Cemaes Bay - Discover Beautiful Sandy Beaches, a Picturesque Harbour and Coastal Walks on Anglesey

Cemaes Bay is a picturesque seaside village and coastal destination situated on the northern coast of the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Known in Welsh as Porth Cemaes, this charming village is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, traditional fishing harbour and spectacular views across the Irish Sea. As the most northerly village in Wales, Cemaes enjoys a distinctive coastal setting surrounded by rugged headlands, rolling countryside and fascinating geological formations.

The village has a long maritime history, with fishing, shipbuilding and coastal trade playing important roles in its development over the centuries. Today, Cemaes Bay retains much of its traditional character, with colourful harbour buildings, independent shops, welcoming cafes and attractive waterfront scenery. Its combination of sheltered beaches, historic surroundings and access to the Anglesey Coastal Path makes it a popular destination for families, walkers, photographers and visitors exploring the beautiful coastline of North Wales.

Visitors to Cemaes Bay can enjoy two attractive sandy beaches, Traeth Mawr and Traeth Bach, which are separated by a rocky headland and offer different coastal experiences. Traeth Mawr, the larger of the two beaches, features a broad stretch of golden sand backed by the village promenade, making it particularly popular for family outings, beach games and relaxing beside the sea. Traeth Bach is a smaller, more sheltered beach situated close to the historic harbour, where traditional fishing boats and colourful waterfront buildings create a picturesque setting. The harbour provides an excellent location for photography and watching local maritime activity, while the surrounding coastline offers opportunities for rock pooling, birdwatching and exploring the area's remarkable natural scenery.

Cemaes Bay is also located along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, which follows dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and beautiful headlands overlooking the Irish Sea. Nearby attractions include Llanbadrig Church, one of the oldest Christian sites associated with Wales, and the fascinating geological landscape of Porth Wen, where the remains of a former brickworks provide an unusual reminder of Anglesey's industrial heritage. The surrounding coastline is also recognised for its geological importance, with ancient rock formations revealing millions of years of natural history.

Cemaes Bay is free to visit throughout the year, with no admission charges for enjoying the beaches, harbour or public coastal areas. Visitors will find parking facilities within the village and near the waterfront, although spaces can become busy during summer holidays and weekends, and parking charges may apply. The village offers a selection of cafes, shops, pubs and public amenities, making it a convenient destination for a day beside the sea. Traeth Mawr is generally the more accessible of the two beaches because of its proximity to the promenade and village facilities, although access onto the sand may still be difficult for wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility.

Dogs are welcome in many surrounding coastal areas, but seasonal restrictions may apply to designated sections of the main beach, so visitors should check local signs before visiting with pets. Swimming and paddling are popular during suitable weather conditions, but visitors should always check tide times, sea conditions and current beach safety information before entering the water.

The surrounding coastline includes rocky areas, exposed cliffs and uneven walking paths, so appropriate footwear and care are recommended when exploring beyond the village. With its beautiful sandy beaches, traditional harbour, welcoming village atmosphere and spectacular coastal scenery, Cemaes Bay is a wonderful destination for anyone discovering the Isle of Anglesey and the natural beauty of North Wales.

Find directions easily using Google Maps.