6 of the best beaches on Llyn Peninsula you must visit
Extending 30 miles into the Irish Sea, the Llyn Peninsula is an often overlooked part of the Welsh Coastline.
Nicknamed Snowdonia’s arm and described as the Cornwall of 50 years ago, the peninsula is lined with rugged cliffs and beautiful golden sanded empty coves, all with the spectacular mountainous backdrop of Snowdonia.
Those who seek a coastal escape within Wales usually head for Pembrokeshire national park in South West Wales, and those who venture into North Wales rarely travel past the mountains of Snowdonia.
Within this blog post, I have highlighted Six beautiful beaches across the peninsula which are definitely worthy of your time.
Porth Ysgo
Situated on the western coast of the Llyn Peninsula Porth Ysgo is a stunning small secluded cove surrounded by will and rugged cliffs.
A bit of a hidden gem this wild and remote beach is perfect for escaping any crowds as far enough off the beaten track to get busy.
Unfortunately due the beaches small size and the fact its backed by steep cliffs, at high tide there isn’t a great deal here except a band of pebbles. However as the tide retreats a sizeable portion of golden sand is revealed.
Parking is available in small field above the beach, which costs £2 to park all day. Theres also a small booth which sells snacks and drinks.
From the car park its around a 10 minute walk down to the beach via around 150 wooden stairs which run down the cliffside
Porthdinllaen & Ty Coch
No guide to Llyn peninsula would be complete without the mention of the Ty Coch Inn situated in the village of Porthdinllaen.
Famously voted as one of the top 10 beach bars in the whole world, Ty Coch is quite literally a pub on the beach.
The beach it’s located on itself isn’t the most impressive you’ll ever see. However, if you continue northwards around the headland towards the lifeboat station, you’ll not only be rewarded with magnificent views back up the north coast but you’ll also find a tiny golden sanded cove being lapped at by turquoise clear waters.
This spot is my recommendation for a peaceful afternoon dip and then if you’re feeling thirsty you can stop by the Ty Coch inn on the way back to your car.
Access to the headland is only available by either walking across the golf course or along the beach. Parking is available at the National Trust car park in Morfa Nefyn.
Porth Iago
A hidden gem of a golden cove located between two grassy headlands on the north coast of the Llŷn.
Porth Iago’s golden sands and clear waters make it look like a Mediterranean escape when the sun is out.
Its westerly-facing direction alongside its sheltered location make it a perfect beach for an afternoon spent relaxing on the sand.
A previous hidden gem, the beach has picked up traction due to social media in recent years and can get busy during the summer months with campers flocking to spend a night on the cliff above the beach.
The car park is situated on Porth Iago Campsite which sits directly behind the beach has a P&D machine for parking.
To reach the beach, pass along the private road and then take a steep scramble down the dunes at the rear of the bay. Camping is also available at the farm for only £20 per night.
Porthor - Whistling sands
Porthor this a picturesque golden sanded cove on the north coast of the Llyn Peninsula.
the English translation for Porthor,’ is Whistling Sands’, which is derived from the squeak or whistle emitted by the peculiar shaped sand particles being rubbed together when walked on in warm weather.
During the winter months, the break here can be ideal for surfing and bodyboarding in the right conditions and can provide some tantalising, sheltered surf when the popular Hells mouth has been ‘blown out’.
The beach is accessible from a large national trust car park located 200m from the beach. There are toilets located in the car park and there’s also a café on the beach.
Porth Neigwl - Hells mouth
Porth Neigwl is a 3½ mile-long sandy beach on the south-west side of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Its English name, Hells Mouth, is derived from the fact that the shape of the bay resembles an open mouth, and that the surrounding headlands have been the scene of around 30 shipwrecks over the last 180 years.
Its south-westerly facing direction means the beach is fully exposed to any swell coming up from the Atlanticm making it renowned for its sizeable waves.
For this reason the beach a popular spot for the surfers of North Wales and worthy of inclusion in my list.
The dog-friendly beach can be accessed through 200m of sand dunes from a free car park near the village of Llanengan. The top of the beach is made up of large pebbles, whilst low tide exposes plenty of sand.
Borth-y-Gest
Situated in the Afon Dwyryd estuary, Borth y Gest beach is a series of stunning golden sanded coves.
The dog friendly bays are very sheltered and water is very gentle and extremely clear around the shoreline.
It can get bust in the summer months but if you visit outside of the holiday season you can sometime snag a cove to yourself.
Parking is available in the village of Borth y Gest and from there it s gentle half a mile walk along the coastal path to the beaches.
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For more travel, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.
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