Cardigan Bay, Wales, is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Wales. Its many beaches extend from the epic sand dunes of Aberdovey and Borth in the north to the idyllic beaches of Llangrannog and New Quay, along Cardigan bay’s southern shores. With so much to see and do, we’ve put together a list of our five favourite places to stay so that you can enjoy this beautiful area even more!
Llangrannog
If you're looking to stay in a cosy coastal village, Llangrannog is the perfect choice. Located in the southern portion of Cardigan Bay's Welsh coast, nestled in a narrow valley through which the river Hawken flows out into Cardigan bay, Llangrannog is a popular tourist destination.
Llangrannog's main charm lies in its small-town atmosphere – it’s known by its frequent visitors as a tranquil and safe seaside holiday village, making it the perfect destination for a weekend escape.
Cardigan
A riverside town in west Wales, Cardigan is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, riverside walks and castle. As such, it’s a good base for exploring Cardigan Bay – the start of the Pembrokeshire coastal path is just five minutes away, as are the magnificent ruins of St Dogmael’s Abbey. Cardigan retains much of its historic charm – with a healthy blend of modern comforts such as shops, restaurants, and places to stay.
Cardigan Castle has stood guard over this part of Wales since Norman times; visit it today to learn more about its history or take one of many tours offered by guides at varying prices depending on which tour you choose!
New Quay
New Quay is a small seaside town nestled on the southern coast of Cardigan Bay, and is just a short drive from Cardigan itself. The town is frequently voted as one of Wales’ top ten destinations for tourists due to its amazing beaches, surfing spots and beautiful surroundings.
Regarding accommodation, you have plenty of options, with a range of Holiday Caravans, holiday cottages, and B&Bs providing you with the perfect base from which to look over the blues waters of Cardigan Bay.
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a beautiful Welsh seaside resort town, and it's a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the coastal scenery, take in the sights and sounds of the sea, and immerse yourself in Welsh culture.
In Aberystwyth, you can go for a walk along the Victorian promenade and watch the waves crash against the rocks below. You'll also likely see people fishing off the pier or taking pictures of the boats in the bay. You can also stroll through town and browse through shops selling local crafts or buy some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants along the water, and it's just a short drive from some of the country's most beautiful mountains.
It's also home to the National Library of Wales, which houses over six million books and documents on Welsh history, culture, and language. If you want to learn more about these things while you're there, this is an excellent place to start!
If you're looking for something a little less academic, Aberystwyth also has plenty of museums and art galleries that might interest you. For example, there's the Maritime Museum which focuses on local maritime history (including shipbuilding), as well as exhibits about marine life and marine conservation efforts in Wales over the centuries.
Aberaeron
Aberaeron is a small town in Ceredigion, Wales. Aberaeron is a popular tourist destination, and is situated along the coast, south of Aberystwyth and just north of New Quay.
It's the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a quiet getaway – upon arrival you be greeted by a variety of colourful houses, and a relaxing breeze from cardigan bay. The beach is where most tourists spend their time, but there are also plenty of hiking trails and other activities in the area. In fact, the town is situated right on the Wales coast path and the coastal way.
The town itself has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars that are worth exploring during your stay. If you’re interested in wildlife spotting, Aberaeron is a great place to look for Wales’ famous bottlenose dolphins.
Depending on where you're coming from, you may be wondering 'how long does it take to get to Cardigan Bay'. The answer will vary, but we are sure that it will be worth the trip!