The 23 best beaches in Wales for a summer staycation

Often voted among the top sands in Britain, Europe and even the world, the best beaches in Wales are worth considering for a coastal staycation and we've rounded up 23 of the loveliest stretches for you to visit this summer.

A perfect alternative to the beaches of Cornwall or Norfolk, the best beaches in Wales offer glorious sand, epic scenery and many welcome dogs so you can take the whole gang along.

Of course, you'll want to spend longer than a day trip soaking up the sea views and relaxing in these incredible locations so we've brought you the top holiday cottages to book on or near the beach, too.

When it comes to the best beaches in Wales, Barafundle, Rhossili and Tenby are among the most beautiful spots that regular feature in the world's top 20 lists.

With miles of superb coastline, there are countless sandy stretches to choose from, whether you're after the best beaches in North Wales or the most beautiful strips in the south.

From Pembrokeshire to Conwy and Gwynedd to Carmarthenshire, here's where to go to experience Wales' best beaches in 2022 and the places to stay nearby with the likes of Airbnb, VRBO and Holidaycottages.co.uk.

Sheltered from prevailing winds and backed by sand dunes, Freshwater East Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales for all. Its dunes are known as the Burrows and are grazed by ponies in the winter. It's a very popular beach with families and children who can enjoy hunting for fossils and paddling in the stream that runs into the sea. The beach is also a great spot for sailing, fishing and windsurfing.

Where to stay: Annwyl is a charming beach chalet sleeping four people in a small holiday park opposite the coast. There's an open-plan lounge and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms and space for families to relax over dinner or a game of cards.

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A large and tranquil beach with views across the River Towy to Ferryside, Llansteffan is a well-kept secret and offers soft sand to sit on and firm sand for building sandcastles. Use Llansteffan Castle, which looms above the beach, as your inspiration for building an epic sandcastle in this family-friendly location. The beach is covered with cockle shells and the rock pools are full of life, perfect for exploring with little ones.

Where to stay: You can book a stay at Cockleshell, a four-bedroom holiday cottage beneath the ancient castles and overlooking the swirling sea. The interior is stylish, with a contemporary kitchen and furnishings.

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This huge, peaceful beach is overlooked by mighty Harlech Castle, a World Heritage Site. A 440-metre path from the car park takes you to the beautiful sand dunes of Harlech Beach. A National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, the beach is ideal for children to play and adults to sit back and relax. You'll find a shop, café and the Royal St David’s Golf Club, one of Britain’s finest links courses, nearby.

Where to stay: Branwen, part of Harlech Apartments, is an apartment for two people offering impressive views of Harlech Castle. Inside, it's stylish and the perfect spot for people watching.

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It’s a fabulous beach in Wales and home to the Afon Saith stream, which cascades over the cliff at the right-hand end it, Tresaith is a sandy stretch popular for sailing, surfing and rock pooling. There's a cafe, a bucket-and-spade outlet and the Ship Inn, which serves up pub food and craft beers from the Brains brewery.

Where to stay: Splash out on a stay at amazing Ty Dolffin, a five-bedroom house with sea views. There's a cinema, a pretty garden for alfresco feasts and huge windows to admire the location.

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Looking for the best beach in North Wales? Llandudno's North Shore Beach is the seaside resort's most famous stretch, with its Victorian pier and wide promenade, but if you're after something without the crowds, head for West Shore Beach. Backed by dunes and showing off Llandudno's quieter side, this stunning Blue Flag beach offers a large expanse of sands and is famous for its sunsets.

Where to stay: Make it a group getaway and check into a 10-person townhouse, with sea views and a hot tub to enjoy. This glam property also allows one dog for a pet-friendly break near one of the best beaches in Wales.

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For the best beaches in South Wales, look no further than picturesque Tenby and the harbour town's North Beach. The unrivalled coastal spot is one of the most photographed locations in Wales thanks to its superb sand and Goscar Rock sticking out of the middle of it. A sun trap even on windy days, it has a Blue Flag for its water quality and is overlooked by the town of Tenby.

Where to stay: For a seriously impressive holiday cottage that sits right on North Beach, this modern apartment sleeps six and offers incredible views from various spaces.

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Said to be a favourite spot of Catherine Zeta Jones, who owns a home overlooking the Mumbles' lighthouse with husband Michael Douglas, Bracelet Bay is one of Wales' most breathtaking beaches. There's a rocky shore, rock pools, a cave and a fossilised coral reef to explore while here. The beach boasts Blue Flag status and a seaside award – and is said to be where you can find some of the tastiest ice cream in the country.

Where to stay: Sea Mist Lodge, just a few minutes' walk away in Limeslade Bay, is a two-bedroom chalet with a hot tub, modern kitchen and enough space for four guests to base themselves during a seaside escape.

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This cliff-backed beach is another Tenby stretch that needs mentioning. Castle Beach can completely disappear at high tide but at low tide, it's an absolute delight. The smallest of Tenby's three sandy beaches, it's just 150m wide and the cove is as scenic as they come, with the ancient ruins of Tenby Castle above it. Previously named the best beach in the UK, this one should be high on your list.

Where to stay: Try this lovely cottage that sits just a few minutes' walk away from Castle Beach, which sleeps six and offers a cosy home from home.

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The very popular sandy beach of Saundersfoot is a favourite destination for families and has shallow water, ideal for swimming. A small seaside resort between Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot has a charm and character of its own. There's a busy harbour at the south end and a number of cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants nearby and along the beachfront.

Where to stay: Just a few metres from the beach is a two-person cottage (plus one dog allowed) for a romantic seaside escape in Wales. The detached cottage has pubs, restaurants and shops all within walking distance, plus plenty of lovely coastal trails to try.

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For something sleek and stylish, try this nine-person beach house with a hot tub.

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A former a smuggler's haunt, Llangrannog is now a family-friendly sheltered sandy cove at the mouth of a narrow valley. There's another beach that you can walk round to at low tide and for walkers, a wonderful circular walk that can be followed around the headland of Ynys Lochtyn. You'll find traditional pub food overlooking the sea and home-made ice cream at the beach cafe, too.

Where to stay: Airbnb has a six-bedroom cottage just 100 yards from Llangrannog Beach. It has a cosy living and dining space, bunk beds for younger guests and a terraced garden area with amazing views at the back of the rental.

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Sand dunes, mountains and a micro-climate, this glorious beach has it all. Located at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, in the south west corner of the Snowdonia National Park, Barmouth is another of the best beaches in North Wales to have on your list. There are often large waves that make it ideal for surfing and the sprawling beach never feels crowded, even during the busier months.

Where to stay: Take in the views from a lovely Georgian apartment that's close to the beach, harbour and restaurants. This one sleeps four and has everything you need for a beach break to Barmouth.

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A regular on the 'best beach' lists, Barafundle Bay offers all the wow factor you want from a trip to the seaside. It's backed by dunes and pine trees, with swathes of golden sand. It's often compared to beaches in the Caribbean and is pristine thanks to its isolated location. The Pembrokeshire beach has no facilities and parking is a half a mile walk over cliffs but it's worth it for taking all of this in.

Where to stay: Just a 10-minute drive from Barafundle Bay and close to another terrific Welsh Beach, Freshwater East, this cottage is homely, sleeps four and ideal for small families.

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This seven-mile stretch of golden sand is the perfect spot for sunbathing, collecting shells and swimming. You'll find rock pools, dramatic walks along the Wales Coast Path and plenty of spots to lay your picnic blanket for an alfresco feast. It's also where Sir Malcolm Campbell set the world land speed record in the 1920s.

Where to stay: Cliff Haven is a two-bedroom apartment with a large balcony overlooking Pendine Sands. It's close to the beach, village pubs and restaurants, and offers all the modern essentials needed for a self-catering beach break.

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A wide expanse of fine white sand with Blue Flag status, this glorious Pembrokeshire beach is one of the best surfing spots in the country. At the north end of Whitesands, there’s a rocky promontory to climb on and the quieter south end offers lovely sheltered bays.

Where to stay: Wdig Farmhouse sleeps six people in the restored Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse. It's just a short walk from the beach, with white panel floors and beams, a modern white-washed kitchen and an adjacent dining room conservatory.

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No stranger to the best beaches in Wales lists, Rhossili Bay is three miles of dreamy sand and coastline on the Gower Peninsula that everyone, from walkers to watersports fans can appreciate. It's been voted the best beach in Britain and one of the 10 best in the world previously and never fails to impress, with its dramatic views and dog-friendliness. There's a steep walk down to it, which makes it unsuitable for pushchairs.

Where to stay: Go for something unlike anywhere else and check into Bunkershill, an amazing property for a group of 12 people. It has glorious grounds with ponds, generous bedrooms and views over Mewslade Valley, the sea and Devon in the distance. It's also a 25-minute walk to Rhossili Bay.

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Or experience the best of Gower from a cottage that sleeps six in Port Eynon, just 15 minutes away by car.

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A hidden gem on the western edge of Pembrokeshire, Marloes Sands is a wide, curved National Trust beach with amazing scenery and wildlife to explore. There's safe swimming and lovely coastal walks that start from the car park, plus you'll want to look out for seals and seabirds. The unique beach has sandstones and volcanic rocks for some of the most impressive geology around.

Where to stay: A short drive from Marloes Sands is a four-bedroom house that sleeps six people. It's close to the coast and a walk to the village pub.

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A gorgeous National Trust beach, Penbryn is one of the best beaches in Wales for its golden sand. It's almost a mile long and when the tide is low you can explore a cave at the right hand side. At very low tide there is a quiet beach you can access from the headland, but be sure to check the tide tables as there's no other way to leave the sandy cove.

Where to stay: The Granary Cottage is a stone cottage near the quaint village of Llangrannog near to Cardigan and offers stunning views of the sea. There's one bedroom, making it ideal for a solo or couples' escape.

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Wildlife lovers will adore this beach, where you can often see dolphins from its sand. Mwnt is one of the best beaches in Wales for spending long days in the sun as a family. A picturesque sheltered cove, the Wales Coast Path is on the cliffs above for walkers to take in the jaw-dropping views.

Where to stay: Less than two miles from breathtaking Mwnt Beach is a spacious holiday cottage that has room for seven guests. Part of a cottage complex, it's a cosy spot that's close to four beautiful beaches.

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This superb cove on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is overlooked by a 12th-century castle. It's popular for surfing and watersports, but great for rockpooling with the kids, too. There's disabled access and dogs are welcome at Manorbier Bay if you're looking for a pet-friendly holiday on one of Wales' best beaches.

Where to stay: Check into the unusual Sea Shed in the village of Manorbier for a quirky romantic break. The rental for two is just a five-minute walk to the sea and has an outdoor shower overlooking the woodland, a freestanding bath tub and outdoor seating.

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One of the best beaches in North Wales, Porth Iago boasts clear, turquoise waters, making it a delightful spot for swimming. One of Wales' more 'secret' sands, it's a must-visit on the Llyn Peninsula. There's an ancient hill fort lookout that overlooks the beach and the rocks on its north side are great for fishing, with bass known to be caught here.

Where to stay: A peaceful cottage around a 13-minute drive away in Anelog, this cute rural rental is great for couples, families or a group of friends. It sleeps five and there's plenty of character and countryside views.

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Looking for a gorgeous beach in South Wales? Named after the three cliffs which frame it, Three Cliffs Bay is on the incredible Gower Peninsula and the perfect place for a dog-friendly staycation. You'll need to hike around a mile along the clifftops to reach its sands from the car park but the limited access means you won't find crowds on this spectacular stretch.

Where to stay: Two kilometres from Three Cliffs Bay, this cottage on the outskirts of the village of Southgate is a family-friendly rental for five people in three bedrooms. There's easy access to the coastal path and the village has a shop, local pub and cafe.

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This small beach is famous for its dark sand full of tiny fossils and its Blue Lagoon - a former slate quarry that is now a popular spot for diving, coasteering and other activities. Abereiddy has strong currents but there's plenty of beach to play on - just check the tide times so you don't get cut off by the incoming tide.

Where to stay: Caldey Cottage is a three-bedroom rental situated just outside the village of Porthgain. It's less than a 10-minute drive to Abereiddy and the Blue Lagoon, while offering a comfortable space for families to return to after days out.

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