1. It Stretches Thirty Miles Out to Sea.
A very noticeable on the map of Wales, the Llŷn Peninsula stretches miles out of the Welsh coastline, despite never being more than eight miles wide. Surrounded by the sea on three sides
2. 100 miles of coast
The Llyn Peninsula boasts nearly 100 miles of coastline and many spectacular beaches. Porth Lago, Llanbedrog Beach, Porthor (Oer) Whistling Sands, and Abersoch often feature on lists of the best beaches in the UK.
3. Micro-climate
Despite its seemingly perilous position jutting out into the Irish Sea the Llyn Peninsula enjoys a milder climate than the Welsh mainland, thanks to the Gulf Stream that passes through.
4. It is known as ‘Snowdon’s Arm’.
The Llŷn Peninsula is located in the North West of Wales, tucked behind the monumental landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Stretching out into the Irish sea, it is one of the most remote regions in the whole of Wales.
5. The Llŷn Peninsula is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
An area covering over 15,500 hectares of predominantly coastal land has been declared an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1956. The AONB covers approximately one-quarter of the whole Peninsula and includes the volcanic peaks of Garn Fadryn and Yr Eifl. it is one of only five of these regions in Wales and means that the beautiful countryside is not only protected, but extensive work is done to enhance its natural beauty.
6. Bardsey Island Was Once a Famous Religious Pilgrimage.
A tiny island located just two miles off the most western point of the Llŷn Peninsula, Bardsey Island is almost inconspicuous – with no cars, no telephones and practically no people living there. Bardsey Island was once known as the Island of 20,000 Saints and was a focal point for the old Celtic Christian Church. Scholars believe that three pilgrimages to Bardsey were equal to one pilgrimage to Rome, and despite appearing largely untouched, you can see the remnants of the island’s religious past through the remains of ancient religious buildings.
7. The Peninsula is Technically Not in the Region of Llŷn.
Over the centuries Wales’ regions have fluctuated and even in the modern-day where one part ends, and another begins can be vague. The Llŷn Peninsula is in the region of Wales now known as Gwynedd, which also covers much of Snowdonia National Park to the east. Much of the eastern area of the Llŷn Peninsula is said to be part of the region of Eifionydd. At the same time, Llŷn is generally used as shorthand for the whole Peninsula, also.
8. Welsh Language
Over 70% of people from the Llŷn Peninsula use Welsh as their first language. Perhaps owing to its remote nature and love for the countryside, the Llŷn Peninsula is the best pace to go for people looking to delve deep into the Welsh language.
9. Pwllheli is the Main Town of the Peninsula.
Its name meaning ‘Salt-water Pool’, Pwllheli is the unofficial capital of the Llŷn Peninsula. Located on the central-southern coast of the Peninsula, this small market town with a population only in the thousands is a hub for all activity in the region. It is a popular beach resort for tourists.
10. It is Nationally Renowned for its Food.
The protected hillsides and coasts have led to the Llŷn Peninsula being one of the most popular places in all of Wales for fresh seafood and livestock. The coast produces an abundance of lobsters and crabs, while the region is also well-known for its Welsh Black Beef, meat produced from Black Cattle raised freely on the hills.