Wales vacation rentals

Wales may be small but she sure walks tall

Yes, Wales is compact, but it packs a whole lot of natural diversity in its tiny frame, and people nip over the border from England to explore the country's river valleys, craggy mountains, miles of hiking trails, and surf-battered coastline. Not only that, but a healthy number of castles, from the beautifully preserved to the hauntingly ruined, stand watch over the green valleys and hills. But perhaps the best thing about Wales vacation rentals are the encounters you'll have with the locals, whose warm hospitality and distinctive Welsh accent will remain in your memory long after you've boarded the plane home.

Castles, castles everywhere, and many a drop to drink

You'd be hard-pressed to spend time in Wales vacation rentals without bumping into a castle or two. This is a country that's rich in history and remnants of its past are scattered all over the countryside. The 13th-century Caernarfon Castle drips with fairy-tale ambiance and is one of the best-preserved castles in Britain, while Conwy Castle sits at the mouth of a river and has dramatic mountain views along with ancient battlements. Beaumaris Castle is surrounded by a swan-filled moat. Had your fill of kings and queens? Head for magical Portmeirion Village and its collection of colorful Italian-inspired buildings, or get chatting with the locals at a traditional pub.

Ignore the chills and head for the hills

Pack your hiking boots and raincoat, because a visit to Wales is all about getting out in the open air, and let's face it, there's a good chance of rain! Not that that will put a damper on the incredible landscape. Hiking and climbing is a big deal here, and Snowdonia National Park, where soaring peaks scrape moody skies, will leave you breathless in more ways than one. Many Wales vacation rentals are well placed for checking out the local beaches, too. If the water gives you chills, you can always don your walking shoes and hit the Wales Coast Path.

It's all very Welsh to hope for sunshine, but bring umbrellas just in case

If warm weather is your bag, then the best time to book Wales vacation rentals is in July and August, when the days are longer and the sun is most likely to shine, though things can get busy during the August school vacation. The shoulder season of April to June is the driest time, with mild temperatures, so it's a good time for walking in the mountains. The November-to-March low season is the coldest and cheapest time to visit, with the exception of the Christmas vacation, when prices are at their peak. Bear in mind that over the winter, snow can close roads, particularly in the mountains.

Go tell it on the mountain in wild and windy Wales

Wales is famous for its mountains and there are certainly plenty of them. The center and the north of the country are dominated by the Cambrian Mountains, which include the mighty Mount Snowdon, one of the highest peaks in the UK. To the south, the Brecon Beacons cut an impressive swathe across the land. Along Wales's eastern border with England are wide river valleys and forested rolling hills. The country is also blessed with an incredible coastline of sweeping beaches and steep cliffs, and there are several islands bobbing around in its seas, including Anglesey, which is like a country in itself.