Bale, who moved to Spain last summer, was on Penarth Pier near Cardiff - the city where he grew up.
He is understood to be filming an advert for a sports network.
As fans gathered to catch a glimpse on Monday - the 24-year-old showed off some of the skills that have made him the world's most expensive footballer.
While his Real Madrid teammates have been competing at Brazil's World Cup, Wales' Gareth Bale was spotted playing for the camera much nearer home.