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North Wales has some of the UK’s most varied coastal scenery, with sandy beaches, traditional seaside resorts, fishing villages and historic towns spread along the coastline. From the Victorian promenade in Llandudno to the beaches of Anglesey and the villages of the Llŷn Peninsula, there are plenty of places to explore.
The region is also known for its castles, coastal walking routes and easy access to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a walking break or a few days beside the sea, this guide covers some of the main destinations to consider and what you can expect when visiting.
Llandudno and the Conwy Coast
Llandudno is one of the best-known seaside resorts in North Wales, with a long promenade, Victorian pier and two beaches. North Shore is the main tourist area, with hotels, cafés and shops close to the waterfront. West Shore is quieter, with sandy stretches at low tide and views across the Conwy Estuary.
The Great Orme is one of Llandudno’s main attractions. Visitors can reach the summit on foot, by tramway or by cable car when operating. Marine Drive also follows the headland, providing views towards Anglesey and the surrounding coastline.
For accommodation, our Llandudno coastal cottages include properties near the seafront and within walking distance of the town centre.
Conwy and Colwyn Bay
A short distance from Llandudno, the historic town of Conwy is known for its medieval castle, town walls and harbour. Conwy Castle dates from the 13th century and is one of several castles built during the reign of Edward I. Visitors can walk sections of the town walls, explore the quay and visit the Smallest House in Great Britain.
Further east, Colwyn Bay has a long sandy beach, a promenade and the Porth Eirias waterfront centre. Nearby Rhos-on-Sea has a smaller seaside centre with cafés, shops and a harbour.
The wider Conwy coastline also includes Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan and smaller coastal communities overlooking the Menai Strait.
If you prefer somewhere with a beach close to shops and restaurants, take a look at our holiday cottages in Colwyn Bay.
Exploring the Beaches and Villages of Anglesey
Anglesey is one of the main destinations for coastal holidays in North Wales. The island has sandy beaches, small fishing harbours, sheltered bays and an extensive network of walking routes.
There are several good places to base yourself, depending on whether you want beaches, water sports, historic attractions or quieter coastal villages.
Rhosneigr and the West Coast
Rhosneigr is particularly popular with families and water-sports enthusiasts. The village has two large sandy beaches, Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan, both within easy reach of cafés, restaurants and local shops.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding are popular activities, although conditions vary with the weather and tides. The Anglesey Coast Path also passes through the village, with walks towards Aberffraw and the surrounding bays.
If you’re planning to stay nearby, browse our Rhosneigr beach cottages, with accommodation ranging from smaller holiday homes to larger properties for families and groups.
Beaumaris and the Eastern Coast
Beaumaris is a historic seaside town overlooking the Menai Strait. Its main attraction is Beaumaris Castle, but visitors can also explore the pier, waterfront, independent shops and restaurants.
Boat trips operate from the town, including excursions towards Puffin Island when conditions allow.
The eastern side of Anglesey also has some excellent beaches. Benllech is popular with families thanks to its wide sandy beach and nearby facilities, while Red Wharf Bay provides a large tidal shoreline with coastal walks and places to eat.
For visitors who want to combine beaches with smaller coastal villages, Moelfre and Cemaes Bay are also worth considering.
Our Anglesey holiday homes by the sea cover many of these destinations, including properties overlooking beaches and smaller harbours.
If you’re bringing a pet, our guide to guide to Anglesey coastal holidays with dogs explains where to walk, which villages to visit and what to know about seasonal beach restrictions.
The Llŷn Peninsula: Abersoch, Pwllheli and Coastal Villages
The Llŷn Peninsula extends west from the mainland into the Irish Sea and is one of the main coastal areas within Gwynedd. It has sandy bays, small harbours, fishing villages and sections of the Wales Coast Path.
The southern coastline is particularly popular for beach holidays, with several well-known seaside destinations overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Abersoch and Llanbedrog
Abersoch is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the peninsula. Its sandy beach is sheltered within a broad bay, making it a popular location for sailing, paddleboarding and other water sports.
The village has restaurants, cafés, shops and a choice of places to stay. Nearby Llanbedrog Beach is known for its colourful beach huts and wooded headland, where walking paths provide views across Cardigan Bay.
For visitors who want to be close to these beaches, our Abersoch seaside holiday cottages include accommodation around the village and neighbouring coastline.
Pwllheli and the Western Peninsula
Pwllheli is a larger town with a marina, shops, restaurants and beaches overlooking Cardigan Bay. Its south-facing beach is popular for walking, while the marina provides facilities for sailing and boating.
Further west, the coastline becomes less developed around Nefyn, Morfa Nefyn and Aberdaron. Porthdinllaen, near Morfa Nefyn, has a small sheltered bay and a well-known beachfront pub, while Aberdaron lies close to the western tip of the peninsula.
Visitors looking for accommodation in this part of North Wales can explore our Pwllheli cottages near the coast.
For a wider choice of destinations, the Gwynedd beach cottage collection includes holiday homes across the Llŷn Peninsula and further south towards Harlech and Barmouth.
Harlech, Barmouth and the Southern Gwynedd Coast
Heading south along the coast, the landscape opens into long sandy beaches backed by dunes, with the mountains of Eryri visible inland.
Harlech is best known for its medieval castle, which stands above the town and overlooks the surrounding coastline. Below the town, Harlech Beach stretches for several miles, with extensive dunes and views across Cardigan Bay.
The beach is popular with walkers and families, while the nearby castle provides an alternative activity when the weather is less suitable for the beach.
There are several holiday cottages around Harlech, including properties within reach of the beach and historic town centre.
Barmouth and the Mawddach Estuary
Barmouth is one of the main seaside resorts on this stretch of coast. The town has a wide sandy beach, promenade, harbour, amusement arcades and plenty of places to eat.
One of its best-known landmarks is Barmouth Bridge, which crosses the Mawddach Estuary and carries the Cambrian railway line. The pedestrian route across the bridge offers views towards the mountains and estuary.
Barmouth also provides access to the Mawddach Trail, a mostly level walking and cycling route following a former railway line towards Dolgellau.
If you want a traditional seaside holiday with beaches and activities close together, browse our Barmouth cottages by the sea.
Coastal Walks and Outdoor Activities in North Wales
The Wales Coast Path is one of the best ways to explore the North Wales shoreline. It links beaches, seaside towns, headlands and estuaries, with routes suitable for everything from short walks to full-day hikes.
On Anglesey, the coastal path follows approximately 130 miles of shoreline. Popular sections include the routes around South Stack, Rhoscolyn and Cemaes Bay.
On the mainland, there are walks around the Great Orme, the Llŷn Peninsula and the Mawddach Estuary. Some sections are fairly level, while others involve steep climbs and uneven coastal paths.
For specific routes, distances and places to start, read our guide to coastal walking in Wales, which includes walks around Anglesey and the North Wales mainland.
Away from the coast, Eryri National Park provides opportunities for mountain walks, lake visits and scenic railway journeys. This makes North Wales a good choice for visitors who want to combine beach days with outdoor activities inland.
Which North Wales Beaches Should You Visit?
With so many beaches along the mainland and around Anglesey, the best choice depends on what you want to do.
For traditional seaside facilities, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Barmouth offer promenades, shops and places to eat within easy reach of the shore.
Families looking for sandy beaches might prefer Benllech, Abersoch, Harlech or Rhosneigr. For quieter locations, consider Llanbedrog, Aberdaron or some of the smaller bays around Anglesey.
Our separate guide to the best beaches in North Wales covers individual beaches in more detail, including facilities, access and what each location is particularly good for.
For visitors who would rather avoid the busiest seaside resorts, our article on quiet UK coastal breaks also includes Rhoscolyn and Trearddur Bay on the Isle of Anglesey.
Where to Stay on the North Wales Coast
North Wales has a good range of accommodation, from small cottages in fishing villages to larger holiday homes overlooking sandy bays.
Llandudno and Colwyn Bay are practical choices for visitors who want shops, restaurants and attractions close by. Anglesey offers a choice of smaller seaside communities, while Abersoch and the Llŷn Peninsula are popular for beach holidays and water sports.
Harlech and Barmouth provide access to long beaches, coastal walking routes and the mountains of Eryri.
If you’re planning a holiday in the region, explore our full collection of North Wales cottages by the sea, including beachfront properties, sea view holiday homes and cottages suitable for families, couples and groups.
You can also browse our wider selection of Wales coastal cottages if you’d like to compare destinations along other parts of the Welsh coastline.