7 days ago
Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background
Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background
This popular North Wales beach has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes'
Traeth Llanddwyn at sunset bordered by Newborough Forest
(Image: I Love Colour/Wiki )
We are spoiled for choice for dreamy beaches in Wales. One popular North Wales beach, in particular, has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes' and is a magnet for snap-happy tourists.
Beautiful Traeth Llanddwyn is a blue-flag beach on historic Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) that's part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve and home to one of Wales' most photogenic lighthouses. The area is also rich in birds and wildlife, from wild ponies to red squirrels and even leeches.
It's located in Anglesey, once the sacred heartland of the Druids and the last bastion of the Celts. This ethereal isle remains a land of ancient power, with standing stones, Iron Age forts, and eerie burial chambers scattered throughout.
Here, wildflower-covered fields and Neolithic tombs meet storm-battered cliffs, windswept dunes, and secluded coves waiting to be discovered.
Traeth Llanddwyn is a walkers' favourite
(Image: John Winder/Wiki )
There are also several gorgeous beaches across the isle where you can stroll along sandy shorelines, feast on seafood or take a cold water dip.
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With its impressive sand dunes, legend-filled Traeth Llanddwyn offers magnificent views of Eryri National Park, Caernarfon, and Llyn Peninsula. This romantic beach is included in 'best beaches' lists and is famed for its enchanting tidal island, which has an irresistible allure.
A path leads to the nature reserve at Llanddwyn Island, and the nearby forest has lovely footpaths to traverse. Take a leisurely walk towards the beach, amidst Corsican pines, where red squirrels dart up trees and the sea glints on the horizon, and you might think you've been transported to the west coast of America.
On the Isle, you'll also find a lighthouse called Goleudy Tŵr Mawr, a remarkable Celtic stone cross situated at the heart of the island and Dwynwen's well.
It's believed the well is home to sacred fish who can predict whether couples' relationships will succeed; if the fish are active when visiting the well, it is seen as a sign of a faithful husband.
The photogenic tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn at sunset
(Image: Richard Banton/Wiki )
Besides the well, there is also Crochan Llanddwyn, meaning Llanddwyn's cauldron, a small wishing well that is located in a rabbit warren between Llanddwyn Island and Newborough. According to folklore, if the water of the well boils while visitors are present, love and good luck will follow. Tidy.
This magical isle, with its rugged shoreline and crystal-clear waters, is closely tied to the legend of Saint Dwynwen, Wales' patron saint of lovers, which basically makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.
According to the story, Saint Dwynwen sought solace on this island after a heart-wrenching love story, and the island is a place of both romantic and spiritual significance.
Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey's west coast is home to the church of St Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers
(Image: Portia Jones )
Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and fell in love with a prince named Maelon Dafodrill. Unfortunately, her father, who had 24 daughters, had already arranged for her to marry someone else.
Our gal, Dwynwen, was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, an angel visited Dwynwen, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. Yikes!
God, feeling generous, gave Dwynwen three wishes. Her first wish was that frozen bae Maelon be thawed; her second was that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and her third was that she should never marry.
All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her immense gratuitude, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.
With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular
(Image: Visit Wales/Welsh Government )
With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular. The car park at Traeth Llanddwyn Beach has space for 300 vehicles and is often full shortly after opening.
A viral video of the beach's golden sands racked up more than 1.4 million views on TikTok. It was posted by user Heykeyt, who claimed it was 'hands down the most romantic spot in Wales,' driving a huge number of visitors to the picturesque beach.
On clear sunny days, there are often huge lines of cars along the twisty route leading from Newborough village centre, with jams extending another half-mile on the A4080 towards Pen-lôn. Understandably, frustrating locals.
To avoid the crowds and adding to mass tourism, this beach is best visited in the winter, when fewer tourists traverse the whipping winds and salt-sprayed shores.
If you are visiting in summer, you could go for a sunrise beach walk and beat the morning crowds. Make sure not to leave any rubbish behind or park anywhere that blocks in residents.
Need to know
Location: Llanddwyn, Newborough, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6SG
Parking: New charges for the main car parks came into force on Friday, 23 May. It will now cost £5 to park for up to two hours, and 70p for each additional 20 minutes up to a maximum daily charge of £15.
Tides: Ynys Llanddwyn can be cut off in high tides. Check tide times before starting this route.
Environment: Do not leave rubbish or light fires or BBQs during long spells of dry weather.
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