Just a short speed boat ride away from Bali or Lombok, it is a destination that has risen in popularity thanks to its stunning cliff formations, pristine beaches, and underwater biodiversity.

The vivid aqua-blue waters set against the lush greenery and rugged coastline make it a photographer’s dream. Nusa Penida is not just about the views; it’s a sanctuary for a rich variety of marine life, including the majestic manta rays at Manta Point.

While the island can be a retreat for serenity seekers, it is also known for its adventurous side, and many will choose to stay for a handful of days or venture on day trips from neighbouring Bali.

On my two most recent visits I explored the iconic Kelingking viewpoint, clambered down to the astonishingly beautiful but secluded Diamond Beach and also saw the famous treehouse at Thousand Island viewpoint – all of which can be done in one day, or split as separate East and West side trips.

For those looking to delve into the culture, the island’s villages and temples provide a glimpse into the local life and traditions, and just a drive around the island will give you a taste of real island life as you get to watch the locals go about their daily business.

Whether it’s a one-day exploration or a leisurely extended stay, this Nusa Penida guide aims to help you uncover the wonders of this special island.

History Of Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida’s history is rich and intriguing, tracing its origins back to the 10th century. The island finds its earliest written records inscribed on the Belanjong Pillar, dating to 914 AD. These inscriptions detail a military expedition led by Sri Kesari Warmadewa, the first king of Bali, targeted at the region.

According to legends, Nusa Penida also played a pivotal role in the story of the last king of Bali, Dalem Bungkut. Known for his dreaded rule in the ‘other world,’ he transformed into Ratu Gede Mas Mecaling, or the Great Lord with golden fangs. The tales narrate his exile from Batuan, a village in Bali, to Nusa Penida.

Before becoming a sought-after destination for its breathtaking natural beauty, Nusa Penida was often associated with dark mysticism and was considered by some to be an island of banishment due to its history and legends. Probably why it only has around 60,000 inhabitants even today.

These narratives have contributed to the island’s unique cultural heritage, adding a layer of mystique that continues to intrigue visitors from around the world.

Today, the island stands as a testament to the dynamic blend of its tumultuous past and natural splendour, inviting historians, culture enthusiasts, and tourists to explore its many alluring qualities.

Nusa Penida – Is It Worth It?

There is plenty of hype around Nusa Penida, with it sitting between Lombok and Bali, this smaller sibling is dividing opinion from tourists as to whether it is actually worth visiting.

The answer to this is probably dependent on what you are looking for.

If you want to take a glimpse at what Bali might have been like around 50 years ago, before mass tourism exploded over the island, then Nusa Penida is for you. That’s not to say there are no signs of tourism on the island – there are plenty. But away from the main port and the main tourist sites of the island you will not experience traffic, and will often not see another car for miles.

Nusa Penida is tiny compared to both Bali and Lombok, but it is sizeable enough to have plenty to keep you occupied for a week or two.

Some visitors will prefer a day trip (which is what I did on my most recent visit) and if you want to see some stunning beaches, take incredible clifftop pictures for Instagram or just want to chill on some of the most exquisite beaches in Indonesia then Nusa Penida is a great choice.

Where I think people become disillusioned is that it is quite an effort to get to – and for those doing day trips or guided tours, be prepared for plenty of travel and not so long at each destination.

How To Get To Nusa Penida

For those taking day trips to Nusa Penida from Bali, you have a few options. You can make your own way on either a fast boat from Sanur or the ferry from Kusamba. For day trips I’d highly recommend the fast boat – as this still takes 45 minutes each way, so is going to eat in to 90 minutes of your day.

Those staying for longer can take either option.

You can book tickets for these boats yourself or if you take a guided tour like I did most recently you will likely be collected from your accommodation, driven to the port (usually around 1 hour) and then given your ticket for the fast boat.

On arrival at the other end, you will be greeted by another driver and taken on your tour.

What to do in Nusa Penida?

Kelingking Beach

One cannot speak of Nusa Penida without mentioning the iconic Kelingking Beach which is renowned for its T-Rex-shaped cliff face. This spectacular spot offers panoramic views of the turquoise waters and is a favourite for photographers and Instagrammers.

Expect queues for the best photo opportunities – although our driver did the queuing – one big advantage of taking a guided tour.

Angel’s Billabong

Next is Angel’s Billabong, an exquisite natural infinity pool that presents a mesmerising spectacle when the tide is low. The views from here are stunning and your pictures will be incredible.

Broken Beach

Broken Beach is known for its natural archway that circumscribes a tranquil bay. The arch offers a unique vantage point for visitors to take in the serene waters and watch the waves crash on the coastline. Again, expect crowds of tourists – especially between 10am-3pm.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is famed for its idyllic beach and excellent snorkelling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and a diverse marine life. The bay’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for a relaxing swim, although there are some rocks and it shelves off quite quickly in certain places so do take care with smaller children.

The bay is pretty calm and the water is crystal clear when the current is not too strong.

We found that the beach became a lot quieter from around 3.30pm onwards – so if you are staying on the island and don’t need to head back to your ferry then heading down at 4pm-6pm will be a nice quiet time to visit.

You can also expect an exquisite sunset from this beach.

West Or East Trip?

Everything mentioned above is on the West side of Nusa Penida. You can usually take day trips on either the East or West Coast and some will combine the two.

As a first time visitor I’d suggest going for the West Coast and for those looking to stay on the island for a few days, then spread your visits to the top attractions over those days.

Round Island Boat Trip

I’d say this is the best way to see the island and it’s beaches – especially if you are less interested in the overhead pictures and prefer to actually experience the stunning beaches the island offers.

The roads on the island are not the best, and so for a more relaxed way to explore, boat does seem like the perfect option. For this though, you will likely need to either book a private tour from Lombok or Bali, or stay on the island and book a day boat tour from Nusa Penida itself.

Worth The Hype & Visit?

Whether Nusa Penida is for you really depends on what you want from it. If you want to see an island that is similar to Bali (but quieter) then it’s a great option. If you are looking for a stay with high end accomodation options then you are going to be disappointed.

Likewise, if you are limited for time on Bali or Lombok and don’t want to lose a good chunk of your day travelling to Penida then I’d say spend your time on those islands instead.

But for sheer beauty and unspoiled paradise-like beaches and natural scenery – it is hard to beat Nusa Penida.

The post Nusa Penida Guide appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

1 – Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall

Nanjizal Beach has something magical about it, which is hard to put your finger on. I love that you cannot drive to Nanjizal. It is about a 30 minute walk along the coastal path from Porthgwarra or along footpaths from Polgigga, a small village on the coastal road. This makes it quieter than other coves and means there are no huge encampments of windbreaks and tents to block the stunning scenery.

It is most famous for the arch in the rocks known as the ‘Song of the Sea’ or Zawn Pyg. At high tide it simply looks like a slit of Cornish light shining between the rocks, however at low tide, twin turquoise pools are revealed.

This aside it’s a beautiful peaceful spot with set in the ‘wild west’ of Cornwall, surrounded by rugged cliffs, and as it faces west it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.

2- Benar Beach, Wales

Benar Beach is a dune backed, vast expanse of golden sand, which stretches for miles between Barmouth and Harlech. This beach is split into different areas to please everyone from dog walkers to naturists. Even in the summer there is plenty of room for everyone, especially at low tide. This beautiful beach has gorgeous views towards Barmouth Estuary and on a clear day you can see the Llŷn Peninsula jutting out into the sea.

I love Benar Beach anytime of the year, in the winter its great for a bracing stroll and in the summer it always offers the perfect place to relax, either sheltered in the dunes or near to one of the tidal pools that my kids love to play in for hours.

3 – Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

Porthcurno Beach can easily be mistaken for somewhere in the Caribbean, with its white sand and crystal clear water surrounded by rugged cliffs. The first time we visited we fell in love and promptly booked our next summer holiday in a little village only 20 minutes walk away.

This beach is very popular in the summer and only has a reasonably small car park, so unless you turn up early you may struggle to find a space. However, the early get up is definitely worth it as Porthcurno Beach is truly stunning and if you are lucky at low tide you can access its smaller, more exclusive neighbour Pedn Vounder.

4 – Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Holkham Beach is accessed by a board walk which leads through a pine forest. The heady smell of pine trees mixed with sea salt bring back many happy memories from visits during my childhood. It is a breathtaking sweep of golden sand which stretches for miles and its unspoilt beauty make it a haven for a wide variety of wildlife including many different species of birds.

Holkham beach is part of the Holkham Estate and although it is a public beach it was a favourite spot of Queen Elizabeth II. She could often be found walking the corgis there, when staying at Sandringham.

5 – Formby Beach, Lancashire

Formby Beach is not far from the pretty Victorian seaside town of Southport. It is nestled amongst rolling sand dunes and surrounded by woodland. This makes it a haven for nature lovers as the unique eco-system of the sand dunes offer shelter to lots of rare wildlife, including the red squirrel. It is the perfect place for bird spotting or simply enjoying a the natural beauty while relaxing on the beach.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post Top 5 Beaches in the UK appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Nanjizal Beach

Nanjizal, also known as Mill Bay, is a truly enchanting beach set amongst rugged cliffs in the parish of St Levan. It doesn’t only boast a beautiful cove of golden sand, scattered with huge boulders, but is also home to the Song of the Sea Cave. The Song of the Sea Cave is a tall narrow cave which looks magical as the sun’s rays shine through the slit in the rocks reflecting in the tidal pools.

Nanjizal is hidden between the popular tourist attraction, Land’s End and the white sands of Porthcurno Beach and can only be accessed by foot via the South West Coastal Path. See our Guide to Nanjizal Beach to find out the best ways to get there.

Due its location it is never crowded, even in the peak season. There have only ever been a handful of families enjoying this little piece of paradise when we have visited.

We’ve been lucky to stay within walking distance of Nanjizal, so have visited at all times of day and in different weather conditions. Each time we have loved it, as it has such a magical feeling whether you are swimming in the tidal pools, climbing over rocks or enjoying an evening picnic sipping a glass of something refreshing while watch the sunset.

Nanjizal has stolen a little piece of my heart and I am always planning when I can next return.

Pedn Vounder

When we first discovered Pedn Vounder beach we didn’t know its name, so our girls named it the secret beach. It was during our first visit to Porthcurno beach and as the tide went out we noticed that you could access a smaller, completely empty beach a few hundred meters to the east of Porthcurno. We waded through the shallow water and found ourselves on the beautiful white sands of what we now know is called Pedn Vounder.

The girls loved being the first people to set foot on the beach, making footprints in the sand and exploring all the caves in the stunning rugged cliffs of Treryn Dinas. The beach looks out onto beautiful turquoise waters and is watched over by Logan’s Rock to the east.

This beach can also be access from the coastal path via an extremely steep and difficult to navigate path that involves scrambling down the cliffs. We have never tried to go this way with the children and have always just waited to walk round from Porthcurno, as it can be dangerous. If you walk round at low tide you have to be aware of tide times, as even the best swimmers could get into trouble with rip tides being common here.

There is a car park at Porthcurno beach, which does get very busy in the summer so make sure you arrive early, or a grass car park at Treen which is a 10 minute walk to the steep path that leads down to Pedn Vounder.

Porthchapel Beach

Porthchapel is again found between Porthcurno and Land’s End (our favourite bit of coastline) and is accessed down a steep path from the main coastal path. It is more easily accessed than Pedn Vounder, but it is still wise to wear trainers or walking sandals as at times you need to scramble down the rocks.

We found this little beach while on a walk and fell in love with the dramatic cliffs that surround it and on the day we visited the waves were particularly spectacular. As we ate our picnic we enjoyed watching the waves crash against the huge boulders scattered across the golden sand, sending spray shooting into the air in a very impressive display.

This beach is quiet in comparison to the nearby Porthcurno but still has amazing views over the azure sea framed by rugged cliffs on either side. Not as difficult to access as Pedn Vounder or Nanjizal, as there is a nearby car park at St Levan Church which is a 5 to 10 minute walk through a wooded valley.

Pentire Steps

Pentire Steps is one cove away from the famous sandy beach of Bedruthan Steps. Situated on the North Cornwall coast between the popular resorts of Padstow and Newquay, Pentire Steps is the complete opposite of its neighbour. At Bedruthan you will find a busy car park with a cafe and a beach peppered with people, whereas at Pentire Steps you will find a quiet golden cove backed by tall cliffs.

The view from above is spectacular and if you make the tricky descent down to the beach itself you will be rewarded as very few people venture down. Enjoy the peace and quiet listening to the turquoise waters lap against the shore in your own little bit of Cornish heaven.

Beware that swimming is not advised at anytime due to strong rip currents. The beach is also almost completely covered at high tide so it is advisable to check tide times before visiting.

Leggan Cove

Leggan Cove is a beautiful, pretty much undiscovered beach which is also practical to visit with children. You do not need to take your life in your own hands by scrambling down cliff faces. However, it is quite a walk from the nearest parking at Rosenithon, a small village nearby, so it remains quiet even during peak season.

It is situated on the sheltered eastern side of the Lizard Peninsular and is backed by gently slopping cliffs. The sea is often a lot calmer here and therefore safer for swimming and great for snorkelling. For those that want to stay mainly on dry land, rock pools are revealed at low tide which always entertain my girls for hours.

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Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post A Guide To Hidden Beaches In Cornwall appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

How To Get There

The nearest airport to Castellammare del Golfo is Palermo, which is an easy drive, about 35 minutes, along a main road which follows the coast. The driving only gets a little more tricky as you enter the town, where the streets are narrow and lined with parked cars.

We hired a car and picked it up from the airport (we used Discover Car Hire for this) which was really straight forward and is definitely the quickest way to get to Castellammare del Golfo other than by taxi. There were lots of options of different car hire firms all with collection only a few hundred meters from arrivals.

We did look into public transport but read that it is not that reliable in Sicily, particularly when it is out of peak season, so we opted for car rental. This worked out at just over double the price it would have been to get a taxi from the airport, so really good value, as we then had the car for the rest of our stay.

History of Castellammare del Golfo

This beautiful town is arranged around the Arab-Norman castle next to the harbour. A castle fortress was first built here on a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a wooden drawbridge, after the Arabs took control in 827 AD. The original fortress was then enlarged at a later date by the Normans when they took over the island.

Now there is a stone bridge that leads to Piazza di Castello, a small courtyard with the entrance to the museum, which is housed inside the castle itself. We were lucky enough to be staying in Piazza di Castello in one of the houses that was built more recently for fishermen in the castle grounds.

The museum is free to enter and there is the option of leaving a donation if you wish. It is dedicated to the different aspects of Sicilian civilisation and displays everyday items, giving you an insight into Sicily of the past. The exhibitions mainly focus around tools and processes of local trades, as well some domestic items from different eras.

It is not a huge museum but it has some interesting displays and visiting gives you the opportunity to see inside the castle. As you stroll through the museum, keep an eye out for stunning views of the harbour and the gulf from this elevated viewpoint.

Restaurants in Castellammare del Golfo

In every restaurant we ate, we had fantastic food either with spectacular views, a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the street or enjoy cosy restaurants full of locals. We simply did not have a bad meal in our entire week’s stay so it is really hard to say which the best places to eat were. All the restaurants we visited had their own charm, whether it was fresh fish at the glamorous harbour side restaurants or delicious pizza in a little pizzeria tucked away from the main square, we always left raving about the food we had just eaten.

However, if I was forced to make a decision here are my recommendations:

The best pizza – Gusto

Gusto is a small modern pizzeria not far from Piazza Petrolo, situated in its own little square with a fountain as a centre piece, Piazza Europa. The selection of pizzas was great and they had some interesting twists on the normal toppings. We had a Pizza Bianco with truffles which has to be the best pizza I have ever tasted. Our girls were happy too as we had a table on the balcony and they were able to watch their pizzas being cooked (always great entertainment!!).

The best seafood – Salvinius

We returned to this restaurant twice as it was that good. It sits in a central position on the harbour commanding great views and an excellent spot for people watching. The first time we visited they had no room inside the restaurant as it was fully booked (always a good sign) so we sat at a table right next to the harbour and ordered a selection of different delicious pasta dishes.

The second time we visited we made sure to book in advance as we knew how popular it is. On this occasion, we ordered their catch of the day which you could select yourself and either have it grilled or baked in salt. It was cooked to perfection and expertly served to us by the very friendly staff so there was no messing about with bones (which my husband hates!).

The best atmosphere – Egesta Mare

We found this restaurant by chance one evening when wandering around the narrow streets between the harbour and Piazza Petrolo. Its entrance is by a set of steps which were covered in plant pots and lit up with twinkling lights.

When we stepped inside we were immediately greeted and made to feel welcome in this cosy restaurant. The building used to be a monastery and you can still see the arches and stone walls but the decor is homely with an array of interesting decorations giving it character and charm.

As well as the service being friendly they offer a wide range of Sicilian specialities. It was clear from the clientele that it is a favourite with locals, as there was a huge family gathering of about 20 people on the table next to us. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces after an extremely enjoyable meal.

If you want a more in depth guide to the best places to eat in Castellammare del Golfo then click here to take a look at our guide.

Beaches

There are two beaches in Castellammare del Golfo, both sandy with fabulous views and each with their own advantages.

Cala Petrolo is located right next to Piazza Petrolo, about 5 minutes walk from the harbour. It is accessed by two sets of stairs which lead down from Piazza Petrolo to the small arc of sand that sits sheltered by the high sea wall. The beach is mainly sandy but does have quite a lot of stones as you enter the sea which also gets deep quite quickly so be careful with small children.

In the summer there is a Lido where you can hire sun beds and parasols and can grab a drink or a bite to eat. When we went in October this wasn’t open so we had the beach practically to ourselves (too chilly for Sicilians with temperatures in the mid twenties!).

The main advantage of this beach is its proximity to the centre of Castellammare del Golfo, but it also has great views of the castle and out across the gulf. We could see this beach from our balcony so it was perfect if we just wanted a hour or so on the beach and the girls loved collecting sea glass that had washed up on shore.

Spiaggia Plaja is about a 25 minute walk from the centre of Castellammare del Golfo along the coast. It is an easy walk but if you prefer there is a regular shuttle bus in the summer which will take you straight there.

This beach was our favourite of the two as there was more space for the girls to play and less stones. The beach actually stretches for 5km towards Terrasini and along this golden sandy beach there are many lidos and beach clubs offering sun beds and refreshment. This beach seemed to be kept cleaner than Cala Petrolo, where you could often find rubbish washed up maybe because we were there out of season. Also, it the water stays shallow quite far out to sea so it is much safer for swimming.

For information about more beaches nearby, click here.

Accommodation

As I mentioned before, we were lucky to find accommodation in Piazza di Castello, which was just perfect for us. As you step through the front door, you are immediately greeted by a view of the turquoise sea with mountains in the background framed by the glass door that leads out to the downstairs balcony.

On the ground floor there is a sitting room and small kitchen decorated beautifully making the most of the history of the building but with a modern twist. There is also a bathroom downstairs with a large shower.

Then there are 3 bedrooms over the next 2 floors and also 2 more bathrooms. On the third floor there is a covered roof terrace with spectacular views out to sea where we enjoyed lunch or an evening meal with a glass of Sicilian wine.

Although the property is simply beautiful, the main attraction for me is its location. In the morning I enjoyed either a walk up the main street to visit the deli for provisions, stopping for a cappuccino and a delicious chocolate filled croissant on the way or a stroll around the harbour looking at the boats bobbing up and down and the fishermen selling fresh fish, if I was early enough.

While we were there we checked out a few other options for accommodation, both in the centre of Castellammare del Golfo and nearer to Spiaggia Plaja. If you would like to find out more see our guide to accommodation.

Things To Do Nearby

One of the great things about this location is the varied places you can visit; from hikes in Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve to trips to the city of Trapani there is plenty to do in the local area.

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is about 25 minutes drive from Castellammare del Golfo but can only really be accessed by car. On the way you pass Scopello, a tiny village in a gorgeous setting, considered by many as the most beautiful in Sicily.

There used to be a tuna factory here that has been turned into a luxury hotel and due to its popularity they now charge €15 per person to enter the village. However, if you park on the road close by you can still get a view of the rocky coastline and the picturesque village from above and then carry on to the nature reserve or one of the beautiful little coves along the coast.

There is an entrance fee for Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve of €5 per adult and €3 for 11 to 14 year olds but parking is free in the main carpark. As part of your entrance fee you get a map of the nature reserve and you can spend the whole day exploring the beautiful scenery. We opted to walk along the coastal path towards Cala Berretta where we planned to stop for a picnic.

The path weaves its way along the coast offering dramatic views in all directions and there are plenty of little coves to stop at along the way. The walk to Cala Berretta was about 3km and took about 45 – 50 minutes as there were a lot of steep climbs and descents. If you want to go all the way along the coastal path it is about 7km in total but with our two girls the 6km round trip was plenty.

Scopello looks absolutely beautiful and I think it would be worth a visit if you are planning to spend the whole day there, maybe as a couple, but with 2 children it was a bit pricey for us especially as we would only have been there for a few hours.

If you decide to pay the entrance fee, you can use the luxury hotel facilities and purchase food and drink from the on site restaurant all with the most amazing view. As well as being a simply stunning setting it was the location for the final scene from Oceans Twelve, so film fans can find themselves in the same spot as George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Trapani is a lovely city about 45 minutes away from Castellammare del Golfo. It is an easy drive along a main road which goes from the east coast to the west coast where Trapani is located. We didn’t go with any intention to see all the historic buildings and churches but just enjoyed wandering around the streets and stopping for a coffee or a bite to eat as we went.

We enjoyed peeking into little courtyards and finding tiny beaches to eat our Sicilian street food on then wandered back to the square where we had parked the car.

Why We Love Castellammare Del Golfo

We felt like we had really struck lucky when we arrived in Castellammare del Golfo as we had booked tickets to Sicily on a bit of a whim and looked into everything else afterwards. As we were travelling out of season we decided not to go for one of the beach resorts as we were worried they may be very quiet at this time of year. We were proven to be correct when we visited nearby Trapeto and it was like a ghost town.

Castellammare del Golfo still felt very much alive as there is a good mixture of locals and tourists. It has charm, stunning views, history, amazing food and beaches close by and I have to admit we all fell in love.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post A Guide To Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Spiaggia Castellammare del Golfo – La Plaia

This huge expanse of golden sand stretches for 5km and is the longest of the Castellammare del Golfo beaches. The sea is shallow and usually calm in the summer, however when we visited in November there were some big waves which our girls loved. Jumping and riding the waves is one of their favourite activities. In the summer there are many cafes and restaurants dotted along the beach, as well as private lidos or beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and parasols.

As we were staying in Castellammare del Golfo we walked about 25minutes along the coast to get there, but there is lots of parking and also a regular shuttle bus in the summer months from the centre of Castellammare del Golfo to the beach.

The beautiful soft sand is definitely one of Spiaggia Castellammare del Golfo’s main attractions as lots of beaches in this area are formed from pebbles. It also has amazing views in all directions, to the left you can see Castellammare’s harbour jutting out into the sea, with Monte Inici rising up behind it and to the right there is the long expanse of beach towards Terasini, with the impressive backdrop of mountains.

Cala Mazzo di Sciacca

When we stumbled on this beach, during a day trip exploring the coast to the north of Castellammare del Golfo, it took our breath away. We followed a sign to Cala Mazzo di Sciacca after being disappointed that Scopello now has a costly entrance fee (€15 per person). We followed windy and narrow roads until we reached the azure sea.

We were lucky to find a spot in the small car park right next to the beach and after only a few steps we were at a little cove with a pebble beach that is truly gorgeous. The turquoise water is scattered with huge boulders, perfect for climbing and perching on to enjoy the view. The crystal clear water makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of snorkelling and we saw an array of interesting and unusual fish.

This peaceful little spot was the ideal place for a picnic before carrying on exploring this stretch of simply stunning Sicilian coast.

Spiaggia Guidaloca

On our return from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca we spotted another much bigger beach Spiagga Guidaloca. This beach is a favourite with locals and has more amenities. In the summer you can rent sun loungers and parasols to make your stay more comfortable, as again this is a pebble beach. Also, you can hire pedal boats, kayaks and enjoy other water sports so there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling or simply enjoying a refreshing dip. When you’re hungry there are a few cafes, but beware they can take a while to serve you so don’t wait until you are starving as we did!

There is parking right next to the beach which costs €3 – 5 and this beach is a lot easier to get to as it is off the main road from Castellammare del Golfo so no hair raising journey down narrow country roads.

Cala Petrolo

This beach is the closest to Castellammare del Golfo and from where we were staying in the castle’s square, Piazza Castello, we could actually walk down a small set of steps and were right on this beach. From the town centre it is about a 5 minute walk to Piazza Petrolo, a beautiful square with stunning views out across the bay. You then descend two sets of stairs to a small sandy beach (with some stones) which is sheltered by the tall sea walls. From here, you can see the ancient Castello Arabo Normanno looking resplendent in the sunshine and beyond that boats bobbing up and down in the harbour.

In the summer season, Cala Petrolo has sun beds and parasols to rent and the lido offers food and drink. However, if you go back up the two flights of stairs to Piazza Petrolo there are lots of restaurants offering great food in the surrounding streets.

The water does get deep quite quickly at this beach so be careful to keep a close eye on young children. This beach isn’t the prettiest or cleanest we visited but was a great option due to its central location.

Cala Berretta

Cala Berretta is a gorgeous little cove in the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve and one of the hardest of the beaches to get to so hopefully the quietest. We parked at the Scopello entrance to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, which is about a 25 minute drive from Castellammare del Golfo. We looked into whether you can get there on public transport and the simple answer is no, so you really need a car to access it.

From the car park the beach is about 3km but its not an easy walk as the path follows the coastline of craggy rocks and therefore there are a lot of steep ascents and descents to get there. However, it is totally worth it as the views along the way are breathtaking and the Cala is gorgeous with turquoise water, of all shades, glistening in the sunshine.

When we arrived only one other family was there and after a few minutes we had the place to ourselves. It’s the perfect halfway point on the coastal path for a lunch stop and a dip in the sea to cool down. The crystal clear water makes it the ideal place to snorkel and there are plenty of fish to discover along the rocky coastline.

If you like walking and are looking for a quieter spot then this is the beach for you, but beware, as it is in a nature reserve there are no amenities so take plenty of food and water. There is also a fee to enter the nature reserve of €5 per adult, €3 for 11 to 14 year olds and under 11 year olds are free.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

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How To Get To New Quay

New Quay sits between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, right in the middle of Cardigan Bay. Whether travelling from Cardigan, in the south, or Aberystwyth, in the north, it is easily accessible from the A487 (coast road).

From Cardigan it is about a 40 minute journey mainly along the A487 and then turning left onto the B4342 which takes you into the centre of New Quay.

When travelling from Aberystwyth it takes about 50 minutes, again on the A487, and you then turn right onto the B4342.

There are a few car parks to choose from in New Quay, and on a busy day, in the height of the summer season, they can get quite busy. Our favourite when visiting was Church Road car park which is quite large and just on the outskirts of the town centre. You follow the road the car park down hill past a few shops and cafes before you reach the sea front, an easy walk on the way down but a bit more challenging on the way back up.

New Quay Beaches

New Quay has three separate beaches, all with their own appeal and character. From the wilder Traeth Gwyn to the busier Harbour Beach there is something to suit everyones tastes.

Harbour Beach

Harbour Beach has lovely, soft golden sand and sits between the harbour wall and the cliffs, so it is really sheltered even on some of the windiest days (we felt it was a few degrees warmer as soon as our feet hit the sand). It has been given The Blue Flag Award making it an ideal spot for taking a dip in the sea and there is a lifeguard service from June to September.

From the beach you can see little boats bobbing up and down in the harbour in one direction and in the opposite direction Traeth Gwyn, with Llanina woods in the distance. Quite a unique spot, with such clean and calm water for the kids to play in.

The beach is only a short walk from the main town down a ramp, past some public toilets which were well maintained and extremely useful on a family day out. There is a cafe on the beach itself where you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks and any beach paraphernalia you may have forgotten to bring.

Dogs are not permitted on this beach from 1st May to 30th September, however both of the other beaches allow dogs all year round.

Dolau Beach

Dolau beach can be found on the other side of the harbour wall and is a much smaller beach. This beach is made from rocks, pebbles and coarser sand than harbour beach. The atmosphere here was much quieter, and there was more space for kids and dogs alike to have a good run around. We also noticed, when we were there, that the waves seemed better for bodyboarding as it is less sheltered.

Traeth Gwyn

Traeth Gwyn is the long stretch of sand (about a mile) that runs from Harbour Beach, all the way up to Llanina point. At low tide it is a wide swathe of sand backed by shingle and boulders but at high tide it can become cut off. It’s a popular place for dog walkers and if you take a stroll along this section you are likely to be following in the footsteps of Dylan Thomas, who lived in New Quay from 1944 to 1945.

New Quay Town

New Quay is a pretty little town that was originally a bustling fishing port. It still has a small harbour, which is home to small fishing vessels and pleasure boats. The town itself is mainly centred around the harbour and the main street leading away from the harbour, where you will find a selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops. Perfect for whiling away an hour or two wandering round and stopping for some refreshment.

The Lime Crab sits right by the harbour and offers up fish and chips with a twist. As well as your normal cod and chips, you can get a seafood plater, mango chilli prawns and vegetarian and vegan options. Even better, this chip shop serves cold beers, ciders and wines to accompany their tasty fare. If you’re lucky you can grab an outdoor table with a view over the harbour.

On the opposite side of the road are a selection of cafes including an amazing ice cream parlour called Creme Pen Cei which serves up a massive selection of different flavours catering for all dietary requirements (even doggy ice cream!). When we visited there was a queue all the way down the road but it was definitely worth the wait.

If you’re enjoying your time on the beach and just want to grab a quick snack then Pasty Pasty is a great option. They have a range of interesting fillings such as breakfast pasties, vegetable curry, chicken and chorizo, just to mention a few. They also serve delicious barista coffee to wash it down with…..in my mind the perfect beach combo.

Activities In New Quay

Water sports

Harbour beach is home to Cardigan Bay Watersports, where you can go paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. You have the option to book a taught session or simply hire the equipment if you are already an expert.

Boat Trips

If you want to go out on the water, but aren’t feeling that energetic or adventurous, then there are a few different boat trips you can book from New Quay. These include dolphin spotting trips where you can try and catch a glimpse of some of the many dolphin pods that live in Cardigan Bay.

Crabbing

Crabbing is a favourite pass time of many children, and adults alike, and can provide hours of entertainment for little cost. If you haven’t already got your crabbing gear then a few of the shops in town sell crabbing nets, buckets and bait. We never normally have much luck with crabbing but New Quay was our most successful crabbing expedition to date. It was also a lovely place to sit, dangling our legs off the harbour wall in the afternoon sunshine.

Why We Love New Quay

New Quay is a cute little town with three brilliant beaches. It is big enough to have a mooch around, looking in the cute little shops and stopping for a drink or snack in the many cafes. The Harbour Beach, nestled behind the harbour wall and under the terraces of the town, is the perfect place to sunbathe, build sandcastles and splash in the sea knowing that all the facilities you need are only a stones throw away.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

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1 – Llangrannog Beach

Llangrannog beach has it all – beautiful golden sands, picturesque setting, plenty of pubs and restaurants and lots of parking options. What attracted us to visit Llangrannog was the potential to try out some body boarding, as it is well know for having decent surf. When we arrived we found it also has lots of other attractions which make it perfect for families.

There is a free carpark about half a mile away from the beach, which has a park and ride option in the summer months, or a smaller car park right next to the beach.

The beach itself wasn’t overcrowded and had plenty of soft, golden sand for us to set up camp on and there are cliffs on either side offering some protection on windier days. May to September the beach is lifeguarded making it a safe place to enjoy the water, whether you’re into bodyboarding, surfing, paddle boarding or simply swimming.

There are pubs, restaurants and cafes, which cater for everybody’s needs, right next to the beach offering up anything from homemade pub grub to delicious ice creams and milkshakes.

It even has a secret hidden beach that you can only get to at low tide.

2 – Mwnt Beach

Mwnt beach is a beautiful golden, sandy cove with a gorgeous back drop of cliffs and rolling green hills. The real pull of this beach is its remote and peaceful setting. It is well known as a great place to spot dolphins and within an hour of arriving we were delighted to spot a group of 3 dolphins playing nearby in the bay.

It is owned by the National Trust so if you are a member parking is free, otherwise there is a daily charge of £5. From the car park it is a short walk across the road and down some steps to get to the beach.

As you walk down to the beach, the view is simply stunning. There is plenty of room on the soft sand to find the perfect spot for the day and the shallow water and pools created by the stream make it a great place for kids to play.

There are less food options here than Llangrannog, but there is a kiosk selling great coffee, hot and cold snacks and ice creams with a view.

3 – Penbryn Beach

Penbryn beach is also owned by the National Trust and is a lovely mile long stretch of powdery, soft sand which is sheltered by the nearby woodlands. It is a gently sloping beach so is a great place for a swim but beware, there is no life guard service.

Over the years it has won many awards for its cleanliness and is a beautiful spot for sunbathing, sandcastle building or a game of beach cricket. There is a cafe nearby called The Plwmp Tart, which has indoor and outdoor seating and offers a range of hot and cold food and drinks, with delicious homemade cakes.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

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How To Get To Aberaeron Beach

Arriving By Car

Aberaeron sits on the stretch of coast between New Quay and Aberystwyth, and the A487 (coast road) runs through the outskirts of the small town. As you approach, you will see the brightly painted houses along the main road (leading to it being know in our family as the rainbow town).

There are three car parks in Aberaeron. One to the south of the harbour which only has about 8 spaces. The other two are north of the harbour nearer to the beach itself.

Regent Street car park is the first you will come to and is only a short stroll from the beach. It has plenty of room and handily has four electric vehicle charging points.

The final car park is along the sea front and is only a 5 minute walk to the harbour. This car park has toilets located nearby and also has great views from your car if the weather isn’t too good.

All car parks are pay and display and offer you the option to pay by card.

Arriving By Foot

Aberaeron sits on the coastal path, and is only 6.5 miles from New Quay. This section of the coastal path is quite an easy walk with no major challenges. When the tide is out, it’s possible to walk along the beach between New Quay and Llanina point, a favourite walk of Dylan Thomas when he lived in the area.

Aberaeron Beach

Aberaeron beach isn’t quite as pretty as some of the other beaches on this coastline but offers lots of options for sports and nature lovers. It is a favourite spot for sailing, fishing, experienced surfers and birdwatchers alike. For our family, its appeal was that it was really quiet and offered the perfect spot for perfecting their stone skimming skills and the time old favourite activity of clambering over rocks. As the beach is west facing it is a great place to watch the sunset over the sea while enjoying an evening stroll.

Aberaeron Town

Aberaeron was built around a Georgian square in 1805. These beautiful period properties are painted in bright colours which give the town a vibrant feel even on a dull winter’s day. The different colours were not merely decorative but in the past they had a very practical purpose. They were to help the sailors quickly identify their home when returning from fishing trips.

These characterful buildings surround the harbour, interspersed with cafes, craft shops and restaurants. Its a charming place to wander round after you’ve visited the beach and there are lots of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

There is also a large park with a playground to keep the little ones entertained for half an hour.

Eating Out In Aberaeron

Aberaeron is well known locally as the place to go for quality food in a stunning setting. There is a host of different food options, from cosy cafes to high end restaurants.

On our first trip to Aberaeron we visited the Harbourmaster which sits (as is suggested by the name) right alongside the harbour, facing west to catch the last rays of sun on a summer’s day. It has a lovely terrace to the front of the building overlooking the harbour, which is the perfect spot to sip on sundowners.

We were seated inside, with views of the boats bobbing up and down in the harbour and the sun shinning through the large picture window. We all found something that we enjoyed on the menu, which is locally sourced, with a selection of dishes featuring Cardigan Bay shellfish and fish, Welsh lamb and beef, Ceridigion cheese and organic vegetables. The food was delicious and the atmosphere and staff were lovely.

As we loved Aberearon so much, we returned later in our holiday to sample the food at The Hive, a bright orange restaurant that sits right next to the harbour. The Hive offers a range of small plates which can be ordered tapas style or larger meals. The food again was delicious and the setting was cosy and intimate with fairy lights twinkling as the sun set.

The Hive also serves its famous honey ice cream from a kiosk outside which is irresistible on a hot day.

Y Seler is a high end restaurant that also has a large terrace with comfy seating and great views, situated right in the middle of the harbour. We didn’t eat here, but had drinks sitting in the sunshine on the squishy sofas. The menu looked amazing but not as child friendly as some of the other places nearby which is the only reason we gave it a miss.

Why We Love Aberaeron

Aberaeron has it all – a beach, easy parking, pretty rainbow houses, a harbour to enjoy a drink by, lots of independent stores to mooch around not to mention lots of places to eat food glorious food! It is a little gem of a town which we returned to three times in during our week stay nearby, which just says it all!

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

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How To Get To Llangrannog Beach

Arriving By Car

Llangrannog Beach is situated half way between New Quay and Aberporth, it is clearly sign posted from the A487 (the main coast road). You then follow winding country lanes towards the village of Llangrannog. Beware as you get closer the lanes get narrower and harder to navigate.

It takes about 25 minutes from New Quay and only about 20 minutes from Aberporth to get to this gorgeous little beach.

When you arrive there are two options for car parks. There is a small car park, right next to the beach, where you can pay by cash or through an app (however the signal is very poor in the area so makes using the app tricky!). There are horror stories online of people being fined as they took too long to pay by the app as there was no reception.

The other option is a free car park about half a mile away from the beach on the B4334. This is a large grassy car park with plenty of spaces, which also offers a park and ride service in the summer months.

We parked in the free car park and strolled down to the beach with all our bodyboards and other beach equipment, as we had read about the beach car park being over priced and often not accepting cash. However, the walk through the picturesque village was a lovely way to start our day.

Arriving By Foot

Llangrannog sits on the Ceredigion Coastal Path and the path leads directly down to the beach from Penbryn. In the other direction, the coastal path takes you to the Ynys Lochtyn peninsular which offers stunning, panoramic views.

Llangrannog Beach

The beach itself is a beautiful, golden sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, set into a lush green valley. It is a popular place for water sports including surfing, bodyboarding and kayaking. Along the sea front there are a few cafes and 2 pubs, so if you don’t fancy bringing a picnic there are lots of options.

The beach is lifeguarded daily from May to September (10am – 6pm) which makes it great for families, as you know your little ones are safe while enjoying the water. It also has public toilets close to the beach which is always important!

As well as water sports and the usual beach activities, there are also caves in the cliffs to explore and rocks to climb over (one of our families favourite pass times).

Village of Llangrannog

The village has all the facilities you need for a day out at the beach. A small shop selling beach supplies such as buckets and spades and fishing nets.

There is a family run ice cream parlour, Caffi Patio, which serves homemade ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, snacks and hot drinks.

The Beach Hut, is a small cafe and fish and chip shop, serving delicious food and drinks. It has indoor and outdoor tables overlooking the beach. Inside it is tastefully decorated, in keeping with its name, using upcyled and reclaimed furniture and beach paraphernalia.

There are two pubs The Ship and The Pentre Arms which are right next to the beach so you don’t have far to go for a refreshing pint or somewhere to warm up.

The Pentre Arms offers homemade food and a fully stocked bar in a stunning location. The most popular table has to be the one right next to the picture window, which has uninterrupted views of the beach and out to sea towards Ynys Lochtyn peninsular.

The Ship is a cosy place to eat and drink. It again offers a variety of homemade food in a homely environment and a wide range of drinks.

Cilborth Beach

Cilborth beach is a hidden beach, which can be accessed directly from Llangrannog beach at low tide and also via a steep set of steps that form part of the coastal path. A secret beach is always a treat, especially when its so close to the easily accessible Llangrannog beach. We love the sense of adventure and achievement when you manage to be one of the first people to walk round as the tide goes out.

Why We Love Llangrannog Beach

The biggest pull for us as a family is the opportunity to bodyboard, which both my girls absolutely love. Once in their wetsuits, they will spend hours in the sea – even in May when it was decidedly chilly. Llangrannog really reminds me of beaches we have visited in Cornwall but with out the crowds. We were able to easily find a table, with a sea view, at The Beach Hut without booking or waiting in a long queue. Not to mention that the food was homemade, delicious and had a slight twist on the normal chip shop fare. The large free car park was also a bonus, making it easy to park, as long as you don’t mind a walk. Overall, Llangrannog has something to please everyone, tasty food options, watersports, bracing cliff walks and golden sand to relax on.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post Llangrannog Beach appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

How To Get To Mwnt Beach

Arriving By Car

From Cardigan, Mwnt Beach is an easy 15 minute drive starting on the A487 north and then following a series of pretty country lanes.

From New Quay, it takes about 40 minutes by car (but well worth the drive) heading south on the A487 before turning off onto country lanes for the remainder of the journey.

The car park is owned by the National Trust, so if you are a member parking is free. If not, it only costs £5 for the whole day.

Arriving By Foot

The Ceredigion Coastal path makes this beach easily accessible by foot and it is the perfect place to take a pit stop on longer walks, as it is well equipped with toilets and a cafe (outdoor seating only but amazing views!).

Mwnt Beach

Mwnt Beach is accessed by a series of steps down to the golden sandy cove which is sheltered amongst steep cliffs. The calm waters and the large expanse of soft sand make it perfect for a family day out. A small stream runs to one side of the beach offering our youngest daughter hours of fun paddling, exploring and making dams with new found friends.

One of its main attractions is the possibility of seeing the native dolphins that live in Cardigan Bay. On our very first visit, only about an hour after arriving, we spotted a group of 3 dolphins playing in the in the calm waters of the cove. To our delight, they put on a bit of a show leaping in and out of the water entertaining everyone on the beach. You could hear a ripple of excited ‘ooos’ and ‘ahhhhs’ from their audience.

As we arrived by car we were prepared to make this a full beach day. The girls had plenty of space to build sandcastles, play bat and ball and enjoyed paddling in the gently lapping waters. Even though this beach is a really popular destination for families, it didn’t seem over crowded and we spent nearly an entire day here making a few trips back up the stairs to buy refreshments.

Facilities

As this is owned by the National Trust we found it had great facilities. There were toilets, a good sized car park and, the highlight for me, a kiosk that not only served ice creams but good quality coffee and a range of tasty snacks. There were also a few picnic benches nearby which had spectacular views over the cove. You could sit here and enjoy whatever you had purchased in comfort without getting it sandy.

History

Mwnt is an ancient holy site and has a 14th century chapel which served as a sailors’ chapel of ease. The Church of the Holy Cross (Eglwys y Grog) is simple yet beautiful and is definitely worth a visit while you are here. It also has a font which dates back to the 12th or 13th century when it was a refuge for pilgrims on their journey to St David’s.

Mwnt in Welsh means mound and the mound of earth, which forms the hill that over looks the sandy cove, is called Foel y Mwnt. Climbing to the top of the hill is a must, to enjoy the stunning panoramic views you get from the peak. As well as beautiful views of Cardigan Bay on a clear day you might get a glimpse of the Snowdonian mountains in the distance.

Wildlife

Mwnt is renowned as a great place to see bottle nosed dolphins but there is a lot more on offer for nature lovers. Basking sharks and porpoises have even been spotted here on occasion although, not as often as the dolphins and seals who are regular visitors to this gorgeous bay. In fact, during breeding season (August to December) mother seals and their pups can be seen on the rocks nearby and at times the National Trust closes the beach to the public to protect a mother and her pup from being disturbed – make sure you check the National Trust website before visiting!

The unique geology of the area, means that Foel y Mwnt is a perfect habitat for unusual plants and lichen. Also rare arable plants can be found in the surrounding fields.

Dogs

Unfortunately, between 1st May and 30th September dogs are not permitted on any area of the beach. Also please be cautious when visiting with dogs during the seal breeding season so they do not disturb or upset mothers and their pups.

Why We Love Mwnt Beach

It’s not just our opinion that Mwnt is a spectacular beach in Cardigan Bay, it has been voted a top beach on countless occasions. The Daily Mail awarded it the title of one of “Europe’s top ten loveliest, hidden beaches” and I have to agree. It feels remote and peaceful set amongst beautiful scenery and has breathtaking views from every angle. However, it has great facilities, making it the perfect place for a family day out.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post Mwnt Beach appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.