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A north Wales gem so stunning its earned comparisons to beaches found in South Africa (Image: Getty)
A UK beach has won praise thanks to its stunning sights and its uncanny resemblance to a South African bay. Experts at holidaycottages.co.uk made comparison after looking at some of the world’s most popular beach destinations and then finding the best UK alternatives.
The experts declared that Porthdinllaen, in North Wales, is the double of Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, thanks to both spots being home to massive curving beaches and lined with green, rugged cliffs. Despite Hout Bay being much bigger than Porthdinllaen, both regions offer tranquility and are the ideal places to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Porthdinllaen offers unique coastal walks, blue waters and even a proper traditional pub but best of all, a visit to this Welsh paradise is far cheaper and easier compared to a trip to South Africa.
Porthdinllaen offers unique coastal walks, blue waters and even a proper traditional pub (Image: Getty)
A short journey here and you’ll be met with scenes of a bustling fishing village with sheltered waters and rich wildlife.
So charming is Porthdinllaen that it was even named among the most stunning seaside villages in all of Britain by The Telegraph.
Its description said: "Huddled on a promontory, jutting west of Morfa Nefyn – itself, a lovely, sandy spot – Porthdinllaen is a time-warp fishing village where you can hide away in one of the old stone houses, watch the fishermen bring in their catch.”
There’s also plenty to do here and, much like Hout Bay in South Africa, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to exhilarating outdoor activities to fill your days.
One of the most remote pubs in the UK is also found here and is known as Ty Coch Inn (Image: Getty)
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Some of its more popular activities include kayaking, swimming, boating, hiking and wildlife watching.
Porthdinllaen is a true gem for animal lovers with the chance to spot the region’s nesting sand martins and cormorants, including oystercatchers, grey seals and seagrass meadows.
The location also has an impressive history that dates back to the Iron Age and was once a harbour that aspired to be a major port to Ireland.
This charming seaside village’s many highlights don't stop there as it is also home to one of the best secret beaches in the UK, according to The Independent.
Alongside earring comparison to South African beaches and top praise from leading travel experts, Porthdinllaen also has another string to its bow thanks to its “world class” beach pub known as the Ty Coch Inn.
This pub is one of the most remote pubs in the UK as the nearest car park to the drinking spot is a 20 minute walk away - but for those brave and energetic enough, they’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sea views around.
One review on TripAdvisor wrote of the pub and said: “One of my favourite places, and right on the beach with great local beer and the landlord and staff are exceptionally friendly and welcoming.”
Another wrote of the magic that is Porthdinllaen and said: “Simply gorgeous, you have to see it to truly believe just how pretty it is.”