6 Must-Visit Beaches in Gwynedd
Choosing the best beaches in Gwynedd isn't an easy task – with both the Llŷn Peninsula and a large part of Eryri (Snowdonia) to its name, this is a scenic area indeed, with lots of fabulous places to visit along its coast. Few places in Wales – or, for that matter, in the whole of the United Kingdom – have such easy access to both sandy beaches and mountains, so wherever you end up venturing, Gwynedd's varied landscapes are sure to impress.
Your choices for beach outings in Gwynedd include long stretches of sand, wild natural coves and historic seaside resorts. To find the one that appeals to you, read on as we take you on a tour of our six favourite beaches in Gwynedd.
If, like us, you can’t get enough of the stunning landscapes of North Wales, soak up as much of it as you possibly can with an outdoor break. With gorgeous countryside and coastal views galore, this area is fabulous for a camping or glamping stay – whether you like a simple wild camping site or a luxurious cabin with a hot tub. Take a look at Pitchup’s full range of Gwynedd campsites to find one that suits you.
Abersoch
Referred to by some as the Welsh Riviera for its clement climate and rather special seascapes, the Llŷn Peninsula could merit an extensive beach guide all of its own. If you only have time to visit one seaside spot while you're here, though, make it Abersoch – with its sheltered sandy beach, watersports facilities, adorable beach huts and good range of places to eat, there's a great mix of things to see and do in this smart coastal resort.
Abersoch is also the place to go for boat trips to Bardsey Island, so bring your binoculars as you set out to find local wildlife.
Porth Neigwl
Porth Neigwl doesn't have quite the same buzz as Abersoch, but that's why so many people like it. This vast rural beach (also known as 'Hell's Mouth') faces south west, so it gets bigger waves that make it a popular base for surfers and sea kayakers who like choppy waters. This beach has a mix of sand and pebbles and is very spacious, making it a good option to pursue if you fancy some time away from the crowds.
The beach at Porth Neigwl doesn't have any facilities other than a small car park, so come prepared with snacks and drinks from home. There are no restrictions on dogs at Porth Neigwl throughout the year.
Morfa Bychan
Also known as Black Rock Sands, Morfa Bychan is a two-mile stretch of beach backed by extensive sand dunes that have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At low tide, this spacious beach also has rockpools that the kids can trawl through, while other interesting geological features include a network of small caves.
In a somewhat sheltered spot where Cardigan Bay meets the Dwyryd River, Morfa Bychan is a well-served beach with easy access to the sands, designated areas to launch boats and a range of pubs and cafés. The views here, which stretch over the water to the Llŷn Peninsula in one direction and the Eryri mountains in the other, really are quite something, making Morfa Bychan beach a very popular spot for scenic seaside picnics. Porthmadog (about five minutes’ drive away) is a handy place to pick up supplies – including fish and chips from the takeaways.
Harlech beach
Four-mile-long Harlech beach is next to a wild system of sand dunes as well as the more manicured landscape of the Royal St David's Golf Club, renowned as one of the fanciest links courses in North Wales. The magnificent Harlech Castle also looms above the sands, making this a good choice for a day out that mixes up heritage and outdoor time.
Head to Harlech beach and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic sense of space, with plenty of room for the kids to play and for adults to find quiet corners to relax. There are quite strong currents here, and sometimes the waves breaking on the beach can be quite sizable, so you’ll need to be careful around the water. Look out for jellyfish in the water and on the sands too; most are completely harmless but they’re best avoided anyway. Dogs are welcome at Harlech beach, although certain sections have restrictions in high season.
Barmouth beach
Sitting in southern Eryri/Snowdonia and within easy striking distance of gorgeous lakes and mountains, Barmouth is a pretty seaside resort with views over Cardigan Bay and a well-preserved historic harbour. Barmouth beach is a mix of fine shingle and golden sand and faces west, making this little town a very good spot to watch the sun setting over the sea.
Several great coastal walks of varying lengths start and end in Barmouth, or you can stick around in town to take advantage of donkey rides, traditional amusement arcades and vistas from Dinas Oleu viewpoint. This excellent mix makes Barmouth a popular destination, but the beach is big enough that it never feels crowded, even in the height of summer.
Aberdyfi beach
The last of our pick of Gwynedd beaches is Aberdyfi (also known as Aberdovey), where over three miles of sand stretch along the coast backed by dunes and mountains. The river Dyfi, which meets the sea here, is worth coming to admire in its own right and is home to plenty of wildlife as well as having calm waters for canoeing and paddleboarding. Meanwhile, the colourful pastel hues of the seafront terraces give the resort an appealing old-world feel, and there are some nice places to eat around the town too.
While you’re in Aberdyfi, walk along the pier to see the Time and Tide Bell, installed in 2011 to celebrate the Welsh legend of a community below the waves. The bell rings at high tide and serves as a reminder that tides will be affected by climate change; you can walk over the bell’s location to see/hear it in action.
If you’re planning a break in this area, you may like to check out a couple of our other local guides, which will help you to find the best Gwynedd walks or things to do in the area. But before you grab your walking boots and beach towels, you’ll need to find a place to stay. With prices starting from just £15 a night, Pitchup has some great options for a budget break – along with glamping options for those who like a more luxurious stay.