13 Beaches in Wales That Are Just as Good as Those in Spain

Along the Llŷn Peninsula lies Porthdinllaen, a picturesque fishing village overlooking calm waters. A far better alternative than the overly commercial Costa de la Sol, this sleepy seaside village is the ultimate place to escape the crowds. Pull up a chair at the Ty Coch Inn, and dig into their fish and chips while you take in the view.

Tenby is full of beautiful beaches, but if you're looking for that postcard moment, you'll find it at Tenby Harbour Beach. Located in west Wales, the pretty seaside town overlooking the harbour is full of coloured buildings while the harbour itself is full cute old boats. With clear blue water and golden sand, everywhere you look, it's pure beauty. Head to North or South Beach if you're more interested in swimming or sunbathing.

Barafundle Bay in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has been voted one of the best beaches in Britain (and the world!) time and time again and for good reason. Surrounded by greenery, its sparkly blue waters rival those in Majorca, and its remote location means it's never overly crowded.

The coast of the Lleyn Peninsula — located in north-west Wales — is a protected "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty", and it's not hard to see way. Porth Iago, in particular, is a great example of the area's picturesque clear waters and fine, white sands, which in this case is tucked within a cove between two cliffs that jut into the sea. Enjoy a day of sunbathing and water sports, and then if you'd like, wild-camp at night — as long as you pay the honesty-box fee (which you will see as you pass the farm).

Located along the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Beach is only 30 minutes from Swansea. But this is anything but a city beach, beating out Barcelona's beach by a mile (literally). A hotspot for walkers and watersports, this three-mile stretch of golden sand is hands down one of Wales's best beaches and also one of the most dog-friendly. A total must if you haven't been.

Llanddwyn Island is no Ibiza, but it definitely has its own charm — namely its somewhat secret beach coves. Being a tidal island, you can only get to Llanddwyn Island by foot during low tide (when it's not actually an island), but once you're there, you can easily explore it within an hour or so. Each cove is as cute as the next, but we like the small beach next to Tŵr Mawr lighthouse best.

Located on Anglesey island off the north-west coat of Wales, Aberffraw, e.g. Treath Mawr (which means Big Beach) is known for being one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the UK. It's also ideal for long, scenic walks. Backed by extensive low sand dunes, the beach feels like it stretches for miles and miles, and you have access to the Anglesey Coast Path, which runs from the beach in both directions.

Another beach located on the island of Anglesey, Porth Wen beach is a hidden gem on the north coast that brings to mind ruin-speckled beaches along the Aegean Coast. Dramatic rock formations and the remains of an abandoned brickworks provide a lot to explore — both on land and in the water — and spectacular photos ops.

Boasting views of Snowdonia National Park mountains to the east, there's always a lot going on at Dinas Dinlee in north-west Wales. From jet-skiing and snorkelling to windsurfing and fishing, there's space for everyone — even those of us who just prefer to grab a book and lie on the beach. BYO picnic and stay all day.

Known for its waves, Hell's Mouth is a surfer's paradise. But that doesn't mean it's only for those who want to catch some waves. Not to be confused with Hell's Mouth in Cornwall, this four-mile beach is particularly stunning at sunrise and sundown. Head down a long the coastal path for seriously Instagram-worthy views.

If you're in Wales, Mwnt is an absolute must. Slightly off the beaten track, this secluded beach in Ceredigion offers a backdrop of cliffs and parklands and is particularly popular with locals. With a tropical island feel (yes, really) and plenty of dolphin spotting opportunities, once you throw your towel down, you'll never want to leave.

Fans of TV's Doctor Who may recognise this long, rocky beach as "Bad Wolf Bay," where Rose and The Doctor said their final goodbyes. It also stood in for alien landscapes in various episodes. Backed by dramatic cliffs, this is perfect for keen walkers who love the dramatic scenery.

One of Wales's top surfing locations, Freshwater West is the place to head if you're serious about riding the waves. It's also been used as a filming location. Ridley Scott's Robin Hood crew once took over the beach, and in the final two Harry Potter films, Shell Cottage was constructed here, ready for some emotional scenes starring Dobby the house elf.