Picking the best places in Wales feels like trying to choose between your grandmother’s most cherished recipes – each one holds its own special magic. From the rugged peaks of Snowdonia to the cozy corners of Cardiff, Wales packs an incredible variety of experiences into a relatively small space. You’ll find ancient castles standing proud on hilltops, peaceful beaches stretching for miles, and charming villages where time seems to move a bit slower.
We’ve combed through Wales’s many treasures to create this list, looking at places that matter not just for their good looks, but for their stories, their spirit, and the way they make you feel when you’re there. From north to south, and coast to countryside, we wanted to show off the different sides of Welsh charm – including spots that might surprise even those who think they know Wales well.
Whether you’re planning your first Welsh adventure or you’re a regular visitor to this Celtic corner of Britain, we hope this collection of 21 special places gives you some fresh ideas for your next trip. No rankings here – just a heartfelt selection of spots that make Wales, well, Wales.
Snowdonia National Park
Ever wondered what it feels like to stand on top of Wales’ highest peak? You’ll find out in Snowdonia National Park, where Mount Snowdon rises 3,560 feet above sea level, offering views that stretch all the way to Ireland on clear days. This rugged playground in North Wales is where rocky mountains meet misty valleys and crystal-clear lakes, creating a landscape that inspired countless Welsh myths and legends. You can hop aboard the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic climb to the summit, or lace up your hiking boots and tackle one of the six walking paths. The park is also home to Zip World, where you can soar through old slate quarries on Europe’s longest zipline, and the National White Water Centre, perfect for adventurers looking to tackle world-class rapids.
Cardiff Bay
See what modern Wales looks like at Cardiff Bay, where historic docklands have found new life as a waterfront hangout. The area mixes old and new, with the red-brick Pierhead building standing alongside the Wales Millennium Centre’s copper dome. Take a boat tour around the bay, then grab lunch at one of the restaurants along Mermaid Quay while watching boats bob in the water. For a dose of culture, catch a performance at the Millennium Centre or explore the Doctor Who Experience – the hit show films many scenes right here in Cardiff Bay. It’s an ideal spot to spend an afternoon, whether you’re into maritime history, architecture, or just enjoying a coffee with a view.
Brecon Beacons
Step into nature’s playground at the Brecon Beacons, where rolling hills and misty peaks create a perfect escape from city life. The national park offers countless trails for hikers of all skill levels, including the popular Pen y Fan summit at 2,907 feet above sea level. For those who prefer stargazing to hiking, the park is one of only a few Dark Sky Reserves in the world, making it an excellent spot to watch meteor showers or simply admire the Milky Way. Stop by the charming market town of Brecon to fuel up at local cafes and browse traditional Welsh craft shops before heading out to explore the park’s hidden waterfalls.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Experience coastal Wales at its finest along the Pembrokeshire Coast, where rugged cliffs meet rolling waves for 186 miles of natural beauty. You can follow winding paths that take you past hidden beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming fishing villages like Tenby and St. David’s. Pack your binoculars to spot seals lounging on the rocks or dolphins playing in the waves below. For a proper Welsh adventure, spend a few days hiking the coastal path, stopping at cozy pubs and B&Bs along the way. The beaches here are perfect for surfing, kayaking, or simply watching the sunset with an ice cream in hand.
Portmeirion Village
Tucked away on the coast of North Wales, Portmeirion Village feels like stepping into a whimsical Italian dream that somehow landed in Welsh territory. This architectural oddity was built between 1925 and 1975 by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who wanted to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. The village’s pastel-colored buildings, ornate details, and Mediterranean style make it look more like something you’d find on the Italian Riviera than in Wales. It’s not just the architecture that draws people here – the surrounding woodlands and coastal walks offer plenty of opportunities to explore, and the village’s quirky charm has made it a favorite filming location, most famously for the 1960s TV series “The Prisoner.”
Conwy Castle
Travel back in time when you visit Conwy Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortresses. Built in the 13th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers eight massive towers to explore, each with its own unique view of the Welsh countryside and coastline. You can walk the entire castle wall circuit, stretching nearly a mile long, for an up-close look at the detailed architecture and defensive features. For the best photo opportunities, head to the King’s Tower, where you’ll get a perfect view of both the castle town and the boats bobbing in Conwy’s harbor below.
Caernarfon Castle
Of all the medieval fortresses I’ve explored in Wales, none leave quite the impression that Caernarfon Castle does. This massive stone stronghold, built in the late 13th century by King Edward I, looms over the town with its distinctive polygonal towers and color-banded walls – a deliberate nod to the Roman empire’s architectural might. It’s not just another castle on the Welsh circuit – the site has served as the backdrop for royal ceremonies, including Prince Charles’s investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969. Even today, walking along its ancient ramparts and exploring its maze of passageways gives you a real sense of how this fortress helped the English maintain their grip on medieval Wales.
St Davids
Tucked away on the western edge of Wales, St Davids holds the title of Britain’s smallest city – though it feels more like a charming village that time forgot. This peaceful coastal spot, built around its impressive medieval cathedral, draws pilgrims and travelers who come to wander its ancient streets and soak in the simple rhythms of Welsh life. The surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast Path leads you past rugged cliffs and hidden coves, where you might spot seals lounging on the rocks or dolphins playing in the waves. It’s not a place that shouts for attention, but those who make the journey to this remote corner of Wales find themselves wrapped in the warm embrace of Welsh hospitality and the timeless beauty of the landscape.
Aberystwyth
Perched on the western coast of Wales, Aberystwyth sits where the Rheidol and Ystwyth rivers meet the Irish Sea. Like many Welsh coastal towns, it has its share of beaches, cafes, and historic buildings. But unlike its neighbors, it manages to blend seaside charm with university town energy in a way that feels genuinely Welsh. Just watch students rushing between medieval ruins and modern labs, or locals chatting in both Welsh and English at harborside pubs, and you’ll see what makes it special. Because of its role as a cultural hub, Aberystwyth has become home to the National Library of Wales and one of the country’s oldest universities, making it a place where ancient Celtic heritage and contemporary Welsh life come together naturally.
Llandudno
Of all the seaside towns in Wales, Llandudno stands out as the crown jewel of the Victorian era. This charming resort destination, nestled between two headlands on the north coast, looks like it was plucked straight from a vintage postcard with its long pier stretching into the Irish Sea and its perfectly preserved 19th-century architecture. The wide promenade lined with pastel-colored hotels hasn’t changed much since the days when Alice Liddell (the real-life inspiration for Alice in Wonderland) spent her summers here. Whether you’re riding the century-old tramway up the Great Orme, exploring the compact shopping streets, or simply watching kids build sandcastles on the beach, Llandudno offers a genuine slice of traditional Welsh seaside life.
Anglesey Island
Cross the Menai Bridge to discover Anglesey, Wales’s largest island and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Along its 125-mile coastal path, you’ll find hidden coves, peaceful beaches, and historic lighthouses that tell tales of maritime adventures. Pop into the town of Beaumaris to explore its medieval castle, complete with a water-filled moat and imposing towers. For nature lovers, the island’s many reserves offer excellent spots for bird watching and seal spotting, while Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – the town with the longest name in Europe – gives you a perfect photo opportunity.
Devil’s Bridge Falls
I always recommend Devil’s Bridge Falls to nature lovers visiting Wales. Located in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, this natural wonder features three historic bridges stacked on top of each other, with the oldest dating back to the 11th century. The surrounding woodland trails lead visitors down a steep gorge where the River Mynach drops 300 feet through rocky terrain, creating a series of waterfalls that have inspired Welsh folklore for generations.
Little-Known Fact:
The Devil’s Bridge Falls in Wales gets its name from an old folk tale about a clever Welsh woman who outsmarted Satan himself – apparently, the devil built the original bridge but was tricked into letting humans use it forever. The site actually features three bridges stacked on top of each other, built in different centuries (1075-1753), making it look like a surreal triple-decker sandwich of stone and iron spanning across the dramatic 300-foot gorge.
Great Orme
Rising dramatically from the Welsh coastline near Llandudno is the Great Orme, a massive limestone headland that looks like a sleeping sea monster. Much like other coastal spots in Wales, the Great Orme offers hiking trails and sea views, but what sets it apart is its rich blend of history and natural wonders. Take the Victorian-era cable tramway to the summit, and you’ll find ancient copper mines dating back 4,000 years, wild Kashmir goats roaming freely, and rare butterflies fluttering among the grasslands. Because of its unique geology and isolated location, the Great Orme has become home to plants found nowhere else in Britain, making it a favorite spot for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs who come to explore its winding paths and hidden caves.
Gower Peninsula
The Gower Peninsula was one of the first places I explored in Wales back in 2015. Stretching along the southwest coast of the country, this 19-mile peninsula was named Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Rocky cliffs and golden beaches make up much of the coastline here, with the wide arc of Rhossili Bay serving as the crown jewel. Small medieval villages dot the inland areas, while surfers catch waves at Three Cliffs Bay and hikers traverse the coastal paths that wind past prehistoric caves and Norman castles. The peninsula’s raw beauty comes alive at sunset when the sun dips below the horizon at Worm’s Head, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks that reflect off the Celtic Sea.
Beddgelert
Hidden in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, I discovered the charming village of Beddgelert during my Welsh road trip in 2019. This quaint settlement rests at the meeting point of two rivers, the Glaslyn and Colwyn, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels pulled from a fairy tale. Stone cottages line the narrow streets, while the surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater around the village. The village takes its name from the legendary tale of Gelert, a faithful hound of medieval Prince Llywelyn the Great, whose supposed grave site draws visitors to a peaceful woodland walk nearby. The local ice cream shop, craft stores, and traditional Welsh pubs make this tiny village an ideal base for exploring the rugged wilderness of North Wales.
Cardiff Castle
Have you ever wandered through a castle that spans 2,000 years of history? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Cardiff Castle, where Roman walls meet medieval towers and Victorian Gothic splendor in the heart of Wales’ capital city. This fortress-turned-mansion tells the story of Cardiff through its architecture, from its origins as a Roman garrison to its transformation by the wealthy Bute family in the 1800s. Inside, you can explore the ornate rooms with their detailed murals and intricate carvings, climb the Norman keep for city views, or duck into the wartime tunnels that once sheltered hundreds during WWII air raids. The castle’s peaceful grounds also host traditional Welsh banquets and open-air concerts, making it a living piece of history rather than just another ancient ruin.
Harlech Castle
I first visited Harlech Castle on a misty morning in North Wales, where it sits perched dramatically on a rocky cliff overlooking Cardigan Bay. Built in the late 13th century by King Edward I, this imposing medieval fortress stands as one of the most well-preserved castles from Wales’ “Iron Ring” – a series of castles constructed to maintain English control over Welsh territory. Its massive stone walls and round towers have weathered centuries of sieges and battles, while the recently installed floating bridge recreates the original entrance path across the former moat. The castle’s position 200 feet above sea level offers incredible views of the surrounding Snowdonia mountains and coastline, making it easy to understand why UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site. Walking along the castle walls today, you can still imagine soldiers keeping watch over the landscape just as they did more than 700 years ago.
Betws-y-Coed
Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed holds a special place in my Welsh travels. This charming mountain village serves as a natural gateway for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding peaks and forests. The village’s old stone bridges span across three rivers that meet here, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels lifted from a storybook. While most visitors use it as a base for hiking and mountain biking adventures, I’ve found the true magic lies in wandering the village’s winding lanes, popping into local craft shops, and watching the rushing waters from the railway station’s Victorian platform. It’s not the biggest place in Wales, but those who linger here discover why it’s earned its nickname as the “gateway to Snowdonia.”
Hay-on-Wye
I always tell book lovers that Hay-on-Wye is a must-visit spot in Wales. Nestled near the English border, this charming market town has earned its nickname as the “Town of Books” with over 20 independent bookshops lining its medieval streets. From rare first editions to well-loved paperbacks, you’ll find thousands of books housed in converted cinemas, old fire stations, and even the town’s castle.
Lake Vyrnwy
Have you ever seen a Victorian stone dam that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Lake Vyrnwy, where rolling Welsh hills cradle a reservoir that supplies water to Liverpool. The Gothic-style straining tower rising from the water has become an iconic symbol of this hidden gem in mid-Wales. You can cycle the 12-mile path around the lake, spot rare birds at the RSPB nature reserve, or try your hand at trout fishing in the clear waters. The surrounding 24,000 acres of moorland and forest are perfect for hiking, and you’ll find the cozy Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, where you can sip tea while watching the sun set over the water.
