At a glance
Traeth Bychan is a small, sheltered sandy cove on the northeast Anglesey coast, lightly visited and excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Limited parking keeps crowds low — arrive early. No facilities on site; Benllech (2 miles) has the nearest café and lifeguards.
About Traeth Bychan
Traeth Bychan — "Small Beach" in Welsh — is exactly that: a compact, sheltered cove between rocky headlands on the northeast Anglesey coast, known primarily to local people and those who seek out Anglesey's less visited beaches. Its lack of facilities, limited parking and minimal signage combine to keep visitor numbers much lower than at neighbouring Benllech, even in the height of summer.
The water quality is outstanding — the northeast Anglesey coast consistently produces some of the clearest sea water on the island, and Traeth Bychan's sheltered position means the clarity is rarely disturbed by swell or sediment. Snorkelling is particularly rewarding when conditions are calm, with good visibility over the rocky substrate at the base of the headland and an interesting variety of marine life including blennies, gobies and small wrasse.
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path passes near the beach, linking Traeth Bychan with Benllech to the south and Dulas Bay to the north on a sequence of varied coastal scenery that makes excellent walking. The cove itself can be combined with a wider coastal walk in either direction for a very satisfying morning or afternoon.
What to do at Traeth Bychan
- Swimming — Clear, sheltered water. No lifeguard — check conditions. Best in July and August in calm, settled weather.
- Snorkelling — Excellent when calm, with good visibility over the rocky base of the headlands.
- Rock pooling — Good rock pools on the headland sides at low tide.
- Coastal walking — The Anglesey Coastal Path connects Traeth Bychan with Benllech (2 miles south) and Dulas Bay (2 miles north).
- Simply relaxing — On a weekday, Traeth Bychan can be wonderfully quiet. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beach almost to yourself.
Visiting tips
Getting there
Take the B5108 from Benllech north and turn left towards Marianglas village. Follow the lane past the village and continue down towards the coast. Parking is very limited at the lane end — arrive early in summer. A short path leads to the beach. The beach is not formally signed — some navigation is needed.
Facilities
There are no facilities at Traeth Bychan — no toilets, no café, no lifeguard. Bring everything you need. Benllech (2 miles south) has a beach café, toilets and RNLI lifeguards in season.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
"Small beach" in Welsh — <span lang="cy">traeth</span> meaning beach and <span lang="cy">bychan</span> meaning small. The name is apt: Traeth Bychan is a compact, sheltered cove rather than a long beach, tucked into the northeast Anglesey coast between rocky headlands.
Yes. The sheltered cove produces calm, clear water in most conditions — northeast Anglesey has some of the clearest sea water on the island. The cove is particularly good for snorkelling when the water is calm, with good visibility and interesting rock formations at the base of the headlands. No lifeguard — check conditions before entering.
Traeth Bychan is near Marianglas village on the northeast Anglesey coast. Take the B5108 from Benllech north towards Amlwch and turn off towards Marianglas. Follow the lane to its end where limited roadside parking is available. A path leads down to the beach — allow 5–10 minutes' walk. The beach is not well signed, which is part of what keeps it quiet.
Very much so. Unlike Benllech (2 miles south), Traeth Bychan has no facilities, minimal signage and limited parking — which means visitor numbers are far lower. On summer weekdays you may have the beach largely to yourself. It is one of the best quiet alternatives to Anglesey's more popular beaches and is particularly good for those seeking peaceful swimming or snorkelling.
Benllech (2 miles south) has Blue Flag facilities, café and lifeguards. Dulas Bay (2 miles north) is another quiet cove with a tidal estuary island. Red Wharf Bay (4 miles south) is spectacular at low tide for birdwatching. The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path passes near the beach and connects all these locations for walkers.