Porth Iago, a hidden gem nestled on the west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, is facing an unexpected crisis. This picturesque beach, often hailed as one of the UK’s most stunning coastal spots, is grappling with the consequences of its own popularity. The site’s anonymous manager is considering drastic measures, including the potential closure of the campsite and car park that have served visitors for many years according to an article by North Wales Live.
The root of the problem lies in the beach’s unique location. While Porth Iago itself is not private, it is accessible only via private land, a fact that many eager visitors seem to overlook. “People just think it’s a free-for-all,” the site manager 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 people angry that they can’t visit the beach.”
The surge in popularity can be attributed, in part, to recent accolades and increased media attention. When Porth Iago was named Wales’ third-best beach in the Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide 2024, it triggered a fresh wave of interest. However, this recognition has become a double-edged sword for the site’s management.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying Porth Iago’s allure. “We are on the verge of closing the gates and shutting a campsite that has been here since 1918. We’re constantly being inundated with people and we cannot cope. TikTokers are coming here, Instagram influencers are turning up, but we can’t let everyone in. The car park only has spaces for 30 or 40 vehicles,” the site manager explained.
The limited capacity of the site exacerbates the problem. With a car park that can accommodate only 30 to 40 vehicles, the influx of visitors quickly overwhelms the available space. By 11 am on most days, and often earlier, the car park is full, leaving many travelers disappointed after long journeys.
The beach’s reputation for spectacular sunsets has led to an influx of evening visitors, adding another layer of complexity to the management of the site. “Articles and blogs often mention the fantastic sunsets we have here,” said the site manager. “So people are turning up.” However, the car park’s operating hours of 9am to 5pm mean that these sunset-seekers are often turned away, leading to further disappointment and potential conflicts.
The campsite faces similar challenges. With 96% of campers being returning customers, many with rolling bookings, new visitors struggle to find space. Despite clear communication about the lack of availability, some hopeful campers still arrive unannounced, leading to difficult situations.
The site manager’s daily routine has become increasingly stressful. He shared, “I’ve got 164 messages on my phone from people asking if they can camp here in the coming week.” He continued, “My phone is ringing constantly. To get some sleep I turn it off at 8pm – but by the time I get up at 4.20am, it’s full of new voicemails from people who have been ringing through the night. People don’t listen (when we say we are full). Sometimes we have to close the gates (at the end of the drive) but they open them up and come through anyway.”
Managing visitor expectations has become a critical challenge. Some travelers, having read about Porth Iago’s beauty online, arrive with the assumption that access is guaranteed. This misconception has led to numerous incidents of disappointment and frustration.
As Porth Iago grapples with its popularity, it serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between promoting natural beauty and preserving it. The challenges faced by this Welsh beach highlight the need for sustainable management practices in popular tourist destinations.