North Wales is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the country and with 250 miles of pristine coastline, you are truly spoilt for choice!
From major seaside resorts to pebble paradises, we have uncovered the 12 best North Wales beaches. Armed with our guide, you can discover spectacular views across the Irish Sea, breath-taking views of the Snowdonia National Park and one of the best beach bars in the world!
From the majestic Isle of Anglesey to the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, find your favourite North Wales beach today!
Continue reading to discover the 12 best North Wales Beaches…
1. Aberdaron Beach, Llŷn Peninsula
A personal favourite amongst the best North Wales beaches is the sandy bay of Aberdaron.
Peacefully positioned at the end of the Llŷn Peninsula and set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it takes little imagination to believe that you’re basking in the sunshine aboard.
With its location on the western tip, the dramatic seas offer plenty of opportunity for watersports. Here, you can take to the waters to try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.
Alternatively, laze on the pristine sands and admire the view or uncover aquatic life in the limpid pools, something that younger visitors will love! This beach in North Wales also has disabled access, as well as good car parking, cafés and shops, promising to be a great day out for the entire family.
This is certainly one of the best beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between April – September
Car Park: Yes at Porth y Swnt National Trust car park
Postcode: LL53 8BE
Grab your beach bag and secure a stay at an Aberdaron Cottage today.
2. Barmouth Beach, Gwynedd
Resting on the tip of southern Snowdonia is Barmouth Beach, often considered the most popular beach in North Wales.
Offering miles of unbroken sands and within striking distance of the craggy Welsh mountains, this North Wales beach is sure to be a hit with the family!
Barmouth Beach is an exceptional location for watersports, with easy access to the sea via the slipway. There is also a craft exclusion zone to protect swimmers and with its location on the Mawddach Estuary, you are certain to find plenty of fishing, sea and estuary boat trips.
The town of Barmouth itself is well-worth a visit too. Here, you will be delighted by its traditional seaside charm, with amusement arcades, swing boats and donkey rides!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between April – September
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL42 1LX
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3. Harlech Beach, Gwynedd
Overlooking the four-mile-long stretch of this North Wales beach is one of the best castles in Wales, Harlech Castle.
The 13th-century fortress lies 1000 metres behind Harlech Beach and acts as a symbol of past conflict. Today, the beach offers a steadier pace of life, with pristine golden sands and magnificent views to enjoy.
During the summer months, dip your toes into the waters, which are generally safe for swimming. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of leatherback turtles migrating to this part of the North Wales coast. Within striking distance of the beach is the internationally famous Royal St David’s Golf Club, as well as a host of facilities.
With golden sands and a towering castle, it’s no surprise to see Harlech Beach mentioned in our guide to the top beach holidays in the UK.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between April – September on a small section of the beach, the rest of the beach is dog-friendly year-round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL46 2UG
Take a look at accommodation in Harlech and plan your next North Wales getaway.
4. Newborough Beach, Isle of Anglesey
Providing views of the Snowdonia mountain range and the Llŷn Peninsula is our next North Wales beach.
Newborough Beach, also known as Llanddwyn Beach, rests at the south-west tip of Anglesey and is flanked by Newborough Forest. Simply laze on the sands, uncover several coves or take to the waters and surf the westerly wind from the Atlantic. This North Wales beach is also teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, and if you are really lucky, you may spot dolphins and the occasional minke whale.
Walk upon miles of golden sands before reaching the majestic island, said to be the home of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of lovers. Here, you will also find a small terrace of pilothouses, a museum of local maritime history, a ruined church and the iconic lighthouse.
Alternatively, take to the Anglesey Coastal Path from the beach, one of the many superb North Wales coastal walks.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May and the end of September
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL61 6SG
What are you waiting for? Discover the perfect Anglesey cottage today.
5. Morfa Nefyn, Llŷn Peninsula
Next up on our list of North Wales beaches in Morfa Nefyn, resting within striking distance of Tŷ Coch Inn, officially one of the best beach bars in the world!
This beautiful sweep lines a sheltered bay and natural harbour on the Lleyn Heritage Coast. Stroll along the east-facing sands, popular with fishermen, before finding the intriguing 200-year-old pub that cannot be driven to!
Linger over a pint or take to the waters, which enjoy a variety of conditions. This hidden beach in the UK is truly a gem!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed on the eastern side of the beach
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL53 6ED
Find your perfect place to stay on the Llŷn Peninsula today!
6. Talacre Beach, Flintshire
Sitting just across from the River Dee and with views over the Welsh border towards Wirral is Talacre Beach.
This North Wales beach offers miles of golden sands and is dog-friendly all year round, providing fun for everyone!
The beach’s most notable feature is the Point of Ayr lighthouse, which dates back to 1776. The impressive monument stands 18 meters tall and while it can be tempting to explore, watch out for the fast-moving tide!
Moreover, the surrounding area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to some rare species. Whilst here, you may catch a glimpse of natterjack toads, whilst nearby is the Dee estuary, home to a collection of wintering birds.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: CH8 9RS
Fancy a getaway with a twist? Find 10 unusual places to stay in North Wales.
7. Prestatyn Beach, Denbighshire
Prestatyn is a bustling seaside resort in North Wales, home to three beaches that form a five-mile stretch of sand.
Discover Prestatyn Central Beach, between Ffrith and Barkby beaches, with a 4-mile-long promenade running along, linking all three. This offers pleasant walking opportunities and marks the beginning of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.
The Blue Flag-awarded Central Beach is north-facing and has a large tidal range, making it a popular destination for surfing, sailing and windsurfing. For those with families, be sure to head to Ffrith Beach, home to the Festival Gardens and ten-pin bowling.
This North Wales beach provides a superb day out for families of all ages.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May and the end of September
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL19
Find your perfect place to stay in Prestatyn with us.
8. Llanbedrog Beach, Llŷn Peninsula
Next up on our guide to North Wales beaches is Llanbedrog Beach, which sits on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Llanbedrog Beach is a sheltered sandy beach, famed for its collection of colourful beach huts. Managed by the National Trust, this mile-long beach has been enjoyed by generations.
Those with children will be delighted by the shallow waters, whilst those feeling more adventurous can try their hand at windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.
At this North Wales beach, you can expect breath-taking views over Cardigan Bay and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL53 7TR
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9. Llanddulas Beach, Conwy County
Discover this North Wales beach resting between Abergele and Colwyn Bay on the North Wales Coastal Cycleway.
On this glorious Welsh beach, you can expect a blend of rock and pebble, as well as an area of wet sand exposed at low tide. Those exploring on two wheels can meander along the 34-mile-long cycle route that connects with Colwyn Bay to the west. A great opportunity to enjoy this part of the North Wales coast.
Continuing to impress, your canine companions are welcome to enjoy this North Wales beach all year round too! There is also a pub, which sits within striking distance, so you can linger over a pint after an action-packed day.
Type of beach: Rock and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL22 8HB
Find your perfect place to stay in Conwy!
10. Benllech Beach, Isle of Anglesey
One of the more popular beaches on the Isle of Anglesey is Benllech Beach, located on the eastern coast.
Look forward to the long stretch of golden sand, littered with rock pools, home to crabs and starfish! After catching a glimpse of these unusual Welsh animals, take to the crystal blue water, which is exceptionally safe for bathing and paddling.
With all of this to enjoy, it is little wonder that this North Wales beach has been granted two prestigious awards, the Blue Flag Award and the Marine Conservation Society Recommendation.
Benllech Beach is just one of many Anglesey beaches that you must visit!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May – September
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL74 8QE
Are you tempted by a holiday to the isle? Discover 10 unusual places to stay in Anglesey.
11. Porth Iago, Llŷn Peninsula
Porth Iago is a slice of utopia, which can be found hidden away on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula.
This North Wales beach boasts calm and crystal-clear waters, offering a superb opportunity for swimming and kayaking. Additionally, the rocks on the northern side of the beach make an exceptional spot for fishing, with bass being caught here often.
Avid ramblers can walk part of the Wales Coast Path, where the views promise to be awe-inspiring.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL53 8LP
12. Fairbourne Beach, Gwynedd
On the southern side of the Mawddach Estuary is our final location on our North Wales beaches guide.
Fairbourne Beach enjoys a mixture of sloping pebbled banks and a two-mile stretch of golden sand. Those who visit can look forward to striking views across the Irish Sea and of the Snowdonia mountain range. History buffs will also enjoy the beach’s traces of World War II, with remains of interesting war defences still visible.
During the summer months, a narrow gauge heritage miniature railway rubs to the end of the beach and connects to a small ferry, which completes the journey to Barmouth.
Type of beach: Sandy and pebble
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between April – end September on the central third of the beach
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LL38 2DX
Discover more North Wales coastal gems with a cottage to rent in Gwynedd.
Looking for even more beautiful North Wales beaches? Take a look at our best beaches in Wales. Alternatively, browse this collection of North Wales cottages and use our handy North Wales Travel Guide for more holiday inspiration.
Image Credits: Chris Morriss – (CC BY 2.0); Anthony Parkes – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jeff Buck – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jeff Buck – (CC BY-SA 2.0)