20 Reasons to Take a Wales Summer Road Trip

There are scores of ways to scoot around Europe, but some corners of the continent scream out to be explored by car. Wales is one of them-especially during summertime. When the sun shines, the Welsh coast comes alive and the following slides offer just a snapshot of the fun in store for you if you follow in the author's tracks.

You might not be bowled over by beautiful scenery the second you sail over the border, but just wait for it. Eventually, you are going to come around a bend and be blown away by the sight of mountains, a lake or a sparkling seascape and that magical moment will be the instant you officially arrived in Wales.

Tenby is an ideal first stop on a coastal road trip. Located in the picturesque county of Pembrokeshire, this town possesses seaside charms in spades. A hodgepodge of pastel buildings hugs the harbor and powdery, Blue Flag beaches border the town on three sides.

North Beach curves away from the pretty-as-a-postcard harbor and is home to a wide stretch of sand (at low tide) and the dramatic Goskar Rock. There's also a cafe that sells ice cream alongside a rainbow of rafts and various sandy souvenirs.

Just in case you get too busy sunbathing to remember that you are in the capital of castles, well, there are remains of an ancient one towering over Castle Beach there to remind you. There's also a historical fort thrown in for good measure here, too.

Taking a boat trip to Caldey Island-a holy isle located within eyeshot of town-is a rite of passage for summer visitors to Tenby. The ferries depart from either the harbor or Castle Beach and offer visitors a salt air and seaspray-filled thrill.

Waves of tranquility await on Caldey Island. A group of Cistercian monks calls the island home-the latest in a long line of religious residents that goes back to pre-medieval times. Admire the red-tiled abbey before setting off on a ramble to admire the wild landscapes, local wildlife and lighthouse. Then, hit the gift shop for handmade chocolate produced by the monks and maybe even a throwback hat emblazoned with a Caldey Island logo.

Directly in the heart of the harbor, you will find an unassuming hut selling just-off-the-boat foodstuffs. Simply Seafood is their name and fresh crab sandwiches are their game.

Sometimes on the coast, you need to take a night off from seafood and that's where Top Joe's comes in. Fantastic scratch-made pizza is served here by a super-friendly team, including a chef who is willing to dole out pub recommendations while he makes your 'za. Try the Zucchini (a mouthwatering mix of zucchini, mozzarella, ricotta and pesto) with an order of garlic bread-an afterthought at most places, the version here is divine.

This hotel resides within the walls of a graceful Georgian terrace and has stood sentry over the sands of North Beach since the early part of the 20th century. Seaview rooms are cooled by soft breezes and offer interrupted vistas across Carmarthen Bay. Guests also enjoy access to a lush garden (situated across the street, but directly above the beach), which is the perfect place to laze away a day in the shade.

The finest way to start a day in Tenby is with a trip to Loafley. Inside, you will find loaves of fresh bread, piles of flaky pastries and scrumptious quiches, while outside you'll discover an enchanting "hidden" courtyard-ideal for enjoying the baked treasures.

Wherever there's a North Beach, there is sure to be a South Beach. This one is the most spectacular stretch of sand in Tenby and the only spot in the town proper where you can take a proper long walk on the beach. The on-the-sand cafe exudes nothing but class and is the perfect place to enjoy a sundown drink. And if you fall for the beach as much as this writer did, then grab some South Beach swag from local retailer Two Red Dogs.

There are several snapshot-worthy streets in town, but Cobb Lane is certainly the cutest. The clutch of cottage-style buildings painted in seaside shades serves as a sublime cut-through between town and South Beach.

The sister venue to Loafley, The Mooring is a cheery cafe during the day-serving plenty of its sibling's signature bakes-that turns into a restaurant in the evenings. It's the kind of spot you pop into in order to escape a rain shower and leave starstruck by the skills of the barista who just blessed your velvety flat white with a lattice of latte art.

In Wales, one minute you're driving your rental car down the road, minding your own business and the next minute a medieval castle is making eyes at you. Halfway between Tenby and beautiful Barafundle Bay, you will pass through the town of Pembroke and its exquisite namesake castle. Pull the car over and pop in for a glimpse into this fine fortification's fascinating past.

Once you park up at Barafundle Bay, prepare yourself for a little bit of a hike to the beach. This pristine strip of sand lies a half-mile from the nearest parking lot and facilities, but that just serves to keep it at just the right level of secluded.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is one of Britain's National Trails, and like the stunning Southwest Coast Path, offers up jaw-dropping views of the jagged coast. It stretches over 180 miles, seemingly hugging every nook and cranny of the shoreline along the way. Surely, there's no better way to stretch your legs after a day spent in the car.

There are places out there that are so magical that you want to tuck them away and keep them all to yourself. Eventually though, you realize that it would be cruel to not let others in on the secret and you spill the beans-for the greater good. The Druidstone is one of those destinations.

This small hotel is situated on the soaring cliffs above St. Brides Bay and the second you park the car, you walk through a door into a different world.

It's a colorful and carefree world that is tinged with art, where sunsets over the sea are revered and everyone resides in eclectic rooms outfitted with love. Upon settling in, you're bound to get the distinct impression that many guests make an annual pilgrimage to the Druidstone in order to meet up with old friends and see their summer selves. Don't be surprised if you become one of them.

Each evening around sunset-which in summer around these parts is usually 9-something-locals and guests alike gather on the hill outside the Druidstone to gaze at the sinking sun. Children and dogs play without a worry in the world while their parents make repeated runs to the bar for refreshments.

Perched atop the hotel, the North room features a sea-view balcony, rustic wood paneling, a vintage telescope, and a quirky porthole window. The porthole shows off surf and sand during the day and a sky full of stars at night.

Sometimes the name says it all and the tiny village of Little Haven-a few miles from the Druidstone-makes for a neat little side trip. Huddled up to its harbor, the village is home to a small beach, a couple characterful pubs and a quality seafood shop called Lobster and Môr.

I traveled with Hertz, picking up a car at Manchester Airport-the UK's third busiest and most popular international gateway outside of London. With over 200 pick-up locations in the United Kingdom though, you are never far from a Hertz location. Check out their website for the latest rates and special offers.

Oh, and I promise, you'll pick up that whole "drive on the left" thing in no time at all.