This seaside village has sandy beaches, dolphins and one of Wales' best ice creams
Come here on a balmy day when the skies are blue, and the sea is sparkling, and you'll see why Abersoch attracts thousands of visitors
Located on the dreamy Llŷn Peninsula, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most lovely spots along the Llŷn.
(Image: Gascoigne Halman )
One of Wales' top seaside towns has sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a swish ice cream parlour that's just been named one of the best places for ice cream in the UK by the Sunday Times.
Located on the Llŷn Peninsula, or Pen Llŷn, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most lovely spots along the Llŷn. This peninsula in northwest Wales is packed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dreamy beaches.
Surrounded by the sparkling 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 indie restaurants and cafes.
There are remains of Iron Age forts and islands to discover, sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of cute coastal villages and historic sites to visit.
Known 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.
Come here on a balmy day when the skies are blue and the sea is sparkling, and you'll see why Abersoch attracts thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd every summer.
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This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports, especially paddleboarding. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of resident dolphins slicing through the clear waters.
This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports,
(Image: Daily Post Wales )
The sheltered bay provides perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders, and the village hosts several events and competitions throughout the year, attracting enthusiasts from all over the UK.
You can book a SUP session at Abersoch Watersports, where expert instructors will guide you around the beautiful coastline, pointing out marine life and coastal features.
New to paddleboarding? You can dive into the #SUP life and learn to paddleboard with their ISA-qualified instructors using the top-of-the-range Red Paddle Co paddleboards.
You'll be coached in the bay and learn correct paddle techniques to build confidence and develop your SUP skills so you can get out of the water and start looking for dolphins.
Dophins are regularly spotted in Abersoch
(Image: Andy Huddlestone )
One of the town's other main draws is the large sandy beach, which the AA previously named one of the 'best seaside destinations'.
The AA described Abersoch Beach as a picturesque Welsh location. "The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards.
There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre."
Nearby is Harbour Beach, a strip of sand on the River Soch between the harbour and Warren Beach. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Porth Ceiriad is a secluded beach that can be tricky to find
Despite being near popular Abersoch, this idyllic spot remains less frequented, a fact that regulars undoubtedly appreciate.
As reported by North Wales Live, its deceptive closeness to Abersoch and the enveloping cliffs add to the mystery of finding this secluded beach.
The adventure of discovering Porth Ceiriad is well-known locally. It earned the moniker of the "Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour" because of the curious case of disappearing tourists led astray by unreliable Satnav directions and confounding maps.
Beautiful Porth Ceiriad beach lies on a remote stretch of coastline on the Llŷn Peninsula
(Image: Google )
After exploring Abersoch's dreamy beaches and coastline, make sure to go for ice cream at Two Islands, a small-batch ice cream parlour that's just been named one of the best places for ice cream in Wales.
Locals and tourists have been raving about this lush ice cream spot since it opened in 2018, and the Sunday Times has now given it its seal of approval. Their Journalists named it one of the top spots for a cone and urged readers, "Don't miss the raspberry ripple."
This small-batch ice cream parlour makes the ice cream on-site using local and natural ingredients, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade produce from SUMA, a co-op that sets the standard for fair and equal working conditions.
Inspired by their trip to parlours on the west coast of the USA, the small business aims to create rich textures and original flavours using the best produce with a Welsh twist. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Jack Pollitt from Two Islands Ice Cream in Abersoch
(Image: Daily Post Wales )
Their small but ever-changing menu focuses on seasonality, but you will always find their unique take on a few of the classics. Salted Coffee is a favourite Two Islands Flavour, with a distinctive blend of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while marscapone and blackcurrant is a standout choice when it graces the menu.
Two islands also have an eco-friendly ethos: "Everything they are involved in - from pod picking to package recycling - is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible."
"We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD," their website states, "an amazing independent company that has been awarded the Queen's Enterprise Award in sustainability."
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