How Many Beaches Are There In Tenby?

It's a common question for visitors, just how many beaches are there in Tenby?  Depending on who you ask, the answer could be four, five, or even six beaches, so in this article we'll look at all of the beaches and hopefully stop the confusion!  Each of Tenby's beaches is distinct in character, so if you're visiting soon make sure you read up on all the different beaches, and if you're coming for a few days then you have time to work out which is your favourite.

Tenby's Blue Flag Beaches

Tenby is home to not one, but three Blue Flag beaches!  The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches meeting high environmental and safety standards, which really demonstrates why Tenby is such a hotspot for visitors, probably the most visited place in Pembrokeshire, and one of the most famous in South Wales too.  If you look below we've highlighted five of Tenby's beaches on an aerial map of the town so you can visualise where they are located.

North Beach

Tenby North Beach is one of the town’s most dramatic and distinctive stretches of coastline, backed by colourful Georgian houses and rugged cliffs. Curving around from the harbour towards Monkstone Point, this wide sandy beach feels wonderfully open, especially at low tide when there is plenty of space to explore. The views across Carmarthen Bay are spectacular, with distant headlands and changing light making it a favourite spot for photographers.

As a recipient of a Blue Flag award, the beach is popular with swimmers and surfers, thanks to its clean water and rolling waves, while families enjoy the rock pools that appear as the tide goes out. Access is via steps from the town or a steep path, which helps give North Beach a slightly wilder feel than some of Tenby’s other beaches. Dogs are restricted during the main summer season, making it ideal for a peaceful seaside visit.

You'll find toilets as well as a shop and cafe overlooking the beach, plus it's not far to the town for plenty more amenities.

Tenby Harbour Beach

Tenby Harbour Beach may be small, but it is one of the most picturesque beaches in Wales. Tucked between the harbour walls and Castle Hill, this sheltered sandy cove is instantly recognisable, with brightly coloured fishing boats resting on the sand at low tide. It feels intimate and full of character, offering a glimpse into Tenby’s maritime heritage.

Thanks to its sheltered position, Harbour Beach is often calmer than the others, making it a popular spot for families with young children, and note that dogs are restricted during the summer months. The shallow water and gentle waves are ideal for paddling, while the surrounding harbour provides a constantly changing scene as boats come and go.

Being right in the heart of town, Harbour Beach is just steps away from cafés, pubs and shops, making it easy to combine beach time with lunch or ice cream. While it can be busy in peak season, early mornings and evenings are especially peaceful. Harbour Beach may be small in size, but its charm and setting make it one of Tenby’s most beloved spots.

Tenby Castle Beach

Tenby Castle Beach is another Blue Flag recipient and sits beneath the ruins of Tenby Castle, offering a beautiful blend of history and coastal scenery. This sandy beach stretches eastwards from the harbour, with dramatic cliffs and castle walls rising above it. At low tide, the beach opens up into a wide expanse of golden sand, perfect for walking, relaxing or playing games.

The beach is popular with families and couples alike, thanks to its easy access from the town and its proximity to shops and cafés. Rock pools appear near the harbour side, providing plenty of interest for children, while the clear water is ideal for swimming on calm days. Note that dogs are not permitted during the summer months.  The backdrop of castle ruins adds a unique atmosphere that sets this beach apart.

As the tide comes in, Castle Beach becomes narrower, which only adds to its charm, especially when the water laps gently against the rocks. It is a fantastic spot to watch the changing tides and enjoy views across the bay.

Tenby South Beach

Tenby South Beach is the longest and most expansive of the town’s beaches, again with a Blue Flag award, stretching for miles towards Penally and Giltar Point. Its vast sweep of soft sand makes it perfect for long walks, beach games and quiet moments by the sea, and even during busy summer months, there is usually plenty of space to find a peaceful spot.

The beach is backed by dunes and cliffs, giving it a more natural feel than the town centre beaches. It is particularly popular with walkers, runners and families who enjoy the freedom of such a wide open shoreline. The water quality is excellent, and the gentle slope into the sea makes it suitable for swimming when conditions are calm.

Access points lead down from Tenby and Penally, and there are fewer facilities directly on the beach, so it feels less commercial and more relaxed. Dogs are allowed on most of the beach year round, making it a favourite with dog walkers. South Beach is ideal for those who love space, fresh sea air and uninterrupted coastal views.

Penally Beach

Penally Beach lies just south of Tenby and feels like a natural continuation of South Beach, though it has a quieter, more rural atmosphere. Backed by sand dunes and open countryside, this beach offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the town. The wide sandy shoreline is perfect for long, unhurried walks, especially at low tide.

The beach is popular with dog walkers and locals, as dogs are allowed year round. It is also a great spot for kite flying, beachcombing and enjoying uninterrupted views along the Pembrokeshire coast. The sea here is clean and inviting, though it can be breezier than the more sheltered beaches closer to Tenby harbour.

Penally Beach is easily reached from the village of Penally or on foot from Tenby, making it a lovely addition to a coastal walk. There are no major facilities directly on the beach, so it retains a wonderfully unspoilt feel. For visitors seeking calm, space and a strong connection to nature, Penally Beach is a real hidden gem.

Monkstone Beach

Monkstone Beach is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt beaches near Tenby, offering a true sense of escape along the Pembrokeshire coast. Located just east of Tenby North Beach, this secluded stretch of sand feels wonderfully remote, despite being only a short distance from the town. Accessed via a steep path from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the journey down adds to its hidden gem appeal.

The beach is a mix of sand and shingle, with dramatic cliffs and grassy slopes rising on either side. At low tide, the sandy areas are more exposed, creating space for relaxing, exploring rock pools and enjoying the clear coastal waters. Monkstone Beach is popular with swimmers and those seeking a quieter alternative to Tenby’s busier beaches, although visitors should always be mindful of tides and sea conditions.

There are no facilities on the beach itself, which helps preserve its calm and natural atmosphere. It is best suited to confident walkers and those prepared for the climb back up the path afterwards. For anyone craving solitude, sea air and rugged coastal scenery, Monkstone Beach offers a beautifully wild contrast to Tenby’s more developed seaside spots.

That's definitely a question up for debate, but what is sure is that you'll find plenty of things to do in Tenby if you're looking for family fun or beach days, and you're spoiled for choice when choosing which is your favourite beach.  Not only do you have plenty of beaches, but boat trips, watersports, and a lively town too, so make sure Tenby is on your itinerary for your next visit to South Wales.