Priory Bay, Caldey Island

Priory Bay is where the Caldey Island boats land: a crescent of genuinely white sand looking back across the water to Tenby, with the island's woods behind and the monastery bell marking time. Caldey has been a holy island for over 1,400 years, and today's Cistercian community farms it, makes its famous chocolate and perfume, and shares the island with day visitors in season.

Boats run from Tenby harbour (roughly Easter to late autumn, weather permitting, not Sundays); the crossing takes about twenty minutes and the beach is yours within steps of the slip. The water over the sand is some of the clearest and calmest in Pembrokeshire — the bay faces sheltered north — and the rest of the island walk (lighthouse, village, abbey church) turns a beach visit into a full day. Check sailing times and the island's visitor rules before you go; it is a private island and its own rules apply, including for dogs.