Porth Twyn-mawr

The beach at Porth Twyn-mawr catches you off guard the moment you arrive - it's the kind of Anglesey spot that doesn't announce itself loudly, which is precisely why it works. Golden sand stretches in a proper crescent with rocky outcrops at either end, and the water's shallow enough that families can wade about without anxiety. The cliffs behind frame the whole thing nicely, giving it a sense of being properly contained rather than just another strip of coastline.

Walkers get the most from this place. The coastal path runs right past it, and you can easily spend an hour or two exploring the rocks at low tide or picking your way along the shoreline toward the neighbouring coves. Kids will find enough pools and loose rocks to keep them occupied for a bit, though it's not the sort of beach for building elaborate sandcastles if that's what you're after - the sand gets packed hard pretty quickly.

It's free to access, which is always welcome. There's limited parking nearby in Ty Croes, so go early or you might find yourself squeezing in awkwardly. Summer weekends get busy, but mid-week you'll have the place largely to yourself.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks scattered around - Plas Caravan Park and Y Fronydd are both within a five-mile radius - this makes a straightforward morning trip without eating up much of your day. It's the sort of beach you visit to stretch your legs and breathe some air, not to spend eight hours competing for space with day-trippers.