Beach Guide: Wales

The long, varied coastline of Wales has numerous beaches, many of which offer exceptional windsurfing, surfing, kiting and other 'forces-of-nature' sports. Much of the SW coastline of Wales is open to SW swells from the Atlantic and the surf here can 'go off', that isn't to say that the surf in Mid Wales or North Wales can't also be 'firing' now and then. The consistency of the surf isn't as good as elsewhere in the UK, but the consistency of the wind seems to make up for this. With beaches facing in all directions, there is almost always somewhere that will be good, and in many places, local knowledge is vital as localised winds channeling down through the steep valleys can often produce excellent local conditions when everywhere else is still.

Welsh Water is also dedicated to cleaning up the beaches of Wales, which although a long slow process, is a welcome one. This initiative means that many of Wales' beaches are now exceeding European standards for cleanliness. This coupled with Pembrokeshire, the UK's only coastal National Park, makes the Welsh coastline one definately worth visiting.

The varied Welsh coastline is also perfect for holiday-makers, whether you want to spend a day at a bustling seaside resort, or weeks exploring quiet coves and desserted bays, Wales has it all.

Select a region from the map above, or from the list below.

• South Wales. (Cardiff Bay to Swansea Bay)
• The Gower & Carmarthen Bay
• Pembrokeshire
• South Pembrokeshire
• North Pembrokeshire
• West Wales
• The Lleyn Peninsula and Anglesey
• North Wales