Wales is no stranger to stunning beauty shaped in its landscape but anyone who has roots in the country will acknowledge that many of its best sights are often hidden and difficult to reach.
Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages. Big, wide-open beaches with lots of swimming spots have a certain appeal, while seafront beaches with arcades, piers and fish and chip shops offer a totally different kind of experience.
Yet there’s something special about stumbling across a secluded cove. Especially if it has golden sand on a small but perfectly-formed beach embraced by green banks and rugged rocks - which perfectly describes Porth Iago, an idyllic beach tucked between two low headlands on the western side of the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, NorthWalesLive reports.
Read more: The glorious Welsh beach named one of the UK's best which is actually pretty hard to get to
North Wales has more than its fair share of stunning beaches but Porth Iago has an air of seclusion that’s missing from some hotspots. Its twin headlands of Dinas and Graig Ddu turn the beach into a southwest-facing suntrap, making it a perfect spot for swimming. From above you can see how crystal clear the waters are, and from below you’d be hard-pushed not to be tempted by a dip.
Lonely Planet named Porth Iago as the best wild camping beach in Wales, while the Sunday Times called it the Llŷn Peninsula’s “prettiest beach”. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself.
The beach may be hidden but it’s fair to say it’s been discovered. Overlooking the beach is Ty Mawr farm, which lets out its fields for camping. From its elevated position, you can wake up to the stunning views of Porth Iago and the coast, which is why it’s so popular with campers and motorhomes.
The farm also has a car park, reached by a private track through the farm, which you pay to use if you’re visiting for the day. Toilets, bins and showers are provided, along with a food van.
But be aware that the beach itself has no facilities, so come fully prepared. The path down to the sand is very steep. Visitors prepared to pay the overnight charges love staying there. One Notts family described their visit as the “highlight of our entire trip around Wales”.
In June a couple left with extra memories after he went down on bended knee. It's easy to see why the beach is popular for proposals: with endless views to the west showing the setting sun over dappled seas, it’s an utterly romantic place.
The MEN told its readers the Insta-friendly beach was “ well worth the drive from Manchester ”. But as the beach’s popularity continues to grow, visitors need to get organised: Porth Iago’s hook-up pitches are fully booked until the end of September.
For a small charge, you can access the beach from the Wales Coast Path, so it’s a great stop off if you’re exploring the Gwynedd coastline. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but owners should keep them inside their vehicles when driving through the farmyard.
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