Friday, July 11, 2025
The United Kingdom has revealed Portstewart Strand as an extraordinary coastal haven where raw nature and unforgettable experiences go hand in hand. Enjoying breathtaking ocean views, pure golden sand, and the extra benefit of sunrise sauna experiences by the Atlantic, the Blue Flag beach delivers visitors the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and spectacular landscapes that guarantees a memory to last a lifetime.
Stretching for two miles of powdery golden sand, caressed by the rolling cobalt waves and set behind rugged green cliffs, Portstewart Strand resembles a secret paradise a long way away from the grey skies of the UK. This piece of coastal enchantment in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, provides the ultimate escape for visitors looking for both relaxation and adventure along the legendary Causeway Coast.
Set between two of Northern Ireland’s greatest natural wonders—inc. the renowned Giant’s Causeway and the beautiful Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—Portstewart Strand can hold its own with the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Unspoiled yet attractive, through its Blue Flag rating and judicious management by the National Trust, it proves an unbeatable destination. Here, guests lie out on the soft sand with a good book, bask in the soft heat of the sun, or have a relaxing evening picnic as the sky transforms into sunset hues.
This beach doesn’t just attract those seeking quiet moments. Adventurers gravitate to Portstewart Strand to ride its waves, explore its waters by kayak, or test their balance with paddleboarding. The Atlantic Ocean here isn’t for the faint-hearted, though. Braving its refreshing, icy embrace becomes part of the thrill for surfers and swimmers alike. The site is also home to Northern Ireland’s only accredited ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) Surf and Stand-Up Paddle School, making it a hub for beginners and seasoned water sports enthusiasts eager to sharpen their skills.
Nature enthusiasts can indulge in the beach’s 6,000-year-old dunes, which tower dramatically to 30 metres in places. These monumental formations provide a spectacular setting as well as a haven for wildlife. Strolling along the sand, you discover paths leading out towards the Bann Estuary, a haven filled with wading birds and ornithic life, where intrepid explorers can spot rare breeds in their own element. For the long-distance explorer, the 33-mile Causeway Coast Way, which stretches as far as Ballycastle, begins at Portstewart Strand, offering trekkers breathtaking sea vistas, secret coves, and towering cliffs en route.
With prettiness, accessibility, and spirited atmosphere all rolled into one, it comes as little surprise that Portstewart Strand claimed the highly prestigious number one position in the 2025 UK 50 Best Beaches list. New visitors often do a double take, eyes wide with incredulity, as they arrive, expecting theusual constraints of all beaches. But here, cars literally drive straight out onto the wide sand. Families roll up tidily, set out picnic tables beside their cars, and while away the golden days basking in the freedom and space. As confusion yields to exultation, new visitors soon become accustomed to the easy, near Mediterranean way of life.
Accessibility facilities make it all the more attractive. Disabled toilets, an adult-sized changing bench, and beach gear for loan are provided, giving the beach a place among the UK’s most accessible coastal areas. In 2023, Portstewart Strand went a step further with a first when it introduced its Sauna and Sea, challenging visitors to heat up while enjoying a sauna near the beach while watching the Atlantic sunrise—what better way to begin a chilly Northern Irish morning!
Reaching this coastal gem is straightforward. Visitors can fly into Belfast International Airport from most major UK cities, including London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Nottingham. With a little flexibility, return flights in August start as low as £29. From Belfast, the journey to Portstewart Strand covers roughly 60 miles northwards. By car, it takes just over an hour, offering scenic views of rolling countryside and rugged coastline. For those relying on public transport, the trip takes a little over two hours but remains perfectly doable for a weekend escape.
When it comes to accommodation, Portstewart caters to a range of preferences and budgets. For those seeking cosy comfort, Port 56, a newly renovated guest house just 16 minutes from the beach, offers charming rooms at £225 for a two-night August weekend stay. Couples seeking a touch of luxury can opt for a stay at one of the town’s stylish boutique properties. Chic rooms, a family-friendly restaurant, and a sunny terrace await those who book a Luxe Room for £538 over the same period, complete with an indulgent breakfast to start each day.
Whether you’re drawn by its pristine sand, thrilling water sports, rich wildlife, or the freedom to park right on the beach, Portstewart Strand promises an experience unlike any other on the British Isles. From sunrise sauna sessions to adrenaline-pumping surf lessons, quiet moments with a book to long hikes along dramatic cliffs, every visit feels like discovering a secret treasure.
Portstewart Strand, United Kingdom, is an unbeatable coastal haven that boasts breathtaking sea views, perfect golden beaches, and a unique sunrise sauna treat which, collectively, make the traveller’s memories unforgettable. This isn’t just a beach. It’s a vibrant, living landscape that captures the spirit of Northern Ireland’s wild coastline and leaves visitors longing to return again and again.
