Estuary. The beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea, with stunning views across to the Cambrian Mountains.

It’s a popular destination for water sports, especially windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking, due to the sheltered waters of the estuary. The beach is also great for long walks, with a scenic promenade and access to nearby dunes and coastal paths. Surrounded by the charming village of Aberdyfi, the beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and seaside tranquillity.

Parking: Aberdyfi has a main car park right on the beach which is open 24 hours.

Postcode: LL35 0EA


Porth Dinllaen Beach

Porth Dinllaen Beach, on the northern tip of the Llyn Peninsula, is a small but stunning cove known for its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is sheltered by dramatic cliffs and offers fantastic views of the iconic, red-roofed Tŷ Coch Inn, a famous seaside pub that sits right on the beach.

This tranquil spot is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, with opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding coastal trails. The area is part of the rugged beauty of the Llyn Peninsula, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making Porth Dinllaen a must-visit for those seeking scenic beauty and solitude.

For more things to do in this picturesque corner of Wales, head to our 10 of Our Favourite Places to Visit on the Llyn Peninsula for some inspiration for your trip.

Parking: Porth Dinllaen has a National Trust car park at the opening of the beach.

Postcode: LL53 6DA


Porth O’er Beach

Porth Oer Beach, often referred to as Whistling Sands, is a hidden gem on the northern coast of the Llyn Peninsula in Wales. Known for its unique, squeaky sand that “whistles” as you walk on it, this small, sheltered cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and is perfect for a quiet, scenic retreat.

The beach is ideal for a peaceful day by the sea, offering beautiful views of the rugged coastline and nearby islands. It’s a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and exploring rock pools, and its remote location adds to its charm, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity away from the crowds.

Parking: The parking for Porth O’er is a National Trust parking lot, which is free for National Trust members, or can be purchased at the pay stations in the carpark.

Postcode: LL35 8LH


Llanbedrog Beach

Llanbedrog Beach, located on the southern coast of the Llyn Peninsula, is a popular spot known for its soft, golden sands and stunning views of the Cardigan Bay coastline. The beach is sheltered by rolling hills, making it perfect for a relaxed day by the sea, with calm waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

At the western end of the beach, you’ll find the iconic Llanbedrog headland, with its colourful artist studios and the striking Tin Man sculpture perched on the cliffs. Surrounded by a scenic nature reserve and dotted with beach huts, Llanbedrog Beach offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for outdoor activities, picnics, and family fun.

Parking: Parking is available at Llanbedrog beach, slightly up from the beach along the entrance path.

Postcode: LL53 7TT


Llandanwg Beach

Llandanwg Beach, located in North Wales, is a quiet and scenic stretch of sand nestled between the rugged hills and the estuary of the River Dwyryd. This tranquil beach is perfect for a peaceful day out, offering beautiful views of the nearby mountains and the sweeping coastline of the Snowdonia National Park.

The beach is known for its natural beauty, with its dunes, rocky outcrops, and calm waters providing opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and coastal walks. It’s a hidden gem, less crowded than other beaches in the region, making it ideal for those seeking a more serene and unspoiled seaside experience.

Parking: Llandanwg Beach has it’s own pay and display car park.

Postcode: LL46 2SD


Llwyngwril Beach

Llwyngwril Beach, located on the beautiful southern coastline of Snowdonia, is a quiet, pebbly beach that offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Surrounded by scenic views of the hills and Cardigan Bay, it provides a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, nature walks, or just relaxing by the water.

The beach is less commercialised, which adds to its charm, with nearby rock pools to explore and plenty of space to enjoy the tranquillity of the area. Llwyngwril Beach is ideal for those looking for a more secluded and unspoiled beach experience, with the small village of Llwyngwril offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Parking: There is a carpark a short walk from Llwyngwril beach, across from the shop by the bridge.

Postcode: LL37 2JT


Tywyn Beach

Tywyn Beach, on the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park, is a long, sandy stretch offering stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. The beach is perfect for families, with its gentle slope, shallow waters, and wide-open space for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the seaside.

A popular spot for kite flying, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls along the promenade, Tywyn Beach also offers great opportunities for birdwatching, especially in the nearby dunes and estuary. The nearby town of Tywyn provides plenty of amenities, making it a convenient and welcoming destination for a relaxing day by the sea.

Parking: Tywyn beach has a pay and display parking lot which overlooks the beach, there is plenty of car parking spaces available.

Postcode: LL36 0DE


Final thoughts

Snowdonia is an impressive area of Wales, showing off its impressive landscapes like no other in the world, you can’t miss out on experiencing this unique area of the world. Take your time exploring Wales, it’s history and culture and the beauty we have to offer! Snowdonia’s coastline is a great gateway to exploring the rest of Wales.

While you’re in Snowdonia, take advantage of the array of events in Snowdonia and North Wales!

If you’re looking for a place to stay during your time in Snowdonia, take a look at our stunning holiday lets…

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