The Isle of Anglesey, hanging off the north-west tip of Wales, glitters with golden beaches tucked into the nooks of its rugged coastline. From vast sands made for family beach days to remote coves where wildlife reigns, here are 15 of our favourite beaches in Anglesey.
Trearddur Bay
Watersports lovers roll up to this wide, sandy bay, where you can enjoy all manner of sea-bound activities from sailing and surfing, to paddleboarding and kayaking. On the doorstep of a bustling resort town on the western coast of Anglesey, Trearddur Bay is the perfect destination for vibrant, fun-packed beach days, with amenities, equipment hire and eateries just a pebble’s skim from the shoreline.
Rhosneigr Beach
Another mecca for watersports enthusiasts, Rhosneigr Beach is a little wilder than Trearddur, serving up a whopping dose of adrenaline-pumping thrills against a backdrop of breathtaking coastal scenery. Just a few minutes’ walk from the village of Rhosneigr, the duo of main beaches offer pristine terrain for rock-pooling, windsurfing, kiteboarding and surfing, and there’s even a slipway for launching small boats.
Cemaes Bay
On the shores of the most northerly village in Wales, Cemaes Bay offers a charming blend of old-world charm and coastal beauty. There are actually two beaches to choose from: The sheltered Traeth Bach (small beach), just beyond the colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, is made for rockpooling, before tucking into catch of the day in the huddle of seafood restaurants. Then Traeth Mawr – or ‘big beach’ – offers everything family holidays by the beach are made of, from bucket-and-spade sands to rock pools and a promenade.
Aberffraw Beach
If you prefer solitude and serenity, seek out Aberffraw Beach, tucked away on Anglesey’s southwestern coast. Just far enough from the closest parking spot to deter the crowds, if you get here early, you might even make the first footprints in the golden sands. When you’re done with basking in natural beauty and tranquillity, wander through the wildlife-rich dunes to the historic village of Aberffraw.
Borth Wen (Rhoscolyn)
The marram grass crescent of Borth Wen (also known as Rhoscolyn beach), on Holyhead Island, is the perfect spot for all beach lovers. Broad, gently shelving sands offer an abundance of space for sandcastle competitions, cricket games and picnics by the sea, or you might want to cast away by kayak or paddle board to explore the rocky islets just offshore.
Porth Wen
Fancy heading off the beaten track to a craggy little fishing cove with a fascinating industrial heritage? The territory of a few fishermen, an abandoned brickworks, and the remains of an old tramway, Porth Wen is hidden on the northern coast of Anglesey. Pick your way along the steep path and wait for the tide to ebb to comb for treasures on its rocky shoreline, or bask in the natural beauty of its crystal-clear waters and views out into the Irish Sea.
Llanddwyn Beach
Flanked by rolling dunes, framed by the backdrop of Snowdonia, and overlooked by the legendary island of Ynys Llanddwy that juts into the Irish Sea, Llanddwyn Bay (also known as Newborough) awaits at the southernmost tip of Anglesey Island. Nudging the Newborough Nature Reserve and forest, wildlife enthusiasts might spot anything from red squirrels to minke whales, while kitesurfers make the most of the flat sands and sea breeze. However, you might prefer to simply stroll along the shoreline to the lighthouse and step back in time at the mysterious ruins of St. Dwynwen’s Church.
Bull Bay
Anglers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts love this hidden beach perched on Anglesey’s northern coast. Boasting a rocky shoreline and rugged cliffs, Bull Bay is made for coastal exploration and outdoor adventures – whether you fancy casting a line off the pier, hiking along the Anglesey Coastal Path, or simply soaking up the views of the Irish Sea and the distant peaks of Snowdonia National Park.
Church Bay Cove (Porth Swtan)
Explore the sea caves and spot the likes of seals and dolphins offshore from this secluded cove enveloped in rugged beauty. Church Bay, or Porth Swtan, beckons beachcombers and nature lovers to unwind in a pristine cove that gets its name from the nearby St Rhuddlad’s Church, which you can reach on foot at low tide. Despite its seclusion, there’s a lobster restaurant and seasonal café just footsteps from the shoreline.
Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell)
When the swell lights up the west coast of Anglesey, surfers flock to Cable Bay to make the most of the consistent waves and gob-smacking scenery. Despite a steep descent to access the beach from the car park, it’s a popular spot, especially during the summer months. However, you can leave the crowds behind and strike out to find a Stone Age underground burial chamber on the northern headland.
Red Wharf Bay
When the tide ebbs, nearly ten square miles of sand are revealed in this large east coast nature reserve between Pentraeth and Benllech. Bordered by salt marshes and sand dunes, Red Wharf Bay is home to an abundance of birdlife, attracting twitchers and walkers to clap eyes on waders and waterfowl such as purple sandpipers, curlew, shelduck and dunlin. A foodie delight too, there are three water’s edge restaurants, all boasting glorious views over the bay.
Traeth Bychan
Nestled close to the village of Moelfre on Anglesey’s eastern coast, Traeth Bychan is a charming, sheltered cove where swimmers are lured into calm waters with panoramic views of Puffin Island and the Great Orme. By all means, keep your hair dry and lounge on the sands, or strike out along the coastal path for a gull’s eye view of the coastal scenery.
Porth Dafarch Beach
Adventure seekers will love the National Trust-owned Porth Dafarch Beach, with its sea caves, incredible snorkelling, and eye-popping views of Holyhead Mountain. You can even go scuba diving to see the 1886 wreck of a Missouri steamer about half a mile offshore. The best way to arrive is along the scenic coastal footpath, by bike, or even by boat – for there are bike racks and a slipway. However, you may prefer to simply park up and roll out onto the sheltered cove, that’s made for sea dips, picnics and sandy-toed days out.
Benllech Beach
Boasting powder-white sands made for family beach days, Benllech Beach is renowned for its safe swimming conditions, shallow waters and gentle waves. It’s one of the most popular beaches on Anglesey; and for good reason, with its miles of sand, Blue Flag waters, watersports, beachfront cafés and ice cream parlours.
Lligwy Beach (Traeth Lligwy)
Sweeping sands, dramatic dunes, and crystalline waters – sound like paradise? A wild, sandy swathe lapped by waves, Lligwy is an idyllic beach playground that feels miles away from the trappings of modern life. However, just a hop, skip and jump away from your beach blanket, the village of Moelfre offers all the facilities you need to make family days at the beach a breeze.
Book Your Beach Cottage in Anglesey
Can’t wait to pack up for a seaside holiday in Wales? Whether you prefer coastal adventures or lounging by the waves, find the perfect beach cottage for a seaside holiday in Anglesey. Then check out some of these beautiful beaches and other wonderful things to do on the magical Isle of Anglesey.
