Located in the southwest of Great Britain, Wales is a country known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, breathtaking scenery, singular Welsh language and Celtic culture.
The capital, Cardiff, is a refined coastal city with a nightlife scene and a captivating medieval castle.
In the northwest, Snowdonia National Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of this country with its lakes, glacial landforms, hiking trails and a railway up to the peak of Snowdon.
Wales is not just about natural wonders. It has also lots of heritage, including more than 400 castles and fortifications, countless gardens, breathtaking scenery, and a network of heritage railways that connects much of the country.
If you chose to holiday in Wales, rest assured you will have plenty of choice to make your getaway memorable.
Let's have a look at some of the most beautiful places to include on your trip.
Snowdonia National Park
Probably the major attraction for nature lovers travelling to Wales.
As well as being the largest National Park in Wales, Snowdonia is home to the highest mountain and the largest natural lake in Wales, as well as a wealth of picturesque villages.
Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles and is home to over 26,000 people.
Conwy Town
Conwy, previously known in English as Conway, is a walled medieval town and one of the most well preserved on the north coast of Wales. The town, which faces Deganwy across the River Conwy, formerly lay in Gwynedd and prior to that in Caernarfonshire.
The well kept walls (the most intact in Europe), enclose a town of narrow cobbled streets, nooks and crannies chock-full of historic buildings.
Listed as a World Heritage Site, the Cowny Castle played an important role as part of the fortresses built around Snowdonia in the 13th century by Edward I to contain the Welsh. The views are absolutely stunning, with the mountains of Snowdonia one way and the Conwy Estuary the other.
Anglesey Isle
Anglesey is an island in Wales, off the mainland's northwest coast, known for its beaches and ancient sites. The island is accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge and also the Britannia Bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century.
Anglesey is a place of unparalleled beauty and amazing adventures, an historic island full of character.
Not to miss when visiting Anglesey are the the Menai suspension bridge, the Anglesey Coastal Path, Llanddwyn Island with its iconic lighthouse, The Copper Kingdom, South Stack Lighthouse and cliffs, Plas Newydd House & Gardens, The Dingle Nature Reserve, Anglesey Farmers' Market, Lligwy Beach and in the medieval town of Beaumaris, you can find the 13th-century Beaumaris Castle.
Cardiff
The Capital of Wales is a vibrant city and there are some really great places for tourists to visit, both near the city centre and in Cardiff Bay.
Amongst the main attractions in Cardiff, you should not miss Cardiff Castle right in the heart of the city, representing more than 200 years of history, the National Museum and also the St. Fagans museum, possible to visit for free. For the outdoor lovers, exploring the Cardiff Bay Barrage or taking a trip to Flat Holm Island, rich in wildlife and steeped in history, are great choices to spend some "al fresco" time.
Caernarfon Castle
This 13th Century castle is the main attraction of this beautiful town.
Its fortress dates back to 1283 after king Edward started its conquest for Wales and was established as both home for the English government in Wales and a royal palace.
Listed today as a World Heritage Site, the castle attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The Highlands Railway is also an attraction for those who visit Caernarfon, taking them on a magnificent journey through the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia.
Llangollen Town
On the banks of River Dee, on the Dee Valley, Llangollen is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is the perfect place to take picturesque photographs, enjoy a stroll along the Vitoria Promenade or simply picnic in the Riverside Park or watch the river tumble down beneath the bridge.
If you wish to explore a bit more, take a ride on the steam railway or experience peace and tranquility, gliding along the canal on a horse-drawn boat.
Llangollen is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along eleven miles of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls via the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
This 19th Century World Heritage Aqueduct is 18 KM long and has 19 pillars erecting 30 meters above river Dee. Take a canal cruise and make sure to enjoy the beautiful views from this beautiful monument.
Tenby Town
Home to blue flag beaches and sitting on Carmarthen Bay, this medieval fishing village has lots to offer its visitors along its charming streets.
The fishing boats mix with the colourful houses of the bay and the Norman Castle contrasts with the 13th Century town.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The beauty of Britain’s only coastal national park hasn’t gone unnoticed and the Pembrokeshire National Park has recently been considered one of the top two coastal destinations in the world.
At Pembrokeshire coastline the land, sea and sky mingle perfectly in an intricate ribbon of eroded cliffs, glaring beaches and hidden coves with natural rock pools.
The 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path, passes through here and allows walkers to enjoy a landscape like no other.
The Gower Peninsula
The diversity on its landscape between beautiful beaches and sharp cliffs, put the Gower Peninsula amongst the areas renowned by outstanding natural beauty and adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers.
Rhossili and Three Cliffs bay are the best beaches in the area, although the latest presents very strong currents, not ideal for swimming, but very quiet and special.
Caswell and Langland are blue flag beaches and very popular with all the facilities you may require for a perfect beach day. There are also secret beaches, usually nestled amongst the cliffs like Pobbles Bay, Mewslade or Broughton Bay.
For the most active, there are a vast array of sea sports that can be done here, as surf or windsurf. The Wales Coast Path runs around the coastline too, taking in the dramatic cliffs and coves of the south, and the quieter saltmarshes of the north.
Swansea is just nearby and offers a lot of accommodation and activities for everyone. Don't miss a stroll on Swansea Bay or a visit to the Mumbles Head lighthouse.
Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales
Enticing visitors with a spectacular natural landscape filled with unique limestone caves, tall mountains, and cascading waterfalls, Brecon Beacons National Park is absolutely stunning and is only roughly 30 miles from Cardiff.
The National Park is around 42 miles wide and covers approximately 520 square miles of South and Mid Wales, including parts of Powys, Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire, Rhondda and Merthyr Tydfil. It gets its name from the Central Beacons, which dominate the skyline south of Brecon rising to 886 metres at Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain.
This national park is unique, not only for what you see during the day, but also for the dark skies, which have earned the park the International Dark Sky Reserve title.
Blaenavon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the rocks tell their own story. Their singularity made a large part of the National Park be designated as a European and Global Geopark.
Holyhead
The port of Holyhead is the busiest UK Irish ferry port and is home to the largest seagoing ferry in the World. There are good views over the port from the grounds of St Cybi’s church, from where there is also a good view of skinners monument on Alltran rock.
Wales is a very diverse country. The landscape and its natural beauty is magnificent. Definitely a must see destination and I hope this article helps you plan where to go.
For offers and inspiration as to where to stay, don't forget to check my facebook page @dreamgetawaysuk.
Have a good week :)
Lina