If you’re looking to uncover yet another travel spot in Wales, this picturesque village would be a pretty good place to start as expert guides rank it high on their lists
The village is often overlooked for its famous neighbour (Image: John Myers)
There is a seemingly never-ending list of gems to uncover across Wales, from the views of national parks to the historic stone cottages of towns and its vast coastline – and this quaint village deserves to be one of them.
Offering views across the water and cosy pubs filled with hushed voices, this Pembrokeshire spot has been named one of the prettiest villages in the entire country.
Conde Nast Traveller selected its eight favourite spots based on beauty but also their access to some of the countries’ best wilderness and coastal spots as well as heaps of culture, and it turns out Solva is a must-see.
Solva is a charming coastal village that offers all the delights that its famous neighbour St Davids has to offer but with half the number of tourists. Sitting just 10 minutes up the road from the Pembrokeshire hotspot, it makes for a far more tranquil day trip or peaceful getaway.
Having visited the village, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “Possibly one of the prettiest places on earth! Come an hour before high tide and bring your crab bucket & wetsuit!
“An hour of crabbing, a hot chocolate from the lovely cafe at the end of the harbour, then get involved jumping off the harbour wall.
“The Harbour Inn pub at the car park is excellent; then cross the footbridge and walk up the small path for 5 minutes to get a stunning view of the bay.”
Along Main Street visitors can expect to see a handful of quirky and quaint shops selling a whole range of goods, from gifts, crafts, homeware and more. One of which is Solva Pottery, selling handmade pottery along with selected antiques, and Solva Woollen Mill, which offers some history and woven items handcrafted locally.
Eating your way around the village
Solva is brimming with pubs, cafes and eateries, along with its array of independent shops, and this acts as the real selling point for the village. In their listing, Conde Nast gave a few of their own recommendations, which included ordering a takeaway platter of “boat-fresh seafood” from Mrs Will the Fish, a local business selling fresh produce to take home.
Sitting on the edge of the village, overlooking the river on Main Street, is The Harbour Inn, a traditional pub serving good grub. It’s the ideal place to rest your legs after exploring the coastal paths or paying a visit to the village’s harbour, and visitors rank it highly with 42.2 stars on Google.
Other pubs in Solva include The Cambrian Inn, The Hats and Barrels and The Ship, all within walking distance for the perfect little pub crawl.
For a taste of homemade goodness, the cafe on the Quay is also recommended to pair your food with the very best of views. It sits on the second floor of Solva Boat Club and acts as a great point to unwind with a light lunch, hot drink or even a glass of fizz.
One Google review of the place reads: “Beautiful short walk from the car park. Possibly the best Bakewell slice I’ve ever had and a delicious slice of Bara Brith. The Italian coffee was excellent, and the view of the inlet from the balcony table is so tranquil. Just a superb place for a restful refuel.”
The village offers an experience of true Welsh culture without making a song and dance about it, and it’s the authenticity and peaceful feel of the place that helps to make it not only one of the prettiest villages in the country, but one that belongs on everyone’s must-see lists.
