Nine Welsh beaches named among UK's best by international travel guide

Nine Welsh beaches have been named among the best in the UK by an international travel guide. Conde Nast Traveller, a luxury travel magazine aimed at the upmarket independent tourist market, has included these Welsh gems in its list of top UK beaches.

The guide suggests that while the UK may not be internationally renowned for its beaches visitors to our coastlines will be "pleasantly surprised" by what they discover. It goes on to describe the UK as home to some of the "world's most beautiful sandy beaches".

While the guide insists it doesn't play favourites it does highlight Wales for its "enchanting coast". This might explain why nine Welsh beaches made the cut in a list of just over 50 UK locations, reports NorthWalesLive.

Here are the nine Welsh beaches recommended by the travel guide along with their descriptions.

Llanddwyn, Anglesey

On tiny Llanddwyn Island the three-mile-long beach is known as a 'beach of romance' thanks to Dwynwen, who fled to Llanddwyn after a love affair went wrong and became Wales's own St Valentine, patron saint of lovers. Behind the beach lies the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, a haven for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors might spot the world's second-largest species of raven or perhaps even a rare red squirrel. Nearby Lligwy and Traeth Yr Ora also boast spectacular stretches of sand.

Harlech, Gwynedd

Harlech beach is so vast that you can feel completely alone despite its easy accessibility and excellent facilities including toilets, shops, and parking. The beach's main draw is its pristine golden sand and it has been designated a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its extensive rolling dunes. The clean, safe water is perfect for both adults and children to swim in.

Penbryn, Ceredigion

While some may prefer the soft sands of Harbour Island or the Seychelles others are drawn to the rugged coastline of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. It might not be as warm but there's a poetic beauty in its rock strata. Use Cardigan as your base. Poppit Sands is the nearest beach to town and it's very nice with a convenient car park and a café. But further north lies Penbryn, which requires a bit more effort to reach. You can hop from cove to cove all the way up here with signposts every half mile or so pointing the way to another hidden shore.

Mwnt beach, Cardigan

Navigate through lanes covered in hedgerows before the coastline suddenly reveals itself, complete with turquoise waters and golden sand. Surrounded by towering grassy cliffs, visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a large whitewashed chapel once a beacon for pilgrims on their way to Bardsey Island.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Coast

Three Cliffs Bay, on arguably one of Britain's most stunning coastlines, remains relatively tranquil throughout the year. The challenging trek over its dunes may deter some but the reward is a breathtaking view. Rugged green cliffs open up to a rolling expanse of sandy coastline dotted with picture-perfect beaches.

Aberfforest beach

Nestled halfway between Dinas Cross and Newport Aberfforest beach is a horseshoe-shaped bay where you're more likely to spot a sunbathing seal or a passing pod of dolphins than a family enjoying a picnic. It's utterly unspoilt. The beach, a mix of sand and smooth slate-shingle, meets cool clear still waters, flanked by steep cliffs on either side.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

The south-west corner of Wales boasts an incredible stretch of coast and sandy beaches. One such gem is Barafundle Bay. A brisk half-hour walk across the clifftops leads to this beautiful bay, which remains relatively quiet even during the summer peak thanks to its secluded location.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Coast

The Gower peninsula is home to one of the UK's most scenic coasts featuring rugged coves and vast stretches of golden sand. At its western end lies Rhossili Bay, a largely untouched beach. This long, beautiful curve of white sand, enclosed by steep limestone cliffs, has little on it other than the remains of the Norwegian ship Helvetia, which ran aground in 1887, protruding from the sand.

Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire

Whitesands Beach in Pembrokeshire, a west-facing beach and one of the country's most popular surf spots, is a hive of activity during the summer months. The northern end of the beach is often crowded with bodyboarders, canoeists, and surfers all vying for the best waves. The southern end offers a quieter experience but those seeking even more tranquillity might prefer to take a 15-minute stroll northwest to Porthmelgan. Overlooking Ramsay Island, home to the UK's largest grey seal population, Porthmelgan's waters may be more treacherous for swimming but the beach itself provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Whitesands.