I’m often amazed at how underrated Wales is as a travel destination. With its stunning landscapes, majestic castles, and vibrant coastal towns, Wales is a truly enchanting travel experience. And while neighbors, England, Scotland, and Ireland tend to capture the limelight, Wales deserves just as much admiration and exploration.
So, here I am to tell you all about the prettiest towns we’ve had the pleasure of exploring in Wales. It features a pastel-colored seaside town (Tenby), an Italian-inspired village (Portmeirion), and not forgetting one of my favorite spots down south – the Mumbles.
We have family living in North Wales and so have visited the area heaps, but we also often get the ferry from Ireland into South Wales and drive over to Brighton, where my in-laws live, so it’s fair to say that we’ve spent a lot of time in beautiful Wales.
Tenby
Tenby is one of the most colourful seaside towns in Wales – if not all of the UK. It’s full of narrow, winding streets, pastel-coloured houses, and plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops.
My perfect day in Tenby would begin with a stroll along the waterside promenade over to South Beach, then, I’d wander through the town’s narrow streets – snapping photos of the colourful buildings along the way. Next, I’d pop over to Tenby Castle to admire the view and check out the ruins of this 12th-century castle.
In the afternoon, I’d hop on a boat over to Caldey Island, which is home to a community of monks and a gorgeous beach. And finally, in the late afternoon, I’d check out Tenby’s best beaches (I love Harbour Beach and North Beach). Before ending my day with a yummy dinner in a cozy restaurant.
🛏️ Where to stay in Tenby: We stayed at the Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre and it was perfect for us. The room was clean, comfortable, and spacious. Some other highly-recommended hotels in Tenby include – The Belgrave Hotel and the Atlantic Hotel.
Betws y Coed
Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is your quintessential North Wales village. Boasting lush views, charming buildings, and lots of outdoor adventures, it’s no wonder it’s so popular with tourists.
We visited in mid-December, and it was quiet, moody, and I felt a little like I was on the set of Wuthering Heights. We just loved it here! And we especially loved wandering through its quaint streets lined with stone cottages and artisan shops.
The many galleries and shops here feature Welsh woolen goods, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. And Galeri Betws-y-Coed is a must-visit for art lovers, showcasing works by local artists inspired by the surrounding landscapes. Anna Davies is also a popular store here – I bought a lovely Christmas sweater here.
And if, like us, you prefer shorter, more relaxed walks, a walk around the Fairy Glen was an obvious choice for us. This enchanting gorge, just a short distance from the village, is a mystical spot where the river has carved out a series of intricate rock formations. It’s a hidden gem that promises peace and quiet.
🛏️ Where to stay in Betws-y-Coed: A standout hotel here is the Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel, which boasts picturesque views of the River Conwy and a cozy vibe.
Portmeirion
Honestly, you will forget that you are in North Wales (especially if you visit on a sunny day). I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t in Cinque Terre or Positano, and that’s exactly how it’s meant to make you feel. As the architect Sir Clough Williams- Ellis was heavily inspired by Italy when building it. He started building the village in 1925, and he did so to prove that a colorful, movie-set-esque village could sit effortlessly within nature (without damaging it). All the buildings are positioned so as not to disrupt the nature that surrounds them.
Portmeirion is also famous for being the filming location of the 1960s television series “The Prisoner.”
You can visit on a day trip (entrance fee is £10 per adult), like we did, or stay the night, as we would love to do! A hotel room here costs from £150 per night.
Conwy
In Conwy, also in North Wales, you’ll find narrow streets and charming independent shops. You can also see a quirky attraction here – the Smallest House in Britain.
Of course, Conwy is most famous for being home to Conwy Castle (one of the best examples of military architecture in Europe).
Built by Edward I when he was taking over Wales, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the hidden gem medieval castles in Europe. Its towering stone walls and eight massive towers offer killer views of the countryside, the River Conwy, and the town.
Besides its historical vibe, the castle is a masterpiece of medieval military design with its smart layout and detailed features. Wandering around its battlements, great hall, and chapel is a fun experience.
Llandudno
Can you guess that I’ve got a favorite part of Wales (ahem, North Wales!) Llandudno, a seaside town and tourist hotspot in North Wales, is known for its natural beauty. Llandudno lies between two headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme, offering stunning views over Conwy Bay and the Irish Sea.
It’s also famous for its beautiful Victorian promenade and long pier, and you’ll find a couple of cool attractions, such as the Llandudno Museum, the Great Orme Tramway, and the Llandudno Cable Cars. The latter two take you up to the top of Great Orme, Llandudno’s charming mini-mountain. Once at the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and the town below.
🛏️ Where to stay in Llandudno: St. George’s Hotel on North Shore Promenade is a Victorian-era hotel that boasts breathtaking views of the Bay and Great Orme.
Caernarfon
Caernarfon, a historic town situated on the northwest coast of Wales, in Gwynedd, is renowned for its majestic castle, Caernarfon Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most striking examples of medieval architecture in Britain.
Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, this fortress was designed to project English power over Wales. Its imposing walls, polygonal towers, and strategic riverside location make it a must-see.
Families will love the interactive exhibits that bring the castle’s history to life, while photographers will appreciate the dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.
And the town itself offers quaint streets and stunning views of the Irish Sea.
Anglesey
This picturesque island off the northwest coast is rich in history and natural beauty. Would you believe, it is the largest island in Wales and the seventh largest in the British Isles.
Anglesey is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and lush countryside. And the island is steeped in history, too, with ancient sites like the Neolithic burial chamber Bryn Celli Ddu and the medieval Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And we loved that the Welsh language is widely spoken by its residents.
Fun fact – Prince William and Kate lived here for a period!
New Quay
New Quay, a charming seaside town located on the west coast of Wales, is known for its stunning coastal scenery. Nestled in Ceredigion, this small town boasts picturesque views of Cardigan Bay and is famous for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be spotted frolicking in the waters.
And the town’s sandy beaches, such as Harbour Beach and Traeth y Dolau, are perfect for a day of relaxation or exploring rock pools. The colorful Georgian and Victorian houses that line the seafront add to the town’s quaint charm. Additionally, New Quay is associated with the renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who lived here briefly and drew inspiration from the area for his writing.
Mumbles
And last but certainly not least is the Mumbles, a charming seaside village on the edge of Swansea Bay in Wales.
Known for its (funny name) and picturesque scenery, it serves as the gateway to the stunning Gower Peninsula, the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village here, despite being small, has a vibrant atmosphere, and you’ll find a delightful mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and pubs. Mumbles is also home to the iconic Mumbles Pier and the historic Oystermouth Castle.
Thanks for Reading!
Did I overlook any amazing Welsh towns? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
P.S. I will continue to add to this list as I visit more amazing spots in Wales!
Booking Your Trip Soon? These are my go-to booking sites!
Below you will find a list of the sites we always use when booking our trips. By booking via the below links you can support my writing at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much!
1. Flights
I use Skyscanner or Cheapoair to find the best flights. It allows you to compare and book flights on over 500 airlines from across the globe.
2. Hotels
I use Booking.com for all of our hotel stays. And if we’re traveling on a budget, I like to use Hostelworld to book a hostel.
3. Renting a Car
We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
4. Tours
I use Viator or Get Your Guide to book any guided tours we plan on doing. I find Viator particularly good for the USA, Canada & New Zealand, and Get Your Guide is great for Europe.
5. Travel Sim Card
An eSIM is a great idea if you’re coming to a place for more than a week. As that way, you won’t need to change your number or remove the physical SIM from your phone. They are so handy and cheap, too. Obviously make sure your phone is compatible with an eSIM first. We always use Saily or Lotso Travel for our eSIM’s.
6. Airport Pick-Ups
Instead of cabs, we book with welcome pickup to get from the airport to our hotel. Why did we do that? The drivers from Welcome Pickups are English speaking and you’ll pay a flat rate. So, you know exactly how much you’re
7. Travel Insurance
At first glance, skipping travel insurance may seem like a great way to save some money. However, if you end up losing your luggage, have your flights cancelled, or get sick – it is a decision you’ll probably regret. Thinking nothing will happen is definitely a mistake, and without travel insurance, it’s one that will end up costing you – big time.
Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by snaphappytravel