Porth Dafarch
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Porth Dafarch

4.8
Β·712 reviewsΒ·, United Kingdom

A stunning, sheltered sandy cove on Anglesey's Holy Island, offering clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Quieter parking & calmer seas

CrowdLow
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Porth Dafarch

Porth Dafarch

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Quieter parking & calmer seas

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning, sheltered sandy cove on Anglesey's Holy Island, offering clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery. InstagramReddit

4.8
(712 reviews)

"It reminded me of Cornish beaches, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. You could almost imagine you were abroad!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Free Parking Alert!

Free parking is available on the road, but spots fill quickly. Arrive early!

πŸ” Delicious Beach Bites

Don't miss the 'Licensed to Grill' burger van for heavenly surf and turf!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Porth Dafarch Beach

Porth Dafarch Beach

Holy Island, Anglesey

A stunning sandy cove with clear waters, reminiscent of Cornwall or even the Mediterranean. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

InstagramReddit
Coastal Path Walks

Coastal Path Walks

Surrounding Cliffs

Explore breathtaking cliffside trails offering panoramic sea views and dramatic wave action.

InstagramReddit
Coasteering Adventures

Coasteering Adventures

Porth Dafarch Launch Point

Experience thrilling jumps and exploration along the rugged coastline.

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Ancient Settlement

Ancient Settlement

Near Porth Dafarch

Discover remnants of Iron Age hut circles and ancient dwellings, offering a glimpse into history.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Porth Dafarch

Arrive early, especially on sunny days, as parking fills up fast. Consider visiting on a weekday or outside peak season for a more tranquil experience. The beach can get breezy, so pack layers! Reddit

Essential Beach Day Prep

Porth Dafarch offers toilets and a water fountain, with an ice cream van often present. RNLI lifeguards patrol in summer. Remember to check tide times for optimal swimming or watersports. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Quieter parking & calmer seas
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer families, pleasant breeze
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Spectacular light on the bay
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

north wales am i right #fyp #ysgoluwchraddcaergybi #northwales #holyhead #bangor
@bigupmartin
12K likes β€’ 113.1K views

πŸš— Free Parking Alert!

Free parking is available on the road, but spots fill quickly. Arrive early! Reddit

πŸ” Delicious Beach Bites

Don't miss the 'Licensed to Grill' burger van for heavenly surf and turf! Reddit

Back at one of my favourite spots again, the wonderful Porth Dafarch 🌊 A bit grey and gloomy on this day, but still a cracking view. We came down to show off our brand-spanking-new-look Swink paints πŸ™ŒπŸ» I got a bit carried away, feeling inspired and all that…thought I’d channel my inner artist, paint a scenic masterpiece, wow a few passers-by. Instead, I made…well, this. It might not hang in a ga...
caplintec
24 likes β€’ 201 views
Where does the name for Porth Dafarch come from? #wales #cymru #welsh #cymraeg #porthdafarch #caergybi #holyhead #ynysmΓ΄n #ynysmon #anglesey
tir.lun
49 likes β€’ 967 views

🌊 Pack for the Breeze

It can get windy near the cliffs, so bring a jumper or windbreaker. Reddit

πŸŠβ€β™€οΈ Summer Lifeguard Cover

RNLI lifeguards are on duty during summer for added safety. Reddit

Just around from Porth Dafarch β˜€οΈ #visitwales #cymru #northwales #anglesey #ynysmon #wales #island #ynysmΓ΄n #coast #angleseyadventurer #imagesofanglesey #snowdonia @visitwales #angleseycoast #angleseycoastalpath #angleseyadventures #discovercymru #northwalestagram #thisiscymru #visitingnorthwales #holyhead #porthdafarch #porthdafarchbeach #porthdafarchbeachβ˜€οΈ #porthdafarchcliff #sunshine #sunshine...
angleseyadventurer
45 likes β€’ 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Free Parking Alert!

Free parking is available on the road, but spots fill quickly. Arrive early! Reddit

πŸ” Delicious Beach Bites

Don't miss the 'Licensed to Grill' burger van for heavenly surf and turf! Reddit

🌊 Pack for the Breeze

It can get windy near the cliffs, so bring a jumper or windbreaker. Reddit

πŸŠβ€β™€οΈ Summer Lifeguard Cover

RNLI lifeguards are on duty during summer for added safety. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Explore the Coast

The Anglesey Coastal Path offers stunning views. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(712 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Porth Dafarch is consistently praised as a stunning, tranquil beach with a Mediterranean or Cornish feel. Visitors love its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and lack of commercial crowds. While parking can be challenging, the free access and good facilities make it a highly recommended spot for a peaceful beach day or coastal exploration.

"Well equipped beach, great for some body boarding and coastal walks. Cold shower, toilet and water fountain available. Not that many parking spots but we arrived quite early. One of my favourite beaches in the Uk now after visiting! Thanks for the burger van Licensed to Grill for our surf and turf and lamb burgers- utterly heavenly after a refreshing swim in the sea. 🀩"

Josie Zhang (Jiusi)

"A little gem tucked away on the coastline, surrounded by rocks and cliffs. No crowds or commercial tourism, just a tiny beach with a Mediterranean feel, or perhaps closer to Cornwall."

Lucca T.

"Came across this beautiful cove after calling at South Stack Lighthouse. Enjoyed a short walk on the cliff path and marvelled at the sight of the waves crashing on the rocks. Added benefits of free parking ( it was extremely quiet when we visited on a showery windy Sunday in September) plus public toilets...but these are locked later in the day."

Stephen Treseder

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Clear, inviting waters
Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Can be breezy

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Porth Dafarch is located on Holy Island, near Holyhead. You can reach it by car, with free parking available on the road adjacent to the cove. Reddit It's a scenic drive through Anglesey's coastal roads. TikTok

While specific bus routes can vary, it's generally best accessed by car for convenience. Check local bus timetables for options to Holyhead and then consider a taxi or a longer walk. TikTok

The best strategy is to arrive early, especially during peak season or on sunny days, as parking spots are limited and fill up quickly. Reddit

Yes, Porth Dafarch is well-marked on most GPS devices and online maps. The postcode LL65 2LS can be used for navigation. Instagram

Porth Dafarch is close to South Stack Lighthouse and the RSPB South Stack Reserve, offering opportunities for birdwatching and further exploration of the coastline. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Porth Dafarch beach is free to access. Parking is also free, though spaces are limited. Reddit

Porth Dafarch is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, public toilets may have restricted hours, often locking later in the day. Reddit

No booking is required for Porth Dafarch beach. It's a public beach open to everyone. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow any local guidelines. Dogs are usually allowed but check local signage. Instagram

RNLI lifeguards operate at Porth Dafarch during the summer months, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers and families. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Porth Dafarch offers public toilets, a water fountain, and often an ice cream van. Cold showers are also available. Reddit

Yes, it's a great family beach with clear, inviting waters perfect for swimming and playing. The sandy cove is sheltered. InstagramReddit

Activities include swimming, bodyboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving (popular launch spot for shipwrecks), coastal walks, and exploring ancient settlements. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The cove, cliffs, and sunsets offer stunning photographic opportunities. Aerial views are also spectacular. Instagram+1

Yes, Porth Dafarch is a popular and well-equipped venue for coasteering, offering exciting jumps and coastal exploration. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no permanent restaurants, an ice cream van is often present, and the 'Licensed to Grill' burger van is a local favorite for delicious burgers. Reddit

Yes, Porth Dafarch is an ideal spot for a picnic with beautiful views. Remember to take all your litter with you. Reddit

The 'Licensed to Grill' van offers popular items like surf and turf and lamb burgers, highly recommended by visitors. Reddit

The nearest significant dining options would be in Holyhead, which offers a range of pubs and restaurants. TikTok

Reports suggest that ice creams are reasonably priced, offering good value. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Sunsets are particularly stunning, casting a beautiful light across the bay. Instagram Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds. Reddit

The sandy cove itself, the rugged cliffs, the crashing waves, and the ancient hut circles all make for great photos. Aerial shots are also impressive. Instagram+1

Drone footage of Porth Dafarch has been captured, showcasing its beauty from above. Always check local drone regulations before flying. Instagram

Yes, the renowned Welsh landscape painter Sir Kyffin Williams created a painting titled 'Storm, Porth Dafarch,' highlighting its dramatic beauty. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the coastal landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant wave shots. A polarizing filter can enhance the sea and sky. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Families with Kids

Porth Dafarch is a fantastic choice for families. The sandy beach is sheltered, making it ideal for children to play safely. The clear, inviting waters are perfect for paddling and swimming, and the presence of RNLI lifeguards during the summer months provides peace of mind. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or grab a treat from the ice cream van. The nearby toilets are a convenient bonus. Instagram

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Hikers & Coastal Walkers

The Anglesey Coastal Path offers incredible walking opportunities around Porth Dafarch. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coastline, dramatic cliffs, and the sea. The path is well-maintained in sections, providing an accessible way to explore the natural beauty of Holy Island. Instagram Remember to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Reddit

πŸ„β€β™€οΈ Watersports Enthusiasts

Porth Dafarch is a prime spot for various watersports. Its clear waters are excellent for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's also a popular launch point for divers exploring shipwrecks off the coast. For thrill-seekers, coasteering is a must-try activity here, offering an adventurous way to experience the coastline. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Porth Dafarch Coastline

Porth Dafarch is more than just a beach; it's a gateway to Anglesey's dramatic coastline. The Anglesey Coastal Path winds its way around the cove, offering spectacular views. Visitors can enjoy invigorating walks along the cliff tops, with opportunities to spot seabirds and enjoy the fresh sea air. The surrounding rocks and cliffs provide a rugged, natural beauty that has inspired artists like Sir Kyffin Williams. Instagram+1

For the adventurous, coasteering is a popular activity here. This adrenaline-pumping pursuit involves navigating the intertidal zone of a rocky coastline, combining swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping. Porth Dafarch's varied terrain makes it an excellent launch point for guided coasteering tours, offering a unique way to experience the coastline's raw power. Instagram

Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient settlement and hut circles located near Porth Dafarch. These Iron Age remnants offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's prehistoric past, with earthworks and stonework still visible. It's a chance to connect with history while surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Instagram

Porth Dafarch: A Beach for All Seasons

Porth Dafarch beach is a beautiful sandy cove that offers a Mediterranean feel, even on a grey day. Its sheltered nature makes it inviting for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, especially when the tide is right. The clear, shallow waters are perfect for families, and the presence of RNLI lifeguards during summer adds an extra layer of security. Reddit

Beyond swimming, the beach is a hub for activity. It's a popular launch spot for divers heading out to explore nearby shipwrecks, showcasing the underwater appeal of the area. For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach is well-equipped with toilets and a water fountain, and a local burger van often provides delicious refreshments after a dip in the sea. Reddit

Even outside of peak summer, Porth Dafarch retains its charm. The surrounding cliffs offer stunning coastal walks, and the dramatic scenery can be particularly captivating during stormy weather, as captured by artists. It's a versatile destination that offers something for everyone, from sunbathers to adventurers and history enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

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