Imagine spending a day in a beautiful coastal town, where two Blue Flag beaches merge into one at low tide, before taking a short walk to another nearby seaside resort with a large sandy cove and a stunning waterfall cascading from a dramatic cliff. Where can you find all this, I hear you ask? Well, here it is!
You’ll need to head to the southern edge of Cardigan Bay, where two small coastal villages await: Aberporth and Tresaith. When I visited a few months ago, I was struck by how these places offer the perfect blend of serene coastal escape and gentle adventure. You can simply relax on the beach or admire the view from a restaurant’s outdoor patio — but also explore rock pools and nearby walks that lead to surprising spots. It’s an ideal location for families, walkers, and curious explorers alike. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a dolphin or two!
Things to See and Do in Aberporth and Tresaith
Aberporth is the larger of the two villages, and the one where you’ll find more amenities, including a selection of restaurants and cafés, additional parking, and a bus service. It makes sense to begin your day here — or even base yourself in Aberporth if you’re planning a multi-day trip.
The village boasts two sheltered Blue Flag beaches — Dolwen and Dyffryn — separated by a small headland. At high tide, they are divided; at low tide, they merge into one. Safe and family-friendly, the beaches are ideal for building sandcastles, poking around in rock pools, and exploring caves when the tide recedes.
Aberporth is also popular with divers and surfers, as the bays are sheltered from strong winds and offer gentle waves. Wildlife is never far away either: keen eyes may spot bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, or seabirds sweeping low across the waves. With a little luck, you might even see dolphins swimming close to shore.
The scenic Wales Coast Path links Aberporth with the smaller village of Tresaith, a 30-minute walk along a clifftop trail complete with benches and sweeping sea views. A small waterfall can also be spotted tumbling down the cliff along the way. The route is partially accessible to wheelchair users — the section from Aberporth is accessible until the tarmac ends and the path begins a steep descent.
As you approach the quaint village of Tresaith, you’ll be greeted by the sight of its Blue Flag beach framed by tall cliffs, with a second waterfall gradually coming into view. Once down on the sand, the waterfall is all the more impressive, especially after days of rainfall. For the best experience, aim to visit at low tide if you’d like to walk right up to it.
Like Aberporth, Tresaith is a wonderful spot for families who enjoy playing and relaxing on a safe beach (it also holds Blue Flag status). The village may be smaller, but it still offers a cosy café, a fish and chip shop, and the charming Ship Inn, where you can enjoy food and refreshments — ideally out on the terrace overlooking the bay.
quick facts about aberporth and tresaith
- Aberporth’s name comes from the Welsh aber (mouth) and porth (port), meaning “mouth of the port”.
- The waterfall at Tresaith was formed during the Ice Age, when glacial activity diverted the River Saith so that it cascaded directly over the cliffs.
- The name Tresaith literally means “the place of seven”. According to folklore, it derives from the legend of an Irish king who cast his seven daughters adrift. After landing on the beach, they met and fell in love with seven local farmers. The “place of seven” is thought to commemorate their landing point.
Best Time to Visit Aberporth and Tresaith
Obviously, warm sunny days in the summer is where you’ll get the most of out these two places, but they will also be when they are at their busiest, especially in August. Early mornings or weekday visits can help avoid a bit of the crowds.
Late spring to early autumn are a good time to go as well. Even though a dip in the water might feel too cold, with a bit of luck you might enjoy mild weather and moody skies in a quieter environment. You might also have a better chance to spot marine wildlife.
Remember that to get the most of your visit at Tresaith, it’s better to arrive there at low tide to fully experience the waterfall and vastness of the beach.
Useful Information When Visiting Aberporth and Tresaith
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Public transport: There are no train services, and only one bus serves the area—the T5, which connects Aberystwyth to Haverfordwest. However, it only stops in Aberporth, not Tresaith.
Parking: In Aberporth, you’ll find the Beach Car Park by the seafront, plus additional spaces near the Village Hall. Both operate on a suggested donation of £3. Tresaith has limited parking by the beach; most visitors use the pay-and-display field car park above the village and walk down.
EV charging points: Two slow 7kW chargers are available at the Village Hall car park in Aberporth.
Public toilets: Both beaches have facilities. In Aberporth, accessible toilets are located near the beach, while in Tresaith they are close to the café and pub area.
Lifeguards: During the main summer holiday season, RNLI lifeguards patrol both Aberporth and Tresaith beaches.
