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Wales may be small, but it packs an extraordinary punch. With dramatic mountains, medieval castles, rugged coastlines, and vibrant cities all within a few hours’ drive, this compact Celtic nation offers experiences that rival destinations ten times its size. Here’s your essential guide to the best places to visit in Wales.
Must-Visit Destinations
Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
Why Go: Wales’ crown jewel and home to the country’s highest peak
Highlights:
- Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) – Summit Wales’ 1,085m (3,560 ft) highest mountain via six different trails
- Zip World – Europe’s fastest zip line and underground trampolines in slate caverns
- Picturesque villages – Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, and Llanberis
- Adventure capital – Rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, adventure seekers, photographers
Don’t Miss: Taking the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit if hiking isn’t your thing
Guide:
The Ultimate Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Climb: Which Trail Will You Take? Interactive Map
Cardiff (Caerdydd), South Wales
Why Go: Wales’ dynamic capital blends modern culture with 2,000 years of history
Highlights:
- Cardiff Castle – Roman fort, Norman keep, and Victorian Gothic mansion all in one
- Cardiff Bay – Waterfront regeneration with the striking Senedd (Welsh Parliament) building
- Principality Stadium – Iconic venue at the heart of rugby culture
- National Museum Cardiff – World-class art and natural history collections (free entry!)
- Vibrant food scene – From traditional Welsh cakes to Michelin-starred dining
Best For: City breakers, history buffs, sports fans, foodies
Don’t Miss: Catching a rugby match or taking the vintage arcade tour
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales
Why Go: Britain’s only truly coastal national park with stunning beaches and wildlife
Highlights:
- 186-mile Coast Path – Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches
- St Davids – Britain’s smallest city with magnificent cathedral
- Barafundle Bay – Regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches
- Puffins and seals – Boat trips to Skomer and Ramsey Islands
- Surfing beaches – Newgale, Freshwater West, and Whitesands
Best For: Beach lovers, walkers, wildlife watchers, water sports enthusiasts
Don’t Miss: Coasteering – the Welsh-invented adventure sport of sea cliff jumping
Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), South Wales
Why Go: Dark sky reserve with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and cave systems
Highlights:
- Pen y Fan – South Wales’ highest peak with panoramic views
- Waterfall Country – Stunning cascades near Ystradfellte
- Dan yr Ogof Caves – Vast underground cave system
- Stargazing – International Dark Sky Reserve status
- Market towns – Brecon, Abergavenny, Hay-on-Wye (book town)
Best For: Hikers, stargazers, nature lovers, literary enthusiasts
Don’t Miss: The Four Waterfalls Walk – one of Wales’ most spectacular short hikes
Conwy & Caernarfon, North Wales
Why Go: UNESCO World Heritage castles and medieval walled towns
Highlights:
- Conwy Castle – Edward I’s magnificent 13th-century fortress
- Conwy’s town walls – Walk the complete circuit of medieval defenses
- Caernarfon Castle – Where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales
- Smallest house in Britain – Quirky red cottage on Conwy quay
- Conwy suspension bridge – Telford’s engineering marvel
Best For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, castle collectors
Don’t Miss: Walking Conwy’s complete town walls at sunset
Gower Peninsula, South Wales
Why Go: Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just west of Swansea
Highlights:
- Rhossili Bay – Three miles of golden sand, voted Britain’s best beach
- Worm’s Head – Dramatic tidal island accessible at low tide
- Three Cliffs Bay – Instagram-worthy beach with castle ruins
- Surfing – Llangennith is Wales’ premier surf spot
- Oystermouth Castle – Swansea Bay views from medieval ruins
Best For: Beach lovers, surfers, photographers, day-trippers from Cardiff
Don’t Miss: Timing your walk to Worm’s Head with the tides (2.5 hours either side of low tide)
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Anglesey (Ynys Môn), North Wales
Why Go: Island escape with beautiful beaches, royal connections, and the town with the longest name
Highlights:
- Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – Yes, it’s real
- South Stack Lighthouse – Dramatic clifftop location with puffins
- Beautiful beaches – Newborough, Llanddwyn Island, Red Wharf Bay
- Beaumaris Castle – Edward I’s “perfect” concentric castle
- RAF Valley – Where Prince William was based as a search-and-rescue pilot
Best For: Beach hoppers, photographers, royal watchers, linguists
Don’t Miss: Getting your photo at the famous long-name railway station
Portmeirion, North Wales
Why Go: Surreal Italianate village that looks like it’s been transported from the Mediterranean
Highlights:
- Architectural fantasy – Colourful buildings inspired by Italian coastal towns
- The Prisoner filming location – Cult 1960s TV series setting
- Subtropical gardens – Exotic plants thrive in the mild microclimate
- Boutique hotel – Stay overnight for magical evening atmosphere
- Portmeirion Pottery – Famous tableware designed here
Best For: Architecture enthusiasts, TV fans, unique experiences, Instagrammers
Don’t Miss: Staying for dinner when day-trippers leave and the village becomes magical
Portmerion: Wales Most Beautiful Coastal Village
Tenby (Dinbych-y-pysgod), West Wales
Why Go: Picture-perfect walled harbour town with pastel-coloured houses
Highlights:
- Medieval town walls – Pastel Georgian houses within ancient defences
- Five beaches – Sandy bays accessible from the town
- Caldey Island – Boat trip to monastery island with resident monks
- Harbour – Colourful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants
- St Catherine’s Island – Tidal fort accessible at low tide
Best For: Families, beach lovers, photographers, relaxed coastal breaks
Don’t Miss: Fresh seafood at the harbour and gelato from Fecci’s (family-run since 1930s)
