If you’re looking for sandy beaches, secret coves, idyllic picnic spots and walks with beautiful sea views, then look no further Caldey Island is just for you.

Caldey Island, also known as Ynys Bŷr in Welsh, lies just off the coast of Tenby, Pembrokeshire, with a recorded history spanning over 1,500 years, it is one of Britain’s holy islands.

Come and visit the red-topped, whitewashed monastery that houses a community of around a dozen Cistercian monks, the monks of Caldey continue a tradition which began there in Celtic times. More than a thousand years of prayer and quiet living have made this remote and beautiful island a haven of tranquility and peace.

Caldey Island is known for its flowers, many of which are rarely found in other areas of the United Kingdom. The island also has many species of birds that are prevalent in the summer months. Red squirrels were introduced in 2016 and by 2018 were breeding successfully and there are now around 50 on the island.

Keep a look out for little St Margaret's Island at the western tip of Caldey, it is a nature reserve (landings are prohibited) it's home to grey seals and Wales’s biggest colony of cormorants.

The monks live an austere life, they avoid unnecessary speech, dedicating themselves to work and hard labour. However, they make various luxurious products for sale, including essential oils, soaps and perfumes derived from the island's wildflowers and herbs, there is even a chocolate factory, you can purchase these products on the island or via the online shop.

Be sure to visit the sandy Priory Bay, the lighthouse, the village museum, the Old Priory and St Illtyd's Church, with its oddly shaped steeple, inside you will find a stone with inscriptions in Ogham (an ancient Celtic script).

The monks and islanders are pleased to welcome day-visitors to share the delights of their island home throughout the summer season.

Caldey Island is connected to Tenby by a seasonal boat service, the boats depart half-hourly from about 10.30am. The island is open to visitors from Easter to October, excluding Sundays. You can obtain tickets from the kiosk in Castle Square above the harbour. Boat sailings are weather-permitting, and daily updates are posted on Caldey Island’s social media pages.

Places to stay

Why not stay in one of our lovely properties that overlooks the beautiful island, we have Caldey Island View with direct views from the garden, or The Cwtch situated just round the corner in Penally.

Also some of our properties in Tenby that overlook the South Beach have stunning views of Caldey too, we have the Waterstone House Apartments, South Beach Court, Sea Breeze and Min Y Mor in Tenby.

About Us

Based in South Pembrokeshire, Puffin Cottage Holidays are a family run business, with a wealth of knowledge on the area and the local attractions and have been successfully letting holiday accommodation for over 15 years.

We aim to provide our customers with excellent service before, during and after your holiday, making your break away from home as enjoyable, relaxing and hassle free as possible. We understand that you may lead a busy life which is why we make ourselves available out of hours and on weekends, so that we can help you find your perfect holiday at a time convenient to you and if there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special just let us know.

Remember we specialise in all sorts of properties whether you are looking for Sea Views, Pet Friendly, Character, Rural, Hot Tubs, Lodges, Apartments, Cottages, Pods and keep close to our website for the best late deals.

If you have a property you are looking to holiday let, please see our Property owners page and contact us for more details. Our current properties are predominantly based in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Penally and surrounding areas therefore access to Pembrokeshire’s award-winning beaches is never too far away!