Port Eynon (Welsh: Porth Einon) is located on the south west coast of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. The village sits on the edge of Port Eynon Bay between Port-Eynon Point and Oxwich Point. It is a delightful little village with a proud history of seafaring men, indeed in the village churchyard there is a memorial sculpture to the three lifeboat crew who lost their lives at sea in 1916.

Beaches

Port Eynon Beach: The beach offers the choice between a wide sandy bay or an interesting rocky headland. It is popular for swimming, rock-pooling, surfing, windsurfing, diving, and with a slipway to the beach, sailing. It is a safe beach for swimming, as long as you keep well away from the slipway where they also launch powerboats. There are boat trips available from Port Eynon beach for exploring the rugged Gower coastline.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

Should you wish to explore on Shanks's pony then there are an abundance of footpaths leading from Port Eynon including a wonderful coastal walk that heads east around the Oxwich Point headland. Owned by the National Trust it is a most spectacular coastal path that veers along crags, above thundering waves, and past a natural cave cut deep into the hillside before reaching the beautiful Oxwich Bay (voted by many to be the most beautiful beach in the United Kingdom).

Alternatively head west round Port Eynon Point and you will find the man-made cave of Culver Hole, more easily explored - possibly having served as a stronghold for Port Eynon Castle (sadly long gone). Subsequent uses of the cave have included a smugglers' retreat, as well as an armoury and a dovecote. The walk continues along the spectacular coastal path to Rhossili offering wonderful views. A point to visit along the way is Paviland Cave, where the 19,000 years old skeleton of a Stone Age hunter was discovered - the Red Lady of Paviland (something of a misnomer as it was later found to be the skeleton of a man).

Directions to Port Eynon: You can find your way to Port Eynon by taking the A4118 from Swansea. You can't really miss it because if you don't stop at Port Eynon you will end up in the sea. There is a Pay and Display Car Park close to the beach, well everything is close to the beach in Port Eynon, including two good Fish and Chip shops with eat in or take away facilities.

Churches

St Cattwg's Church: St Cennydd (a missionary for St Cattwg) founded Port Eynon parish church in the 6th century A.D. It is a lovely little church and has many interesting gravestones in the churchyard. The building dates from the 12th century and was given to the Knights of St John by Robert de la Mare around 1165. Interesting features include the Leper Window, the Norman Font, the ancient Piscina situated in the Chancel, the Norman doorway, and the stoup for holy water in the porch was donated by a Spanish sea captain in gratitude to his rescuers.