A campsite next to a popular North Wales beach has said it is struggling to cope with swarms of visitors. Porth Iago, on the north-west side of the Llŷn Peninsula , Gwynedd, is often cited as one of the UK’s most picturesque beaches. In summer, campers and day visitors are often turned away because Porth Iago’s campsite and car park are full As some people travel long distances, the site manager says disappointment can lead to heated exchanges.
Vehicles can only reach the beach across private land and day visitors have no way of knowing if parking is available before they arrive. Campers are asked not to turn up without bookings as they will be turned away. READ MORE: Wardens to 'safeguard' North Wales beach as visitor spike threatens its beauty READ MORE: Survey planes discover eye-popping trend for the seals of North Wales The campsite’s manager, who asked not to be named, said things have got so bad he was considering closing the campsite and its car park.
He blamed positive publicity – unrequested and unwanted – for fanning the site’s popularity. When Porth Iago was named Wales’ third-best beach in last month’s Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide 2024, it prompted a further burst of interest. “People just think it’s a free-for-all,” he said.
“They read articles in papers and online and they think they have a right to come here and go on the beach. But they haven’t - the only access to the beach is across private land. I’ve been attacked by peo.