Wales' Best-Kept Secret Is A Scenic Coastal Village With Beaches, Local Eats, And An Old Castle

Wales is a breathtaking expanse of rolling emerald hills, dappled with UNESCO World Heritage sites and fringed by panoramic coastlines. The bustling capital, Cardiff, draws the most tourists, but Wales is the kind of place that rewards travelers who venture off the beaten path. One of Wales' best-kept secrets is Llansteffan, a historic gem pitched on the picturesque southern coast. A quaint Welsh village graced with a pair of glimmering beaches and delicious local eats, Llansteffan is home to the majestic remains of the 12th-century Llansteffan Castle.

Llansteffan is nestled in the county of Carmarthenshire – known as the "Garden of Wales" – where the River Towy meets Carmarthen Bay. Scenic walks are the best way to explore the village's historic charms, such as the medieval St. Stephen's Church, a limestone structure fusing Norman and Gothic architecture inlaid with Victorian stained-glass windows. Tucked away in woodlands on the edge of town is St. Anthony's Well, a pretty pilgrimage site that's drawn travelers to venerate the namesake saint for hundreds of years. And pitched on a lush headland overlooking Carmarthen Bay are the majestic ruins of Llansteffan Castle, the village's crown jewel. Alongside impressive castle remains, this verdant locale boasts sprawling views of the Towy Estuary. All of these destinations are great spots to stretch your legs while learning about the region's history.

But Llansteffan isn't all ancient history, especially when it comes to fun in the sun and delicious eats. Strolling the golden shores of Llansteffan Beach and Scott's Bay, it's easy to see how this cozy village of 1,000 residents once thrived as a popular Victorian resort town.  More than just castles and dreamy beaches, Llansteffan's acclaimed restaurant, The Inn at the Sticks, and the delectable pizza spot at The Village Stores are the delicious cherry on top of what's luring today's travelers to this lovely Welsh escape.

Wales boasts one of the U.K.'s favorite secluded beaches, so it's no surprise that beautiful beaches line enchanting Llansteffan. A sprawl of golden sand running along a tidal estuary, Llansteffan Beach is this seaside enclave's main beach. It's prime, family-friendly real estate for building sand castles and marveling at views of Carmarthen Bay, as well as the spectacular castle ruins hovering on the bluff above. Tame waters and soft sand make it ideal for swimming and picnicking, though be sure to arrive at low tide when the beach is at its best. Beachcomb for shells, or venture out to spot marine life in the rock pools near the headland. For the peckish, Florries Fish & Chips (4.2 stars on Tripadvisor) serves up fish and chips from a classic wooden seaside shack.

When the tide is out, head half a mile east of Llansteffan Beach and skirt the headland to arrive at gorgeous, crowd-free Scott's Bay. Situated on the River Towy Estuary, the beach is studded with fascinating Old Red Sandstone rocks encasing trace fossils – that is, footprints, burrows, and trails of ancient animals — which are hundreds of millions of years old.

A sheltered hidden gem, Scott's Bay is a wildlife haven perfect for birdwatching, combing the sand for cockles in the wintertime, and discovering sea creatures in the bay's tidal pools. It's also ideal for swimming at high tide and picnicking on the smooth sand, particularly in the late afternoon under a fiery sunset.  This dog-friendly beach also has a coastal path ferrying visitors right up to Llansteffan Castle, and St. Anthony's Well is just a quick jaunt away.

Nicknamed "The Land of Castles," Wales boasts some of the most fairytale-like castles in Europe, including Llansteffan Castle (4.7 stars on Google). The 12th-century castle's breathtaking location on a coastal bluff is a magical backdrop for this structure built by Norman invaders. From the 13th century onward, the castle changed hands between the English and Welsh several times before the Crown finally secured it. Now privately owned and free to visit, the castle is an unmissable stop along Wales' stunning coastal walking paths. Although the castle is mostly in ruins, the imposing Great Gatehouse and its stone towers are a formidable sight, and visitors can climb up the east gate tower to peek at an interior hall and enjoy spectacular views. Defensive walls, foundational remains, and more tower ruins also dot the sprawling site. 

After exploring Llansteffan, refuel at The Village Stores (4.5 stars on Tripadvisor) with baked goods and cozy coffee. Online reviews rave about the stone-baked pizza served here on Friday and Saturday nights at The Pizza Bar: "Not only is the bread incredible (I would've posted a picture but I'd already eaten half the loaf by the time I got home!) but the pizzas he makes are out of this world," enthused a Tripadvisor reviewer.

For refined dining, the award-winning The Inn at the Sticks (4.6 stars on Tripadvisor) serves artfully-plated, locally-sourced, shareable dishes at a historic inn. The seasonal menu is full of surprises, so expect anything from smoked haddock arancini cake to "enchanted" woodland mushrooms. Praised one visitor on Google: "Each mini dish was quite complex with lots of little additions and garnishes that were all perfectly balanced and gave great depth of flavour. The presentation of each plate was beautiful."