Welsh islands you can explore

Ynys Sgomer (Skomer), Sgogwm (Skokholm), and Gwales (Grassholm) are a trio of neighbouring islands named by ancient Viking visitors. They are located off the coast of southern Sir Benfro, and are celebrated for their exceptional wildlife. The islands are grouped together as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are included within the Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park) in West Wales.

Sgomer, the larger island, has a thriving puffin colony and these quirky birds with their iconic black and orange beaks are a big draw for visitors. A circuit walk of the high plateau of the island will lead you to its abandoned farm, views of its towering cliffs and seas busy with seabirds. You can stay overnight on Sgomer in self-catering accommodation – a treat when the Manx shearwaters are around, as the birds return from hunting at night amid a cacophony of eerie sounds.

Nearby Sgogwm is more rugged. Its cliffs slant into the Irish Sea, which crashes around its edges, creating a wild and dramatic landscape for photographers. It's famous for its bird watching observatory and attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. 

Tiny, isolated Gwales is the westernmost point of Cymru, situated 11 miles from Sir Benfro mainland. An open sea adventure cruise will give you the opportunity to view the island’s famous gannet colony and also spy dolphins, porpoises and grey seals. 

For a completely contrasting experience, try the charms of Ynys Bŷr (Caldey), just off the coast from the seaside resort of Dinbych-y-Pysgod (Tenby). Tour its Cistercian monastery and laze on its pristine beach, and don’t leave without a trip to the gift shop and Post Office. The monks make and sell their own lavender perfume and shortbread, issue their own postage stamps, and have their own 'currency'.

Search for boat trips in Sir Benfro (Pembrokeshire).

Ynys Enlli is reached by travelling to the very end of the Pen Llŷn (Llŷn Peninsula) in North Wales and taking a boat, getting close to puffins on the water as you do so (in the right season). Watch the mist fall away from the sea from Mynydd Enlli, its highest point, and look down on the working farm, abbey ruins, and the seals resting on rocks. 

In 2023 the island became the first site in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification by the DarkSky International. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are typically situated in a very remote location with few nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies. 

Getting there: Book a boat trip from Aberdaron with Bardsey Boat Trips in order to visit the island. 

The largest of Wales’ islands and a county in itself, Ynys Môn in North Wales offers the visitor a range of experiences. The north of the island is all dramatic cliffs and industrial history, while from the flatter southwestern part, you can marvel at the silhouettes of Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains across the narrow Menai Strait that separates the island from the mainland. 

Anglesey Adventures offers a wide range of activities for the adventurous, including full and half day courses in coasteering, sea kayaking, gorge scrambling, rock climbing, raft building and abseiling. Alternatively, make your way across the causeway to romantic Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island), separated from Ynys Môn at high tide, venture out by boat to nearby Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), or cross the bridge to explore Ynys Gybi.

On Ynys Gybi (Holy Island), bask in the sun at the popular Rhoscolyn and Trearddur beaches, and climb the lighthouse at Ynys Lawd (South Stack) with a guided tour. Ynys Seiriol is at the end of the Menai Strait, which divides Ynys Môn from North Wales. It’s worth a day trip from Biwmares (Beaumaris) to see the wildlife, the views of the strait, and to fish in the rich waters surrounding the island. 

Getting there: Ynys Môn (along with Ynys Gybi and Ynys Llanddwyn) can be reached by road from Bangor, 3 miles (5 km) away over the Menai Bridge; or Ynys Môn has a railway station in Caergybi (Holyhead).

Pen Pyrod is a picture postcard icon, its island jutting out from the headland at Rhosili (Rhossili) at the very end of the Penrhyn Gŵyr (Gower Peninsula) in West Wales. For a six hour window when the tide is out, you can scramble across the rocks before climbing its ridge and – if you’re lucky – spotting seals lolling about in the waters below. It’s a great vantage point to look back and admire the long beach at Rhosili, a favourite with surfers, family day trippers and courting couples alike. Visit the National Trust Visitor Centre at Rhosili for crossing times, or check ahead online.

Getting there: Pen Pyrod can be visited as a day trip from Abertawe (Swansea), 20 miles (32 km) away. 

From the Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) barrage in South Wales, Ynys Echni can be seen in the middle distance, seemingly at the centre of the Bristol Channel. The cliffs of English-owned Steep Holm tower over the lower level plateau of Welsh-owned Ynys Echni at its side. Join a guided tour of the island and learn about its smuggling past and working lighthouse. It was from here that, in 1897, the first wireless signals were transmitted across open sea by Italian physicist Guglielmo Marconi. As Marconi’s first message asked: 'Are you ready?'

Getting there: Ynys Echni can be visited as a day trip from Caerdydd (Cardiff) as part of a 5 mile (8 km) boat trip.