Introduction
Wales which is part of the United Kingdom, has such beautiful countryside, ancient castles and National Parks. One can find so much to experience, and many spectacular tours in Wales, amongst delicious regional cuisine and hiking among the peaks of Snowdonia National Park.
Visa
Maltese nationals do not require a visa to visit Wales. Travellers who do not hold a Maltese passport may check with the embassy or consulate of that country to check if a visa is required.
Time Zone
British Time Zone – Malta is one hour ahead of Wales.
Best time to go on Tours in Wales
The best time to travel to Wales is between April and May when it is spring season since it is less busy compared to the Summer months between June and September.
The hottest month in Wales is in September where the average temperature is 27.5 °C. The best time to visit Snowdonia is June through August with an average day temperature between 17°C to 19°C.
Vaccines
It is highly recommended to be up to date with routine vaccinations before travelling, as this depends on the vaccines already taken in the past.
Maltese nationals do not require vaccinations to travel to Wales, but here is a guide to ensure what vaccinations need to be taken if not taken throughout your childhood.
Currency
The Currency in Wales is the Pound Sterling (£). 1 Euro is equivalent to £0.87 – this may vary according to the currency conversion.
Food
The national dish in Wales is the ‘Cawl’, which is the traditional Welsh soup or broth. It is made with typically lamb, potatoes and leeks, but different recipes that vary according to season and place.
Some of the food that are worth tasting are; The Welsh Rarebit, Glamorgan sausage, Bara Brith, Lamb Cawl, Conwy Mussels, leeks, laverbread, crempogs, Sewin and samphire and Saltmarsh Lamb.
Top Tours in Wales by interest
Nature
One of the largest national parks in Wales is the Snowdonia National Park with the highest mountain in England and Wales and the largest natural lake.
For those who seek adventure and nature, Snowdonia National Park is the perfect place to visit. You can walk easily through the national park or take the difficult path for those to add some extra challenge
Brecon Beacons National Park has a variety of attractions for all ages. This park consists of natural caves, landscapes, beautiful gardens, waterways, castles, museums and old industrial mines. There are places where you can visit animals at farms. You can explore the waterfalls and rapids around in the park and enjoy a picturesque and romantic stop.
Amongst other nature tours in Wales, one can visit another National Park in Pembrokeshire Coast. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is a fantastic place to visit with its over cliff tops view and dazzling beaches.
Nature & trekking
The Crib Goch trek to Mount Snowden takes between 5 to 7 hours and is one of the toughest treks up Snowdon with one of the best rough routes in the country. It is mostly exposed and a difficult route. If you are looking for a challenge and you are not scared of heights, this should be on your top things to do whilst in Wales!
Trekking the Minffordd Path up to Cader Idris is around a 5-hour trek in total, with its steep paths that go through the woods crossing streams, lakes and surrounding cliffs.
Wildlife & Safaris
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife is a great place to visit in New Quay, you can spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, small toothed Whales and grey seals
Near the Pembrokeshire coast, you can visit Skomer Island which is a known wildlife paradise, with thousands of Puffins and rabbits and different species of birds such as the Buzzards, Peregrine, Falcons and Owls. The best time to visit is between May to Mid- July.
Sightseeing
You can visit many castles in Wales, such as Conwy, Carediff and Caernarfon castles all which will take you back in time.
Shopping
St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre in Cardiff is one of the largest shopping centres in Wales, with over 150 brands, where you can shop till 8 and dine late! Some of the shops here include New Look, Accessorize, Debenhams, H&M and much more!
Another shopping centre in Cardiff is the Queen’s Arcade.
Adrenaline
The Gower coast is one of the most spectacular coasts to experience Horse riding as it is an 18-mile peninsula with fantastic scenery and golden sands.
For those who love caving and adventure, you can visit a caving underground adventure which includes climbing, ziplining, abseiling and traverse over an abyss. These underground adventures are found in the abandoned mines of Snowdonia and are open all year round.
Experience one of the fastest ziplines in the World at Zipworld over the azure lake of the Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales. This zipline can travel from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds before reaching the top speed of 125mph.
Culture
Wales has a distinctive culture, including its very own language, customs, politics, holidays and music. Wales retains aspects of Celtic Culture that are different from those of its English neighbours.
Cuisine
The national dish in Wales is the ‘Cawl’, which is referred to as the traditional Welsh soup or broth made with typical lamb, potatoes and leeks, but there are many different recipes that vary according to season and place
Traditional Welsh cooking includes typically the lamb and beef and fresh-caught fish such as salmon, white crab lobsters and more.
The Welsh love tea time, and so their traditional ‘bara brith’ which is there famous speckled bread of Wales, shallow moist fruit cake, caraway seed cake, cinnamon cake and honey cake are favourites at tea time.