Ruth
09 August 2023
The Llŷn Peninsula is one of the most spectacular areas in Wales, so it's no surprise it's home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches too.
Whether you're dreaming of walking golden sands and spotting dolphins in the bay, surfing some epic waves or digging sandcastles under the background of an ancient castle, Llŷn Peninsula beaches have something for everyone.
We've rounded up 10 of the best beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula to inspire your next coastal getaway to Wales or, if you want to browse our cottages in the area, simply click the button below.
Porthdinllaen
One of the prettiest beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula, Porthdinllaen is a sheltered, sandy beach that's now in the care of the National Trust. Porthdinllaen is a former fishing village tucked away in a sheltered bay that protects it from the Irish Sea. It has largely been untouched by modern developments and boasts a small, beautiful beach that's rich in wildlife. In fact, it is home to one of the largest seagrass meadows in Wales!
Porthdinllaen is a great place to enjoy some walks along the coastal path where you can spot seabirds and soak up the stunning views, before enjoying some refreshments at the cafe and pub back at the beach.
Need to know:
- Is Porthdinllaen dog friendly? There are seasonal dog restrictions between 1 April and 30 September, but Porthdinllaen is a dog-friendly beach outside of those months.
- Are there toilets at Porthdinllaen? There are public toilets by the beach.
- Where do you park for Porthdinllaen? There is a National Trust car park with pay and display machines by the beach, or parking is free for National Trust members.
- What facilities are there at Porthdinllaen? You can find refreshments at the cafe and pub, which are not owned by the National Trust.
Porth Ceiriad
Somewhat of a hidden gem on the North Wales coast, Porth Ceiriad is a sandy cove that's popular with dog walkers and surfers alike due to the large expanse of golden sands and the crashing waves. One of the more remote beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula, it's worth visiting for some peace and quiet as well as the beautiful coastal views.
As well as being popular with dogs, Porth Ceiriad is home to a wide array of birds and fish, as well as some dramatic cliff faces that will delight geologists. If you're visiting for the surf, please be aware that the waves here are very powerful and some rip tides can occur, so take care.
Need to know:
- Is Porth Ceiriad dog friendly? Porth Ceiriad is dog friendly all year round, making it one of the best beaches to visit with your dog.
- Are there toilets at Porth Ceiriad? There are no toilets at Porth Ceiriad.
- Where do you park for Porth Ceiriad? There is a public car park around 1 mile from the beach.
- What facilities are there at Porth Ceiriad? There are no facilities at the beach, but there are amenities in the nearby village of Bwlchtocyn.
Porth Iago
If you're looking for sheltered beaches on the north coast of Wales, Porth Iago Beach will be just what you're searching for. This picture-perfect beach has golden sand and a clear blue sea and is nestled between two green cliffs, making it an idyllic spot.
For such a peaceful, sandy beach, it's surprisingly easy to access via the Wales Coast Path and through some sand dunes – alternatively, drive down the private farm track which has parking available. As well as being one of the loveliest beaches for a day out on the sands, Porth Iago is also popular for fishing off the rocks.
Need to know:
- Is Porth Iago dog friendly? Porth Iago welcomes dogs all year round.
- Are there toilets at Porth Iago? There are no toilets at Porth Iago.
- Where do you park for Porth Iago? There is a pay and display car park down a private farm track.
- What facilities are there at Porth Iago? There is a campsite very close to the beach, but no other beach facilities.
Dinas Dinlle Beach
Found on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Dinas Dinlle Beach has been popular with families for generations due to its large expanse of beach and excellent facilities. Kids will adore playing on the golden sand and jumping in the gentle waters, while adults can soak up the views across the Llŷn Peninsula.
With a pub, a cafe, a shop, toilets, ample parking and even a children's playground in case the little ones need to burn off any more energy, this beach is perfect for a family-friendly day out on the Wales coast.
Need to know:
- Is Dinas Dinlle dog friendly? There is a seasonal dog ban in place on the main beach from 1 May to 30 September.
- Are there toilets at Dinas Dinlle? There are public toilets by the beach at Dinas Dinlle.
- Where do you park for Dinas Dinlle? There is a large, free car park by the beach.
- What facilities are there at Dinas Dinlle? By the beach, there is a popular chip shop, a cafe and a shop, with a children's playground near the car park.
Whistling Sands or Porthor Beach
Whistling Sands Beach is one of the best-known beaches in North Wales and for good reason – the sands make a distinctive squeaking noise when you walk over them! This is a rare phenomenon which only happens when the sand is dry, so make sure you time your visit accordingly if you want to hear the whistling sands for yourself.
Aside from the squeaky sand, the beach (also known as Porthor) is a stunning place to visit due to its soft sand, rolling waves and pretty setting nestled amongst gently sloping grassy cliffs. As well as being a great place for a day out by the sea, there are plenty of walks nearby for those who want a more active day.
Need to know:
- Is Porthor Beach dog friendly? Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1 October and 31 March.
- Are there toilets at Porthor Beach? There are public toilets by the car park.
- Where do you park for Porthor Beach? There is a pay and display car park around 300 metres from the beach, free for National Trust members, which also has an electric vehicle charging point.
- What facilities are there at Porthor Beach? In the summer months, there is a small cafe by the beach.
Porth Towyn Beach
If you're seeking a day out by the coast away from it all, head to the village of Tudweiliog where Porth Towyn Beach is one of the most peaceful and secluded bays in the area. With no facilities, it's the perfect excuse to pack up a picnic and head down to the coast for a completely off-grid day.
Like its more famous neighbour, Whistling Sands, the sand on this beach is also known to whistle. While you're enjoying this phenomenon, you might also be able to spot some surfers enjoying the swell along the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, as this beach can be popular with wave seekers.
Need to know:
- Is Porth Towyn Beach dog friendly? Dogs are banned from the beach between 1 April and 30 September.
- Are there toilets at Porth Towyn Beach? There are no toilets at Porth Towyn.
- Where do you park for Porth Towyn Beach? There is parking available in a field by the farm just before the beach.
- What facilities are there at Porth Towyn Beach? There are no facilities at Porth Towyn, but the nearby village of Tudweiliog has a great pub.
Llanbedrog Beach
One of the most iconic beaches on the south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Llanbedrog Beach has a range of colourful beach huts lining its sandy shore. It's been popular with those seeking a day out by the coast since the Victorian era, and generations have grown up on the sands.
Now in the care of the National Trust, Llanbedrog Beach still remains a fantastically family-friendly place to visit in North Wales, with its views across Cardigan Bay and its woodland-backed beach making it an extra-special setting in which to spend time.
Need to know:
- Is Llanbedrog Beach dog friendly? Dogs are welcome at Llanbedrog Beach all year round but must be kept on a lead until past the beach huts between 1 April and 30 September.
- Are there toilets at Llanbedrog Beach? There are public toilets open from 1 April to the end of October.
- Where do you park for Llanbedrog Beach? There is a pay and display car park with electric vehicle charging by the beach, and it's free for National Trust members to park.
- What facilities are there at Llanbedrog Beach? You'll find a cafe and a small kiosk by the beach, and you can also hire one of the iconic beach huts.
Criccieth Beach
One of two beaches in the popular town of Criccieth, this south-facing beach has a spectacular backdrop of the 13th-century Criccieth Castle, as well as beautiful views out across Cardigan Bay. The castle sits on a headland to the west of the beach which provides plenty of shelter; this, combined with the range of facilities close by in the town, makes Criccieth Beach a firm favourite with families.
At the other side of the castle and headland is the smaller Marine Beach, which is also worth a visit while in the area – you may even be able to spot Snowdonia National Park towards the horizon.
Need to know:
- Is Criccieth Beach dog friendly? Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1 April to 30 September, but you can walk your dog all year round past the car park towards the east of the beach.
- Are there toilets at Criccieth Beach? There are public toilets right by the car park.
- Where do you park for Criccieth Beach? There is a large, pay and display car park by the esplanade, a short walk from the beach.
- What facilities are there at Criccieth Beach? The beach is close to the main facilities of Criccieth, including cafes, takeaways, restaurants and shops.
Porth Neigwl or Hell's Mouth Beach
If you're searching for long sandy beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula, you won't find many better than Porth Neigwl which boasts almost 4 miles of sand and shingle beach fringed by sand dunes. Also known as Hell's Mouth Beach, this coastal gem is popular with water sports enthusiasts due to it being one of the best beaches for surfing in Wales.
Despite its size, it doesn't have many facilities, making it an unspoilt waterside paradise. If you don't fancy surfing, there are plenty of beautiful coastal walks to enjoy close to the beach, where you can soak up the vast scenery.
Need to know:
- Is Porth Neigwl dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
- Are there toilets at Porth Neigwl? There are no beachside toilets at Porth Neigwl.
- Where do you park for Porth Neigwl? There is a small car park near the beach.
- What facilities are there at Porth Neigwl? There are no facilities in Porth Neigwl, but there is a pub in Llanengan, around 1 mile from the beach.
Abersoch Beach
Finally, we couldn't complete our list without including one of the best beaches in the whole of North Wales. Abersoch Beach is a real crowd-pleaser; whether you're looking to spend time with the family, try out some water sports or simply relax in the sun, you will be able to do it here.
Not only that, but its location close to the centre of Abersoch means that you have a wide array of facilities close to hand, including a range of places to enjoy some delicious food and drink after a fun-filled day on the sands.
Need to know:
- Is Abersoch Beach dog friendly? Dogs are banned from 1 April to 30 September between the jetty and the river but are welcome on the rest of the beach all year round.
- Are there toilets at Abersoch Beach? There are public toilets by the car park.
- Where do you park for Abersoch Beach? There is a large pay and display car park by the beach.
- What facilities are there at Abersoch Beach? As well as parking and toilets, the beach has a slipway for watercraft, and a cafe, with further facilities in Abersoch a short walk away.
Llŷn Peninsula beaches FAQs
Found on the north coast of Wales, the Llŷn Peninsula protrudes 30 miles into the Irish Sea from Aberdesach in the north to Criccieth in the south. It's home to the Llyn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting beautiful scenery, an abundance of wildlife and, of course, some stunning beaches along almost 100 miles of coastline.
If you're looking for a pet-friendly beach in North Wales, there are many beaches where dogs are welcome – even in the summer months! The best beaches where you can bring your dog include Pwllheli, Abersoch, Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl, Porth Ysgo, Porth Iago and Nefyn.
One of the most noteworthy beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula, Whistling Sands got its name from its famous whistle or squeak which is thought to be caused by either the friction between the sand grains, or the compression of the air between the grains as they are stepped on. Whistling sand is incredibly rare, with only a few beaches in Europe experiencing this phenomenon.
Stay with us on the Llŷn Peninsula
Whether you're searching for hidden coves, calm seas or family-friendly beaches, the Llŷn Peninsula has plenty to offer for a coastal getaway in Wales.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.