The mining and industrial heart is the town of Laugharne, on the southern coast, which also preserves interesting historical and cultural relics, such as the imposing medieval castle, whose ruins are mirrored in the River Taf, or the Heritage Centre dedicated to Dylan Thomas, housed in the boathouse where the writer composed some of his most famous works. A few kilometers east lies Swansea, Thomas’ hometown, where his house has become a very important study center, the Dylan Thomas Centre.
But the most touristy place in Wales is undoubtedly Aberystwyth, on the western coast, overlooking two beaches at the foot of the hills, with a splendid seaside promenade lined with Victorian and Edwardian buildings, cafes, taverns, and atmospheric bars. A few kilometers further north opens the wild and unparalleled paradise of Snowdonia National Park, cut by rocky mountain ranges and partly covered by a dense forest. In this area is also Llangollen, a town especially known for the Eisteddfod, the international music and dance festival that every July features about a hundred folk groups from all over the world.
