Abersoch is a trendy seaside village on the Llŷn Peninsula in northwest Wales. It’s known for its sandy beaches, sailing waters, and resident dolphins.
Beautiful Porth Ceiriad beach lies on a remote stretch of coastline on the Llŷn Peninsula(Image: Google)
One of Wales’ premier seaside towns boasts sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour that’s just been named one of the best spots for ice cream in the UK by the Sunday Times.
Situated on the Llŷn Peninsula, or Pen Llŷn, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most charming locations along the Llŷn. This peninsula in northwest Wales is brimming with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches.
It’s about a three and a half hour drive from Birmingham – the perfect spot for a long weekend break.
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Encircled by the crystal clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this area of Wales is a perfect alternative for a holiday abroad, where you’ll find plenty of activities, accommodation and independent restaurants and cafes.
There are remains of Iron Age forts and islands to explore, sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of quaint coastal villages and historic sites to visit.
Dubbed as the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch, on the southern part of the Llŷn, is widely known for its sandy beaches, internationally recognised sailing waters, and small high street filled with trendy bars, restaurants, big brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online.
Visit here on a warm day when the skies are blue and the sea is glistening, and you’ll see why Abersoch draws thousands to this picturesque corner of Gwynedd every summer.
This coastal hideaway is also renowned for its water sports, especially paddleboarding. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot resident dolphins gliding through the clear waters.
The sheltered bay offers ideal conditions for both novice and seasoned paddleboarders, and the village hosts a variety of events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK.
You can reserve a SUP session at Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will guide you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine life and coastal features.
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You’ll receive coaching in the bay and learn proper paddle techniques to boost your confidence and hone your SUP skills so you can leave the water and start spotting dolphins.
Another major attraction of the town is the expansive sandy beach, which the AA previously dubbed one of the ‘best seaside destinations’.
The AA portrayed Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh spot. “The top spot goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also patrolled by lifeguards.There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”
Dophins are regularly spotted in Abersoch(Image: Andy Huddlestone)
Close by is Harbour Beach, a stretch of sand on the River Soch between the harbour and Warren Beach. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, Porth Ceiriad is a secluded beach that can be difficult to locate.
This picturesque location, although near the well-known resort of Abersoch, still remains off the beaten track – a fact welcomed by its regular visitors.
According to North Wales Live, its proximity to Abersoch, combined with the surrounding cliffs, contribute to the challenge of locating this isolated beach. Locals are well aware of the adventure that comes with finding Porth Ceiriad.
Jack Pollitt from Two Islands Ice Cream in Abersoch(Image: Daily Post Wales)
It has earned the nickname “Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour” due to the perplexing case of tourists who disappear after being misled by unreliable Satnav directions and confusing maps.
After exploring Abersoch’s stunning coastline, be sure to visit Two Islands, a small-batch ice cream parlour that has just been named one of the best ice cream spots in Wales. Since opening in 2018, locals and tourists alike have raved about this indulgent ice cream destination, and it has now gained the seal of approval from the Sunday Times.
Their journalists have ranked it among the top places to get a cone, advising readers, “Don’t miss the raspberry ripple.”
This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports,(Image: Daily Post Wales)
This small-batch parlour produces its ice cream on-site, utilising local and natural ingredients, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade produce from SUMA, a co-op that sets the benchmark for fair and equal working conditions. Inspired by their jaunt to ice cream parlours on America’s west coast, this boutique venture is on a mission to whip up rich textures and inventive tastes, infusing the finest local ingredients with a distinctive Welsh spin.
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The enterprise’s bijou but constantly evolving menu is a tribute to seasonal delights, yet they always manage to put an original twist on some much-loved traditional flavours. The Salted Coffee is a hit Two Islands flavour, artfully combining Coaltown espresso with HALEN Môn sea salt, while their mascarpone and blackcurrant consistently shines when featured.
Two Islands champions an eco-conscious approach: “Everything they are involved in – from pod picking to package recycling – is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible.”
Their commitment doesn’t stop there, with their website proudly proclaiming, “We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD,” a fantastic independent outfit honoured with the Queen’s Enterprise Award for sustainability.