I have lived in North Wales almost all my life and there are still hidden gems and gorgeous beaches to discover. Porth Iago is one of them!
Porth Iago is a beautiful, protected beach on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. The car park is on private property and hidden down a narrow lane in the countryside, so it’s a bit difficult to access. But it’s worth the extra effort, so here’s our guide to visiting Porth Iago!
Where is Porth Iago Beach?
Porth Iago is on the west coast of the Llyn Peninsula in north-west Wales.
We recommend searching for “Porth Iago Campsite” on Google Maps to find it.
Don’t use Apple Maps, use Google Maps.
Porth Iago is accessed via a private farm, so at first you might feel like you’re in the wrong place, especially since the sign on the drive says it’s private land. However, if you drive a little further, you will soon see a paid parking lot machine!
What is Porth Iago?
Porth Iago is a bit of a hidden gem in the area. It is a beautiful sandy cove with the most gorgeous water and golden sand. It’s enclosed so it’s protected from the wind and faces the sunset.
Nearby beaches such as Abersock, Crickieth, Porthmadog and Aberdaron are popular hotspots, but Porth Iago is lesser known and therefore less crowded.
Parking at Porth Iago
Access to Porth Iago is via private land and can be a bit confusing.
The actual beach is not private property, but access to it is possible. It is important to remember that you are crossing private farms and that the farmer has made this access public. Farmers built parking lots and campsites on their land. This is not a council owned or operated by the National Trust.
Porth Iago Car Park
Parking charges apply at Porth Iago. When you drive in, you can pay at the Pay and Display machine outside the farmhouse. You can pay by card.
The following fees apply (accurate as of August 2022)
- Pedestrian/Cyclist – £1
- Bike – £2
- Car – £5
- Car + dog – £6
- One night – £20
- Night with dog £22
Access to Porth Iago – Is it accessible?
Once parked, you can access the beach via a steep sand path that descends the cliff. The path is short, steep, and not easily accessible. If you have mobility issues, you may not be able to walk down.
Our last visit was with our three young children, ages 7, 5, and 2. The older kids loved walking up and down the path, and our youngest managed most of the walk hand-in-hand, although he did need to be held for some parts.
If you are walking slowly, flip flops or sandals are fine.
If you’re a bit unsteady on your feet but still want to give it a try, we recommend wearing good trainers or boots and having someone with you to carry your bag.
What facilities are at Porth Iago?
There are restrooms and a small food truck makes daily appearances during the summer.
There are trash cans, but we recommend that you take your trash home with you.
The food truck sells burgers, sausages, bacon baps, canned goods, chocolates, sweets, chips, ice cream and more.
Can you take your dog to Porth Iago?
Yes, dogs are welcome too! There is a small additional charge for dogs. There is an additional charge of £1 for a day trip and £2 for an overnight stay.
Can you take paddle boards and kayaks?
Yes, many people take paddleboards, kayaks and even inflatables to Porth Iago. It is a beautiful, calm and protected bay, making it the perfect place for gentle water sports.
Please note that there is a steep slope up to the beach, so some people may find it difficult to get down there and back with their boat or board.
Can you snorkel at Porth Iago?
Yes, snorkeling is great in Porth Iago. It’s very calm, making it a great place for nervous snorkellers and even children.
Is there much shade at Porth Iago?
No, there isn’t much shade, so if you want to sit in the shade, I recommend bringing an umbrella or a pop-up beach tent.
What’s the Porth Iago Campsite like?
I have never personally camped at Porth Iago, but it looks gorgeous. Advance reservations are required, so it’s never crowded. Tents and vans are welcome. You can even park your camper right next to the cliff and enjoy the amazing views!
The campsite is pretty simple, but nice. What more could you want when you can enjoy this view right next to your tent or camper?
To book a camp, you can find contact information on their Facebook page.
Can you walk along the Welsh Coastal Path from Porth Iago?
Yes, we have direct access to the Welsh Coast Path so you can enjoy some great walks from your campsite.
Is Porth Iago near Whistling Sands?
Yes, another beautiful beach nearby is Whistling Sands. Driving from Porth Iago to Whistling Sands takes approximately 15 minutes. You can also walk along the coastal path. I’ve never been there myself, but I’ve heard it takes about 30 minutes and is an incredibly beautiful walk.
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Another of my favorite beaches on the Llyn Peninsula is Llanbedrog Beach.
If you’re heading further into West Wales, Llangranog in Ceredigion is amazing!