The paradise beach in Wales with lush white sands you can only get to by boat

Angharad Thomas

9 July 2024 at 6:15 am·3-min read

Priory Bay, Caldey Island — -Credit: (Image: Getty Images)

Caldey Island, a tranquil haven off the Pembrokeshire coastline near Tenby, is renowned for its ancient history, serene beaches, and woodlands. This idyllic tourist attraction, one of the UK's holy islands, is just a short boat ride from the mainland.

The island has been inhabited since the Stone Age and has hosted various orders of monks since the Bronze and Iron Ages. Since 1929, it has been owned by monks of the Cistercian Order who continue to live, pray, study, and work within their monastery on the island.

So, what can you do on Caldey Island?

Priory Bay, the only beach open to the public on the island and a green coast award site, is perfect for bathers when sea conditions are calm. For a light snack, visitors can unwind at the tea garden cafe with its outdoor seating area. Alternatively, those preferring a picnic can find numerous benches on the village green, lighthouse area, and Matthews Meadow, reports Wales Online.

While the Abbey and Monastic Enclosure are not open to the public, tourists can visit the Abbey Church viewing gallery and participate in the services of Sext. Visitors can also explore St Iltyd's Church, St David's Church, and the churchyard where they can light votive candles. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here

Day-trippers can also explore the island's shops, which offer a variety of products, including perfume crafted by the monks. The Post Office houses a small shop and a museum that sheds light on the island's history. A chocolate factory is also present where visitors can tour and buy milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and fudge.

The island offers plenty to discover with numerous walking paths. Visitors can opt to amble along the coastal paths, take pleasure in cliff and woodland walks, head towards the lighthouse, or venture beyond the village through grass and gravel pathways. More information can be found here.

How do you get to Caldey Island?

The island welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, from Easter until the end of October. Day-trippers can reach the island via boats. At high tide, passengers can board the boats from the harbour steps in Tenby, while at low tide, a mobile jetty on Tenby Castle Beach is available. All children journeying to the island must be accompanied by an adult.

While there are no public car parking facilities in Tenby's harbour area, visitors can park in nearby car parks within a short walk. During the school summer holiday, a park and ride bus service operates from North Beach car park.

Is it possible to stay on Caldey Island?

St Philomena's, a retreat house on the island, offers groups or individuals a place for 'a few days of reflection'. However, it is currently undergoing renovation work and is expected to remain closed until 2024. However, there is a Monastic Guesthouse available for men to stay for a few days or up to one week. Here, they can worship and dine with the monks and assist with daily tasks. More information can be found here.