Trearddur Bay

Trearddur Bay is Anglesey's closest thing to a traditional beach resort: a horseshoe cove of turquoise water on the west coast of Holy Island, 3 miles south of Holyhead, with a cluster of hotels, holiday cottages, a surf school, and the kind of beach that puts the best Mediterranean coves in perspective on a sunny day. The water is clear, the sandy bottom slopes gently, and the protection from the prevailing westerly wind keeps the bay calmer than almost anywhere else on the exposed western coast.

Snorkelling is excellent off the rocky headlands: the underwater ledges and kelp forests hold good populations of wrasse and pollack, and grey seals are occasional visitors. Paddleboarders and kayakers launch from the beach in all seasons — the bay's sheltered nature makes it forgiving for beginners. Anglesey Outdoors runs coasteering sessions on the sea cliffs at Rhoscolyn, just south, where the volcanic rock architecture is among the most dramatic in Britain.

The bay sits within easy reach of South Stack Lighthouse — 15 minutes' drive north along the cliff road — and Holyhead Mountain (Mynydd Twr) is directly behind the town. The Iron Age hill fort on its summit is reached by a short but steep walk, rewarded with some of the finest 360-degree views in Wales. On clear days you can see Ireland.

Trearddur Bay is a logical base for exploring southern Holy Island. The village has a good supermarket, several restaurants and pubs, and accommodation ranging from campsites to boutique hotels.