The secluded Welsh beach with whistling sand under your feet, steep grassy cliffs and glistening water
Many of us are familiar with the renowned beaches of Pen Llyn - from Porthdinllaen to Llanbedrog, Traeth Abersoch and Porth Neigwl. However, the stunning and secluded beach of Traeth Porthor may not be as well-known.
In years gone by, Porthor was a bustling port, importing lime and coal, and exporting farm goods such as butter, cheese, eggs and poultry. These days are long past, but Porthor still sees its fair share of activity during the summer months.
The sandy beach is nestled on the rugged northern coastline of Pen Llyn, a stone's throw away from the village of Aberdaron. To reach this hidden gem, you'll need to input the following address: Porthor, Aberdaron, Gwynedd, LL53 8LG.
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Traeth Porthor is under the care of the National Trust, and there's a car park just a six-minute stroll from the beach. Parking is free for National Trust members, but non-members will need to fork out £5 a day.
The beach is famed for its whistling sands, a phenomenon caused by the unique shape of the sand particles which emit a squeak or whistle when rubbed together as you amble along the beach in warm weather. This sound can be produced by stamping or sliding your feet on dry sand, and there are only two beaches in all of Europe where you can witness this for yourself.
The sea here is stunning, with its tubular, barrelling waves, making it an ideal location for surfers, bodyboarders or kayakers. While the largest swells might be found at Porth Neigwl (or Hells Mouth) on the other side of Llyn, when this beach is washed out with onshore winds, Porthor is the spot that offers some enticing, sheltered surf.
This is a perfect day trip for families, whether you fancy a walk through the steep grassy cliffs down to the beach, building sandcastles or venturing out into the water, there's plenty to keep you occupied. However, do remember that the beach is not dog-friendly from April 1 until September 30.
Caffi Porthor is conveniently located nearby, opening at 9am during peak season and 11am during low season, serving hot food throughout the day. Wildlife spotting is also possible here.
For the lucky ones, you might even catch sight of dolphins or seals in the sea, but the area around the beach is a haven for birds, such as Chough, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers along the coast.
Work has been undertaken on the surrounding fields, restoring a traditional feature known as the 'cloddiau'. These stone-faced earth banks provide a pathway for wildlife to move around the area, undisturbed by human activity.
Moreover, the Wales Coast Path extends in both directions from the car park, offering routes to Mynydd Mawr, Pen y Cil or Aberdaron. No matter where you venture from the car park - whether it's down to the beach or along the local footpaths, Pen Llyn's stunning beauty is bound to enchant you. Traeth Porthor serves as an ideal spot for exploration or relaxation, and is arguably one of the most picturesque, undiscovered treasures in Wales.
