Aberavon sits south of Port Talbot in the county of Neath Port Talbot, South Wales. It is in actual fact a small district of Port Talbot, which grew around Aberavon following the development of the docks in 1835.

A tragic story surrounds the district. In 1802 there were riots in Merthyr Tydfil, after miners felt that they were receiving too low pay from their employers. After the murder of one man, Dic Penderyn was charged with his murder, tried in court and found guilty. He was hanged at Cardiff, but the authorities there said they could not bury an executed murderer. His friends took the body to Llantrisant, who also refused to bury it. Finally they came to Aberavon and buried Penderyn's body during the night. It turned out that Dic Penderyn was completely innocent, as several years later the real murderer confessed to the deed.

The beach at Aberavon Sands is popular with surfers, but beginners should take care at high tides. It is suggested that they surf only on a dropping tide and away from the breakwater.