Anglesey Beach Guide: the best beaches for swimming, walking and watersports

Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is one of the UK’s most rewarding beach destinations. Fringed by more than 125 miles of coastline, the island offers an extraordinary mix of wide sandy bays, sheltered coves, tidal estuaries and wild, walk-in beaches. What sets Anglesey apart is variety: family-friendly sands with cafés and lifeguards sit within easy reach of quieter beaches shaped by tide, weather and space.

This complete Anglesey beach guide brings together the island’s best beaches with the practical detail people actually search for — including parking, facilities, dog rules, food nearby and swimming safety — so you can choose the right beach for the day and the conditions.

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How to use this guide

Each beach below includes:

• Why go – what makes it special

• Swimming / SUP – suitability and safety notes

• Parking – where to leave the car

• Dogs – key restrictions

• Food nearby – cafés, pubs or kiosks

• Facilities – toilets and essentials

Map of Anglesey’s Beaches

West coast beaches

1. Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Why go: A huge sandy expanse backed by pine forest and dunes, with the iconic tidal coves of Llanddwyn Island just offshore.
Swimming & SUP: Calm coves near the island are magical in settled weather (no lifeguards).
Parking: Newborough Forest car park, LL61 6SG (charges apply).
Dogs: Seasonal restrictions – dogs banned west of the car park May–September.
Food nearby: Snack van in the car park; Red Squirrel Café and White Lion pub in Newborough village.
Facilities: Toilets at the car park.

From here you can also walk out to Llanddwyn Island – check our route here

👉 “Newborough’s calm waters and pine-backed sands make it a dream for paddleboarding. Glide out with the Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6”, a great all-round SUP. 

2. Malltraeth Sands

Why go: Vast, wild sands with big skies and views towards Snowdonia.
Swimming: Not recommended – strong tidal currents.
Parking: Slipway car park, LL62 5AS (free).
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Riverside Arts & Crafts Café.
Facilities: None.

👉 Great for long walks and wildlife watching—pack binoculars and a waterproof picnic blanket for a full day out.

3. Traeth Mawr, Aberffraw

Why go: A wild, scenic beach reached via a short estuary walk, with a strong sense of space.
Swimming: Possible away from the estuary mouth in calm conditions.
Parking: Off the A4080, LL63 5AJ.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Llys Llewelyn Cegin Bar.
Facilities: Café toilets only.

👉 A wild beach for walkers and wild swimmers. A Changing Robe or quick-dry towel makes this remote spot much more comfortable.

4. Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay)

Why go: A sheltered golden bay framed by headlands, ideal for families and snorkelling.
Swimming & snorkelling: Yes – calm, clear entry.
Parking: Beach car park, LL63 5YN.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Cafés in Aberffraw and Rhosneigr.
Facilities: None.

👉 A snorkeller’s paradise—bring a quality snorkel set and reef-safe sunscreen.  

Porth Trecastell is also a great beach for paddleboarding – check out our SUP Guide to Anglesey for paddling details.

5. Traeth Crigyll, Rhosneigr

Why go: A lively, family-friendly watersports beach.
Swimming: Yes – avoid the estuary mouth.
Parking: Pay & display, LL64 5UJ.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Café Notos.
Facilities: Toilets in village cafés.

Holy Island beaches

6. Silver Bay

Why go: A secluded crescent of sand reached on foot via the coastal path.
Swimming: Yes, no lifeguards.
Parking: Use Rhoscolyn Beach car park.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Rhoscolyn kiosk or White Eagle pub.
Facilities: None.

7. Rhoscolyn Beach (Borth Wen)

Why go: Sheltered family bay with gentle sands and rockpools.
Swimming: Popular and generally calm.
Parking: Car park, LL65 2SJ.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: White Eagle pub.
Facilities: Toilets available.

8. Trearddur Bay

Why go: One of Anglesey’s most popular beaches — big, sandy and buzzing.
Swimming: Designated safe area with seasonal lifeguards.
Parking: Fron Tywyn car park, LL65 2UL.
Dogs: Partial restrictions May–September.
Food nearby: Sea Shanty Café.
Facilities: Toilets available.

9. Porth Dafarch

Why go: Quieter than Trearddur, with sheltered sands and easy SUP launches.
Swimming & SUP: Good in calm conditions.
Parking: Roadside, LL65 2LR.
Dogs: No dogs May–September.
Food nearby: Paddlers Return pub.
Facilities: Toilets March–September.

10. Church Bay (Porth Swtan)

Why go: A beautiful cliff-backed bay with superb rockpooling.
Swimming: Popular wild swim spot.
Parking: Beach car park, LL65 4PA.
Dogs: Partial restrictions May–September.
Food nearby: The Lobster Pot restaurant.
Facilities: Toilets available.

North coast beaches

11. Cemaes Bay

Why go: Classic seaside bay with harbour views.
Swimming: Yes – generally safe sandy bay.
Parking: Traeth Mawr car park, LL67 0NP.
Dogs: Restrictions on south end May–September.
Food nearby: Bell y Gloch Café.
Facilities: Toilets available.

12. Porth Padrig

Why go: Secluded cove with the striking White Lady quartz sea stack.
Swimming: Yes, no lifeguard.
Parking: Llanbadrig Church car park.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Cemaes village cafés.
Facilities: None.

13. Porth Eilian (Point Lynas)

Why go: Clear water, lighthouse views and snorkelling potential.
Swimming: Yes.
Parking: Free car park at Llaneilian.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Cabin-y-cei.
Facilities: Toilets available.

14. Traeth Dulas

Why go: Remote estuary beach, excellent for walking and birdlife.
Swimming: Not recommended – strong currents.
Parking: Free, LL70 9DJ.
Dogs: Yes.
Facilities: None.

15. Traeth yr Ora

Why go: Hidden, wild beach accessed only on foot via the Coast Path.
Swimming: Not recommended.
Parking: Use Traeth Dulas or Traeth Lligwy.
Dogs: Yes.
Facilities: None.

East coast beaches

16. Traeth Lligwy

Why go: Large sandy beach popular for watersports and Coast Path walks.
Swimming: Yes near main beach.
Parking: Car park, LL72 8NL.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Ann’s Pantry, Coastal Café.
Facilities: Toilets available.

17. Benllech Beach

Why go: Blue Flag favourite with golden sands and easy access.
Swimming: Lifeguards in summer.
Parking: Beach Road car park, LL74 8QE.
Dogs: Restrictions May–September.
Food nearby: The Bay Café.
Facilities: Toilets available.

18. Red Wharf Bay

Why go: Vast bay with dunes, birdlife and AONB status.
Swimming: Yes, no lifeguard.
Parking: Car park, LL75 8RJ.
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: The Ship Inn, Old Boathouse Café.
Facilities: Toilets available.

19. Llanddona Beach

Why go: Quieter than Red Wharf with a natural setting.
Swimming: Popular wild swim beach.
Parking: Car park, LL58 8AQ.
Dogs: Restrictions at west end May–September.
Facilities: Toilets available.

20. White Beach (Traeth Gwyn)

Why go: Remote pebble cove with turquoise water.
Swimming: Yes in calm conditions.
Parking: Small car park near Llangoed.
Dogs: Yes.
Facilities: None.

21. Penmon Point

Why go: Lighthouse views, Puffin Island backdrop and wildlife.
Swimming: Not recommended – strong currents.
Parking: Toll road (£).
Dogs: Yes.
Food nearby: Pilot House Café.
Facilities: Toilets for café customers.

Best Anglesey Beaches by Category

🏖 What to Pack for Your Anglesey Beach Adventure

Anglesey’s coastline has everything from calm SUP coves to wild swimming bays, snorkelling spots, and family-friendly sands. To make the most of your trip, here’s the essential kit to bring — tested, trusted, and beach-ready.

🏄 Paddleboards & Watersports

• Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6” – The ultimate all-round inflatable SUP. Stable, durable, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers at Newborough, Trearddur, or Porth Dafarch.

• Red Paddle Co Compact 9’6” – Packs down small for hidden gems like Silver Bay or Traeth yr Ora that need a walk-in.

🏊 Swim & Snorkel

• Alpkit Terrapin Swim Wetsuit – Keeps you warm for wild swims at Newborough or Llanddona.

• Tow Float + Waterproof Phone Case – Safety first when sea swimming at Benllech or Church Bay.

• Cressi Snorkel Set – Perfect for spotting marine life at Cable Bay.

🌞 Beach Day Essentials

• Pop-up UV Shelter (Coleman) – Family must-have for Benllech, Trearddur, or Cemaes.

• Changing Robe – Stay warm after cold-water dips at Traeth Mawr or White Beach.

• Sand-Proof Picnic Blanket – Keeps things comfortable on long beach days.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protects both your skin and Anglesey’s marine life.

• Walk/swim Sandals (Keen) – Perfect for walking and wearing in the water.

🚶 Adventure & Photography

• GoPro Hero Action Camera – Capture paddleboarding or snorkelling adventures.

• Waterproof Dry Bag – Carry snacks, camera, and phone safely while paddling.

• Binoculars (Nikon Monarch) – Essential for Puffin Island views from Penmon Point.

Final Thoughts

Anglesey offers an unbeatable variety of beaches—wild coves for explorers, sweeping family sands, foodie stops for seafood lovers, and safe bays for SUP and wild swimming. Whether you want the postcard views of Llanddwyn, the seafood of Church Bay, or the bustle of Trearddur, this island’s coastline guarantees unforgettable days out.

👉 Pack your beach gear, pick your spot from the guide above, and get ready to explore the very best of Anglesey’s beaches.

To plan your full Anglesey holiday check our “Anglesey Accommodation” and “Travel Planning” guides.

You may find our other blogs helpful too:

The Ultimate Guide to Paddleboarding in Anglesey: Top Spots, Tips and Pit Stops

Where to Stay in Anglesey | Wild Camping to Luxury Coastal Stays

Best Walks in Anglesey – 10 Stunning Anglesey Walks with Maps and Tips

Anglesey