These stunning and secluded beaches in Wales are perfect for escaping the summer crowds or visiting on scenic coastal walks in the bracing sea air.
Some of these hidden beaches have leaked into lists ranking the best beaches in Britain and the world, and onto the silver screen as backdrops for Hollywood productions.
1. Fall Bay, Gower
Fall Bay is one of the most challenging beaches to reach in Wales so many will skip this secluded beach on the Gower Peninsula for more accessible bays in the area.
“Fall Bay, Gower” by Visit Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The surrounding limestone cliffs makes it a good spot for coastal walking and scrambling, but be aware of the dangers and book an excursion to be guided under the safety of a local expert.
You can’t miss the nearby view of Worm’s Head and Rhossili Bay as it’s one of the most well known and celebrated coastal views in Wales, so why not enjoy both on a coastal walk from Rhossili to Mewslade Bay.
2. Porth Trecastell, Anglesey
“Porth Trecastell” by Reading Tom is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The island of Anglesey off the mainland of North Wales is home to 27 beaches and coves, one of the most rural being Porth Trecastell (‘Cable Bay’). The sandy beach is named after a telegraph cable that used to run from here to Ireland.
3. Priory Bay, Pembrokeshire | Secluded Beaches in Wales
Inhabited by Cistercian Monks, Caldey Island is famous for its Monastery and chocolate making, but did you know you can also have a day at the beach there too?
Bottom: Lydstep Beach and Caldey Island
You have to take a short boat ride from Tenby to visit Priory Bay, but as numbers will be limited to those who pay for the journey over (and the small island population), it’s likely to be much quieter than Tenby’s golden sands, particularly in the summer holidays.
4. Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire
The secret beach known as Marloes Sands is revealed at low tide in a remote stretch of coastline in Pembrokeshire. The clear blue waters and ship wreck remains at the nearby Albion Sands could be plucked out of a scene in Pirates of The Caribbean.
“Marloes Sands – Pembrokeshire” by dave-pemcoastphotos.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Marloes Sands and many other beaches in Pembrokeshire have actually been used in Hollywood productions, such as Snow White and the Huntsman in 2011.
Related: 10 Places in England and Wales for a rural staycation
5. Scott’s Bay, Carmarthenshire
Scott’s Bay in Carmarthenshire is a highly recommended picnic spot thanks to its secluded location around the coast from Llansteffan’s main beach, pictured below.
“llansteffan castle” by philhearing is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Overlooked by a hilltop castle, Scott’s Bay is one of the most attractive secret beaches in Wales, and yet you’re still within walking distance of a car park and cabin serving fish and chips.
6. Broad Haven South, Pembrokeshire | Secluded Beaches in Wales
Close to Bosherton Lakes and village in Pembrokeshire, Broad Haven South is a wide sandy bay at low tide with epic rock formations to discover including Church Rock.
“Broad Haven South beach, Pembrokeshire” by interbeat is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Checking the tide times before visiting is advised, and if you like taking a leisurely swim it may be wise to explore other beaches in Wales as Broad Haven South has particularly strong currents.
7. Porth Ceiriad, Llyn Peninsula
You probably haven’t heard of Porth Ceiriad unless you’re into water sports, but this protected spot on the Lyn Peninsula is ideal for summer sun worshippers too.
Bottom: View of Llyn Peninsula from Harlech Beach
Porth Ceiriad neighbours Neigwl Beach which is known as ‘Hell’s Mouth‘, particularly by surfers who flock to this area year after year.
8. Whiteford Beach, Gower
The north western shoreline of the Gower Peninsula is more sparsely populated than the bays along the south closer to Swansea – but even some of those can be quiet on a summer’s day, like Three Cliff’s Bay (pictured below).
Perhaps the most isolated is Whiteford Beach which lines a nature reserve on a narrow strip of land brimming with wildlife. If you enjoy birdwatching pack your binoculars and discover the local biodiversity on a walk around Cwm Ivy salt marsh.
9. Porth Iago, Llyn Peninsula | Secluded Beaches in Wales
This pocket of golden sand rests deep within two green headlands on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales.
“Deserted Porth Iago” by Chris Morriss is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Though it may not be the easiest to reach on foot, visitors to Porth Iago are rewarded with a little slice of paradise, particularly when the summer sun is shining.
10. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
It’s easy to see why Barafundle Bay has appeared in lists ranking the best beaches in Britain and the world.
“Barafundle Bay & the Stackpole Estate” by rhedeg is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Powdery sand gently sinks into the clear blue sea at this picture perfect beach in Pembrokeshire. If you could substitute the bushy green Welsh hills for palm trees you could easily mistake this secluded beach in Wales for a far-flung tropical island.
Wales has some fabulous beaches to visit.