The 7 best Beaches on the Ceredigion Coast
Located between the Teifi and Dyfi estuaries, Ceredigion's 60 miles (96km) of Coastal Path is some of the most rugged, beautiful and impressive in all of Wales.
As well as great views north towards Snowdonia and south towards Pembrokeshire, the Ceredigion Coast path has a wealth of wildlife, geological and archaeological features and a colourful history to discover along the way.
I would argue that the most beautiful and dramatic beaches are located on the southern section of the Ceredigion Coast between New Quay and Cardigan and that is reflected in this blog post.
At a glance
Mwnt
Llangranog
Tresaith
Cwmtydu
Ynyslas Dunes
Penbryn
Aberporth
Mwnt
Situated on the southern section of the Ceredigion coast, Mwnt is a delightful rectangular shaped beach which is backed by steep cliffs and overlooked by the dome-shaped headland of Foel y Mwnt.
Located within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation and owned by the National Trust, Mwnt beach’s allure lies within its unspoilt natural beauty. With fine golden sand, turquoise sea and barely a sign of development this is a special place.
The beach isn’t wheelchair friendly and can can only be accessed by a set of steps. There here is a large national trust car park above the beach and a small café situated half way down the steps.
While you are at the beach, its worth paying a visit to the quaint 14th century Church of the Holy Cross (Eglwys y Grog). This little whitewashed chapel was built for passing sailors and pilgrims who frequented the area in medieval times.
I’d also recommend taking the short walk up to headland Foel y Mwnt. From the summit you will be afforded incredible views up the Ceredigion coast and you might even be able to spot some marine life including dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises.
Key Information:
Type of Beach: Sandy
Lifeguards: No
Wheelchair friendly: No
Dog Friendly: Outside of 1st May to 30th Sep.
Parking: Pay & display
Facilities: Café, toilets
Llangranog
Popular with families and surfers alike, Llangrannog is one of Ceredigion's best loved seaside villages.
Llangrannog actually has two beaches which are divided by the distinctive rock formation known as Carreg Bica.
Cilborth Beach is located to the north of Llangrannog. It can be accessed at low tide via the beach, or alternatively you can hike up and over the coastal path and tke the steps down to the beaches.
Llangrannog sits close to neighbouring Ynys Lochtyn, a high grass-topped tidal island which stretches out into Cardigan Bay. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it is an extraordinary spot from which to enjoy the magnificent Ceridigeon coastline from.
There is small pay and display car park located directly in front of the beach alongside a restaurant and public toielts. There is also free parking avilable further up in the village.
Key Information:
Type of Beach: Sandy
Lifeguards: Yes
Wheelchair friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: yes
Parking: Pay & display
Tresaith
Is a small sandy bay with a waterfall which is located on the southern section of the Ceredigion coast.
The name comes from the River Saith which cascades down the cliffs and on to the sandy beach below
The picturesque village behind the beach has a shop, café and pub. The coastal waters and coastal belt is within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area.
A great spot for families, Tresaith has been granted the Blue Flag award and has a range of facilities in the small village which sits behind the beach. These include a shop, café, pub and public toilets.
Tresaith is a also popular location for a range of water sports including sailing and surfing.
At low tide you can access a smaller beach just around from the waterfall at the northern end of the beach. As always keep an eye on the tide as the beach has no other access and will be cut off by the incoming water.
There’s very limited parking on the beach front, and its narrow roads can result it getting very busy during the holiday season. There’s a public car park at the top of Tresaith where you can park all day.
Key Information:
W3W: imagined.beak.plugs
Type of Beach: Sandy
Lifeguards: Yes
Wheelchair friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: Pay & display
Facilities: Café, pub, toilets
Cwmtydu
Commonly known as Seals Bay because of the resident seals that live in these waters, Cwmtydu Beach is a delightful little beach that sits to the south-west of New Quay.
The beach is known for its pretty views and its quiet atmosphere. In fact it was so quiet and secluded in the days of old that it used to be a hideaway for smugglers in the area
The small beach is made up of soft pebbles and shingle which is backed by a river alongside small car park which has space for around a dozen or so cars.
Key Information:
W3W: type.turntable.marsh
Type of Beach: Shingle
Lifeguards: No
Wheelchair friendly: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: Free
Facilities: Toilets
Aberporth
One of the most prettiest and charming beaches on this list. Aberporth Beach is actually two separate beaches Dyffryn Beach to the west and Dolwen to tthe east, which are seperated by a headland
The sandy bay is sheltered and has a gentle slope into the water making a safe swimmign sport perfect for families. At low tide there are also a number of rock pools to explore.
There is a small car park above the south section of the beach. Further parking can be found in the village.
you can also take a stroll alomg clifftop from Aberporth Beach to neighbouring Tresaith. Alongside the majestical cliifto[ views, you will also find a statue of one a dolphins carved from wood on the headland.
Dogs are allowed on Dyffryn Beach all year round although Dolwen Beach has some restrictions from September to June.
Key Information:
Type of Beach: Sand
Lifeguards: Yes
Wheelchair friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes but with seasonal restrictions
Parking: Pay and Display
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Cafe, Slipway
Ynyslas Dunes
Located at the most northerly point of the Ceredigion Coast between Cardigan Bay and the Dyfi Estuary, Ynyslas Dunes are vast expanse of sand which form part of the Dyfi National Nature reserve.
The reserve covers an area of 2000 hectares and are home to an outstanding range of different habitats which play host to a rich and fascinating wildlife.
The dunes are the largest in Ceredigion and by far the most popular. The sandy slopes and hollows provide homes for a myriad of creatures and plants.
There is a visitor centre with a small shop, from here you can find a 500m boardwalk which lead across the dunes to the beach. The dunes are also accessible with a car park for disabled people.
As the dunes are located next to the estuary, it’s not a beach I would recommend swimming at due to the very large tides and dangerous currents. Instead it’s a beach which I would recommend visiting for a walk.
Key Information:
W3W: cross.formally.crumb
Type of Beach: Sandy
Lifeguards: No
Wheelchair friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: Pay & display
Facilities: Toilets, Visitor centre
Penbryn Beach
Owned by the National Trust, Penbryn is an award winning beach which is located on the southern section of the Ceredigion coast between the scenic coves of Tresaith and Llangrannog.
The mile long beach beach is made up of golden sands and is surrounded by sloping woodlands that protect it. It was also was used as a film location for the James Bond film “Die Another Day”.
Although there is no lifeguard service the beach is popular with families.
Parking is located ¼ mile along a tarmac road back up the valley at Penbryn village and costs £5 per day. Here you will also find a a shop and café. Please note there is a steep climb down to the beach and back up to the car park.
Penbryn Beach is designated a Dark Skies Discovery Site. Making it the perfect spot to go star gazing or for some astrophotography.
Key Information:
Type of Beach: Sand
Lifeguards: No
Wheelchair friendly: No
Dog Friendly: Yes but with seasonal restrictions
Parking: Pay and Display
Facilities: None
So there we have it, The 7 best Beaches on the Ceredigion Coast.
Did you find the blog useful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you did find it helpful, I’d appreciate you giving it a share or giving me a follow on social media, every bit of support goes a long way.
For more Mid-Wales travel inspiration check out my other guides below.
For more Welsh travel inspiration check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite Welsh regions below.
Find me on Instagram
