Best beaches near Aberaeron

Dolau Beach in New Quay is a Seaside Award winner for good reason! It offers up golden sand in spades that lead down a gentle incline towards the turquoise blue waters. Towards the top of the beach, you’ll find rocky areas for curious little ones to explore, plus there’s easy access to the beach and nearby toilets from the pay and display car park just behind it.

Although it’s a little quieter here than on the main beach in New Quay, there’s still plenty for families to do. Grab some hot chips wrapped in paper and watch the little sailboats in the harbour. Have a nosey around the unique gift shops here. You’ll be glad to know that dogs are even allowed on this stretch of beach all year round.

Fancy a swim or a bask in the sun? New Quay’s Blue Flag beach is like a little slice of mid-Wales Mediterranean! It’s got soft golden sands and a picturesque view of the rolling countryside, harbour, and crystal clear waters. Set up a little sunbathing area on the beach here — you’ll have shelter from the wind as it backs onto the cliffs and harbour wall, so there’ll be no sand in your picnic.  

It’s just a short walk from the car park, so you won’t have to cart your beach towels very far. Plus, there are nearby toilets and a gently sloped path down onto the sand, making it easy for most people to access.  

Visiting between October and April? Bring your furry friend to enjoy scurrying along the sand!

Around five miles out of Aberaeron, you’ll find Cei Bach Beach, also known as Little Quay. If you fancy a quiet stroll away from the usual seaside hype, it’s a little rugged section of beach that’s perfect for wanders with your dog along the pebbles and sand. When the tide’s in, you can amble across the rocky part but when the water’s out, it transforms into a flat, sandy beach to run around and play on. The beach backs onto a steep rolling hill with woodland at the top with a gorgeous panoramic view of New Quay.  

From here, it joins the coastal path so if you’re feeling up to it, you can walk all the way to Aberaeron. If you drive in, there’s a free car park here, too. Perfect.

If you’re more a fan of solitude than sandcastles, visit Gilfach Beach. This shingle beach is tucked away in a secluded spot near Aberaeron, backing onto high cliffs and rolling hills. Feel free to bring your dog any time of year — there are no restrictions. Gilfach Beach offers a tranquil spot to walk and breathe in that refreshing Irish Sea air while you crunch pebbles underfoot. The rural surroundings offer up plenty of photo opportunities! 

Getting to this spot requires a bit of a drive off the main roads — there’s a single-track road that leads down to the beach entrance. Make sure you pack your comfy shoes as it’s a little trek down the hillside on muddy ground to the beach below. 

As there are no facilities here, be sure to pack your own sarnies. Although it's a little trickier to reach, we think it's one of the best beaches near Aberaeron for peaceful doggy walks.

There are two beaches in Llanrhystud, but we’re recommending the southern beach which lies to the south of the AfonWyre as it's better for walking and exploring, especially with little ones. This part-pebble, part-sand stretch of beach is a Green Coast award winner and a must-visit in any season. 

To get here, navigate your way down a single-track lane to reach a small free car park at the top of the beach. When the tide’s in, enjoy a long pebble bank and lots of little rock pools to explore — just be sure to wear walking shoes! When the tide’s out, you’ll find a long, wide strip of flat sand to practice your sandcastle-building skills.  

Just like with most beaches near Aberaeron, you’ll be surrounded by lush green countryside.

Can you keep a secret? Cwm Silio Cove is known to the locals as ‘The Secret Beach’. Venture down from the Wales Coastal path onto this sandy, shingly beach that’s great for dog walking and exploring with kids. It’s where the Afon Soden meets the sea, so expect to spot plenty of wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for rock-pooling, too.  

In true cove fashion, this secluded beach is backed by a steep cliff to shelter you from the winds. At low tide, you might even be lucky enough to reach a second cove that’s adjacent to this one. Just keep in mind the tide times so you can get back safely.