Penghu’s extensive shoreline is punctuated with hundreds of pristine beaches, most of which never receive ‘recreational visitors’. Thus it is quite possible to choose your own private beach from a wide selection, and even at the weekends, you are unlikely to see any other soul, save the odd local digging around for shellfish.
Make no mistake, these are not beaches lined with coconut trees, but the quality of the water and the white coral sand more than compensates for any typical postcard picture of a tropical beach. Besides, Penghu has a stark beauty of its own, with ‘big skies’ set against azure waters and magnificent basalt rock formations. Indeed, the very fact that the islands are volcanic produces a fine sand entirely made from eroded coral, and with no
alluvial run-off, the water remains crystal clear.
The most well known and most visited beaches have some basic facilities & infrastructure provided by the local government. These beaches can get a little busy at the weekend, although on weekdays the are often empty. The most visited tend to be Aimen, Lintou, San Shui, Shi Li - which are all excellent in their own right, and certainly a lot finer then any on mainland Taiwan.
Tips for selecting your own private beach
If its swimming, sunbathing and relaxing you are after, it pays to check on the prevailing wind direction. Even if its only a light breeze, a slight off-shore wind will guarantee calm tranquil water where the sea becomes still as a mirror, with only gentle waves lapping at the shore. Whereas an onshore breeze will produce rougher seas which are not so good for swimming or snorkelling. Generally the wind blows either from the South (mostly in the summer) and from the NE during the winter. Therefore, select a south facing beach in the winter, or a north facing beach during the summer. Then again, if you like surfing, you’ll appreciate the waves - one reason the south facing SanShui beach is still very popular in the Summer.
(Note: all the sub pages off the 'Beaches Menu' give details & descriptions of specific beaches, however the list is not intended to be definitive).
Make no mistake, these are not beaches lined with coconut trees, but the quality of the water and the white coral sand more than compensates for any typical postcard picture of a tropical beach. Besides, Penghu has a stark beauty of its own, with ‘big skies’ set against azure waters and magnificent basalt rock formations. Indeed, the very fact that the islands are volcanic produces a fine sand entirely made from eroded coral, and with no
alluvial run-off, the water remains crystal clear.
The most well known and most visited beaches have some basic facilities & infrastructure provided by the local government. These beaches can get a little busy at the weekend, although on weekdays the are often empty. The most visited tend to be Aimen, Lintou, San Shui, Shi Li - which are all excellent in their own right, and certainly a lot finer then any on mainland Taiwan.
Tips for selecting your own private beach
If its swimming, sunbathing and relaxing you are after, it pays to check on the prevailing wind direction. Even if its only a light breeze, a slight off-shore wind will guarantee calm tranquil water where the sea becomes still as a mirror, with only gentle waves lapping at the shore. Whereas an onshore breeze will produce rougher seas which are not so good for swimming or snorkelling. Generally the wind blows either from the South (mostly in the summer) and from the NE during the winter. Therefore, select a south facing beach in the winter, or a north facing beach during the summer. Then again, if you like surfing, you’ll appreciate the waves - one reason the south facing SanShui beach is still very popular in the Summer.
(Note: all the sub pages off the 'Beaches Menu' give details & descriptions of specific beaches, however the list is not intended to be definitive).