Discover the Spectacular Beauty of Wales: Top 8 Coastal Stretches
One of the best of the countless wonderful things about Wales is the coastline. The stunning natural beauty of Wales’s coastline stretches for over 870 miles, or 1,400km. With rugged cliffs and rocky coves to sweeping sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages, the Welsh coast has something to offer everyone. Coming up with our favourite sections of the Welsh coast wasn’t easy as we love them all for different reasons, but read on for our top picks.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the eight best stretches of coast in Wales.
The Gower Peninsula
The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why. Its rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for walkers, surfers, and nature lovers. Some of the highlights of the Gower include Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, and the picturesque village of Mumbles. It’s also close to Swansea which is host to a range of attractions.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in West Wales is another must-visit for nature lovers. With its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and pristine beaches, it’s a great place to explore on foot via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or by boat. Some of the highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast include St. David’s Head, the sea arch at Stackpole Quay, and the beautiful beaches including Barafundle Bay, which was named one of the World’s top 25 beaches in 2017.
Llŷn Peninsula
On the edge of Snowdonia, the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales is a hidden gem, with rugged coastline, quiet villages, and stunning views across the Irish Sea. Some of the highlights of the Llŷn Peninsula include the village of Abersoch, the beach at Porth Neigwl (also known as Hell’s Mouth), and the spectacular views from the summit of Yr Eifl. The area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and it’s easy to see why.
Anglesey
Anglesey is an island off the northwest coast of Wales, and it’s a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for a mix of stunning coastline and historic attractions. Popular highlights on Anglesey include the picturesque village of Beaumaris, the lighthouse at South Stack, and the long sandy beach at Newborough.
Cardigan Bay
Cardigan Bay (Ceredigion) is a large bay on the west coast of Wales, known for its rich marine life and stunning coastal scenery. Some of the highlights of Cardigan Bay include the picturesque harbour town of Aberaeron, the former fishing village of Aberporth, the stunning beach at Mwnt, and the bottlenose dolphins that can often be seen off the coast.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is best known for its mountains, but it also has a stunning coastline to explore, distinct from the Llŷn Peninsula mentioned above. You’ll find delights such as the seaside town of Barmouth, the sandy beach at Harlech, and the stunning views from the summit of Cader Idris.
Carmarthenshire Coast
Compared to its popular neighbour Pembrokeshire, the Carmarthenshire Coast in West Wales is a lesser-known stretch of coastline, but it’s no less beautiful than the more famous stretches. Some of the highlights of the Carmarthenshire Coast include the secluded beach at Cefn Sidan with its many sand dunes, the historic estuary town of Laugharne, and the stunning views from Llansteffan Castle.
North Wales Coast
Finally, the North Wales Coast is a long stretch of coastline that runs from the Wirral in the east to the Llŷn Peninsula in the west. On this stretch of the North Wales Coast, you’ll find the traditional seaside towns of Llandudno and Rhyl, the historic walled town of Conwy, and the sand and shingle beach at Penrhyn Bay with its many shrimping pools.
So much coastline, so little time!
Wales has some of the most beautiful coast in the UK, and these eight stretches are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re looking for rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, or historic towns and villages, the Welsh coast has something to offer everyone. The Wales Coast Path was launched in 2012 and was the first dedicated coast path to cover the length of an entire country’s coastline.
If you’re searching for the perfect coastal getaway, look no further than the Welsh Coast. With so many stunning stretches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect destination for your next holiday. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next holiday to the Welsh coast today!
