Porth Dre-fadog

Rocky outcrops frame this wild stretch of Anglesey coastline where the Irish Sea crashes against dark pebbles and scattered boulders. Porth Dre-fadog sits a short drive from Holyhead, offering proper isolation from the summer crowds that swamp other Welsh beaches. The shoreline here is dramatic rather than pretty - think windswept headlands and pools left by retreating tides, not deckchairs and ice cream vans.

Walkers will love the rugged terrain and coastal path connections. Families with older children who fancy rock pooling and scrambling will find plenty to explore, though this isn't the spot for toddlers with buckets and spades. The beach works year-round if you're after solitude and fresh air, but summer brings the best weather for extended exploring.

Getting here requires a bit of effort - there's no promenade or facilities to speak of. That's rather the point. From nearby caravan parks like Sandy Beach or Penrhyn Bay, it's an easy drive for those staying on Anglesey who want to escape the more developed stretches of coast. Worth combining with a walk along the coastal path towards Holyhead Mountain if you've got the energy and proper boots.