Beaches near Pwllheli, nearest first

The beach on The Cwtch’s doorstep is Pwllheli’s South Beach: a long, open shore backed by dunes and marram grass, with a wooden boardwalk down onto the sand. It’s the beach in most of our photos.

Go first thing for an empty shore, or in the evening, when on a clear day the sun sets over the sea.

• Follow the shore and you’re on the Wales Coast Path; see our walks from the door.
• The waterline is pebbly in places, so beach shoes are handy for a swim.
• There’s no washing machine at The Cwtch, so bring a bag for sandy towels. There’s a launderette nearby in town.

On the other side of the harbour, past the marina, Glan y Don is a long sweep of sand running east towards Abererch. It’s Pwllheli’s other beach, and a good one for a long, quiet walk.

• Pair it with a wander round the marina on the way.

A sheltered, sandy beach below a wooded headland, with a row of colourful beach huts along the back. Calm water makes it a favourite for paddling and swimming.

• The art gallery at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is just up from the beach, if the weather turns.
• Feeling energetic? Walk there along the coast path, roughly 4 miles from the door, and catch a bus back.

A big, family-friendly stretch of sand looking out across the bay, lively with dinghies and paddleboards in summer. The village behind it has cafés and shops for when you’ve had enough sun.

• On hot summer days, go early: it’s one of the busiest beaches on Llŷn.

Two beaches either side of a headland crowned by a medieval castle. A small-town seafront for a stroll, an ice cream and a look up at the ruins.

• Make a day of it: see Criccieth in our days out guide.

A long, wild arc of sand facing the open sea, popular with surfers. Big skies, big waves and plenty of room to walk.

• Currents here can be strong. Swim only when the sea is calm and you’re confident, and check for lifeguard cover before you go in.

A tiny fishing hamlet on a curve of sand below a headland on the north coast of Llŷn, with the Tŷ Coch Inn right on the beach. You can’t drive down: park at the National Trust car park at Morfa Nefyn and walk.

• Wear proper shoes for the walk, and check the tide if you plan to walk back along the sand.

A huge, flat beach near Porthmadog, with rock pools and small caves under the headland at one end. Room for everyone, even on a busy day.

A small cove near Aberdaron where, on a dry day, the sand squeaks under your feet. Combine it with a trip to the tip of Llŷn.

• See Aberdaron in our days out guide.

• Check the tide times. Some beaches shrink to almost nothing at high tide, and some walks cross the sand.
• Rules for dogs vary from beach to beach and through the year, so look for the signs at each one.
• Lifeguards cover some beaches in summer only. If in doubt, stay in your depth.
• Take your litter home, and keep off the dunes where they’re fenced: the marram grass holds them together.