From long sandy beaches and picturesque coastal towns to snow-capped peaks and centuries-old castles, Wales is a fascinating country just waiting to be explored. There are six major cities to explore, including the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff. North Wales is home to icons such as Snowdonia National Park, while the Cardigan coast promises sun, sand and saltwater.

Things to do

Wales is dotted with hundreds of castles, some more than 1,000 years old. Exploring the country, you’ll find Norman strongholds, medieval fortresses and Iron Age hillforts. Caernarfon Castle is one of the biggest and most impressive, topped with tooth-shaped battlements and 12 octagonal towers.

Whether you’re museum-hopping in the city or day-tripping to nearby castles, beaches and historic sights, Cardiff is a great introduction to Wales. Browse upmarket boutiques in the Morgan Quarter, then head to Cardiff Market to stock up on artisan cheese, fresh-baked sourdough and gourmet chocolate.

The Welsh are fiercely proud of their local traditions and food is no exception. Restaurants, pubs and taverns across the country will tempt you with “cawl” lamb soup and Glamorgan vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks and breadcrumbs. Wash down your meal with a glass of Brains ale, which has been brewed in Wales since the 1800s.

Wales is laced with scenic hiking trails, including iconic routes such as the Cambrian Way and West Coast Path. The landscapes are spectacular, with snow-capped mountains, rolling moorlands, crystalline lakes and windswept coastal cliffs appearing along the way.

In summer, the beaches of Wales have an infectious holiday atmosphere. Tenby has a quintessential seaside feel, with pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets lined with cafes, pubs and ice cream shops. The Victorian-era resort of Llandudno is fringed by a beautiful seaside promenade overlooked by grand 19th-century buildings.

Getting around

All major Welsh cities are well-connected by road, rail and air. Trains are a fast and affordable way to travel while rental cars offer the freedom to explore Wales at your own pace. Domestic flights are a good way to travel between different regions. The drive between Cardiff and London takes around three hours.