Porthdinllaen Beach

Traeth Porthdinllaen (also known as Porthdinllaen Beach) is a gem of the Llŷn Peninsula, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage. This sheltered sandy beach curves around a natural harbor, overlooked by the iconic fishing village of Porthdinllaen, which seems to tumble down the hillside to meet the sea.

The beach itself boasts soft golden sand and clear, calm waters protected by the natural embrace of the headland. This shelter makes it an excellent spot for swimming and paddling, while the deeper waters of the bay are popular with sailors and kayakers. At low tide, the beach extends significantly, revealing extensive sand flats perfect for beach games and walking.

What makes Porthdinllaen truly special is its setting – the beach is part of a National Trust village where cars are prohibited, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. The famous Ty Coch Inn, situated right on the beach, is arguably one of Britain's best-located pubs, offering refreshments with unbeatable views across the bay to Snowdonia.

The village's rich maritime history is evident in the old lifeboat station and the row of former pilots' houses that line the shore. Today, fishing boats still bob in the harbor, adding to the authentic coastal charm. The beach also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, with seals often seen in the bay and seabirds wheeling overhead.

Access is either by foot along the beach from Morfa Nefyn, or via the scenic path through the golf course from the designated car park. While this might seem inconvenient, it helps preserve the tranquil, timeless atmosphere that makes Porthdinllaen Beach so special. The effort of reaching it is more than rewarded by the unique experience of visiting what feels like a perfectly preserved slice of Welsh coastal heritage.