Top Carmarthenshire beaches

Experience golden sands, clear blue waters and secret rock pools, not forgetting the all-important ice creams, water sports and fresh sea air, all from one of these fantastic Carmarthenshire beaches.

There are so many beautiful beaches in Carmarthenshire, so to help you along, we’ve rounded up this guide to the best beaches in and near Carmarthen Bay.

We’ve included a handy reference guide so you can spot the dog-friendly beaches in and near Carmarthenshire too!

A memorable trip to any of these fantastic beaches makes for an ideal day out on your family holiday, couple's retreat or group coastal adventure in Carmarthenshire.

Carmarthenshire cottages

Here’s our handy guide to help you find your perfect beach:

* Seasonal restrictions may apply

Pendine Sands

This award-winning beach lines the shores of Carmarthen Bay and features dramatic cliffs, intriguing rock pools and breathtaking clifftop walks linking up to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. You’ll find a vast 7-mile stretch of beautiful sandy beach with an exciting past! 

Pendine Sands is famous for being the setting for a series of land speed records and a part-time MOD firing range! The famous land speed records in the 1920s included Sir Malcolm Campbell in ‘Bluebird’ and J.G. Parry Thomas in ‘Babs’ who broke the existing record with speeds of 171.02 mph. Parry Thomas famously died on a later attempt to break the record and Babs was buried in the sand dunes as a mark of respect. Years later Babs was painstakingly recovered and restored and was displayed in the Pendine Museum of Speed.

Aside from all the excitement of the beach, you’ll find a fabulous promenade with wonderful sea views and easy access to the beach. There’s also a beachfront centre offering kayak hire, coffee, ice cream and a popular Asian Fusion restaurant.

Huge cockle beds lie at the far end of this expansive beach and the cockles are harvested all year round, reflecting the pure nature of Carmarthen Bay. The large open space here is perfect for kite flying, shell collecting and creating wonderful seaside memories.

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Pendine cottages

Pembrey Beach, Llanelli

Pembrey Beach in Llanelli near Carmarthen is very popular for activities such as swimming and water sports. It’s a vast stretch of beautiful sand, which makes it an excellent place for a beach stroll and taking in the fresh sea air.

This 8-mile stretch of unspoilt beach, also known as Cefn Sidan and the longest beach in Wales, is vast! Backed by stunning sand dunes and a forested country park, it’s a wonderful spot for some sandy fun. Special Cefn Sidan beach was also the first beach in Wales to receive the renowned Blue Flag award.

Over the centuries, Cefn Sidan has had numerous shipwrecks and you’ll find the spectacular sight of the remains of protruding ships' ribs at the northern end of the beach. Stay nearby in one of our cosy Pembrey holiday cottages.

Pembrey Country Park is an amazing outdoor adventure park, home to 500 acres of walking trails, mountain biking, activities and fun! It’s a great day out for outdoor lovers and families alike as it also includes a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, plenty of places to eat, train rides, crazy golf, amazing picnic areas and an equestrian centre. 

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Llanelli cottages

Llansteffan Beach

Llansteffan features in many a memory of a summer seaside holiday. It's a large peaceful beach with spectacular views across the River Towy to Ferryside. 

Expect wonderfully soft sands for sunbathing and picnics, along with firmer sand for those all-important sandcastle building competitions. Backed by a grassy area with picnic benches, a play park and plenty of facilities, Llansteffan is a lovely family beach.

Fill hungry tummies with some classically delicious fish and chips from the hut on the beach while you stare amazed at the imposing castle which overlooks the beach. One of Wales' most famous castles, Llansteffan Castle is a 12th-century Norman stronghold known for its monumental Great Gatehouse. 

Explore the never-ending rock pools as you head towards Scott’s Bay and be amazed at the covering of cockle shells. Secluded Scott’s Bay is a lovely sandy beach, accessible along the Wales Coast Path. Venture through the lush woodland and wonderful collection of wildflowers before discovering this amazing spot for a romantic picnic.

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Llansteffan cottages

Burry Port Beach

This is a relatively new sandy beach at Burry Port Harbour and is gaining popularity for seaside activities such as kite surfing, boating and sea canoeing. 

The once open mudflats have been covered in deep golden sand which now forms a beautiful stretch of shoreline to the east of the harbour entrance. Burry Port Beach is backed by dunes, and from the east of the beach, walkers can walk the long and scenic coast path to Llanelli.

Burry Port Harbour is a charming little marina with its own striking lighthouse. Burry Port itself is famous for being the place where Amelia Earhart landed after her record-breaking flight across the Atlantic in 1928. Amelia was the first-ever woman to fly across the Atlantic. 

This is a dog-friendly beach and pups can run around to their heart’s content, splashing around having a whale of a time while owners stroll along taking in the fresh sea air and wonderful views. 

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Burry Port cottages

The Waterfront, Pendine

Stay in Carmarthenshire

We have a fantastic selection of hand-picked cottages, apartments and lodges in Carmarthenshire to inspire your next holiday. 

Choose from a wide variety of cottages with amazing sea and countryside views, and soak up the picture-perfect scenery from your own private bubbling hot tub. Unwind with evenings relaxing on the balcony watching the sunset or warming up by the log fire after long beach strolls.

Start planning your memorable seaside escape by browsing our wonderful Carmarthenshire cottages, and treat yourself to a well-deserved break in West Wales.

Carmarthenshire cottages

We’ve picked some of our favourite, award-winning beaches. They stay beautiful and award-winning if kept tidy, so please respect the area and leave nothing but footprints after your trip.

Always check tide times and lifeguard status before your visit, and stay safe on the beach.