Swansea in the South of Wales is a great alternative for vacationing couples who want to go somewhere different. Although it is not as popular as other hot spots such as say, London, Swansea can offer just as much as other vacation destination. First-time tourists make it a point to keep coming back to Swansea for more.

Beaches
The beaches in Swansea attract both casual swimmers and water-sports enthusiasts. Those who just want to lounge around and relax can go to the sandy shores of Caswell, Langland and Limeslade. For those who are into water sports, nothing beats Swansea Bay with its wide and calm waters.

After a refreshing swim at the beach or rigorous water-skiing, you can go to Mumbles, a former fishing village that has become a famous resort town and a certified hit among tourists. The area has restaurants and coffee shops where one can have a hearty meal or a relaxing cup of coffee while gazing at the panoramic view of the bay.

Also located along Swansea Bay are the National Waterfront Museum, the Swansea Museum, and the Dylan Thomas Centre, which features a permanent exhibition of the famous poet’s life and work. Aside from these, enticing museums, couples on their vacation can also enjoy the numerous parks and gardens located in Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower.

Swansea is currently being developed as a water sports haven which will naturally increase the flow of tourists in the area. These early, tourists from all over the world rave about the natural beauty of Swansea. Why, even seasoned travel writers have given the place its due recognition. In 2007, the Travel Magazine hailed Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula as the most beautiful beach in the UK. The magazine praised the magnificent and unspoiled scenery of Oxwich, which, according to the esteemed publication, makes it a perfect place for adults and children alike. Another prestigious publication, The Guardian, also glorified Oxwich and declared it as one of the top ten sandy beaches in the UK in 2007.

Travel writers also adore another of Swansea’s breath-taking beaches, Llangennith Beach. The soft, rolling sands are an absolute delight and are considered by The Observer one of the UK’s 10 “classic surfing beaches” for 2007.

Travel publications rave regularly about the lovely scenery of Three Cliffs Bay, which was voted by various travel writers as the best camping beach in the UK, an honour also accorded to it by The Independent in 2007 as it paid homage to its magnificent setting and peaceful location. Three Cliffs also made it to the finals of the show Britain’s Favourite View contest, which was open to the public. Three Cliffs was the only tourist locale in Wales to receive such a nomination.

In 2006, the beaches of Swansea were honoured at the Blue Flag Beach Awards, which gave special recognition to Swansea Marina, Bracelet Bay, Port Eynon Bay, Caswell Bay and Langland Bay. Aside from the Blue Flag, these beaches also won the prestigious Seaside Award that same year.

Other Activities
Aside from strolling in beaches and visiting parks, Swansea has so much more to offer. Couples can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and bicycling. The bay provides bicycle routes that are safe for couples and families. Tourists may also engage in kite surfing and wind surfing.

Couples should also make it a point to visit the Plantasia, a hothouse which features three climactic zones. Exotic plants and several species of animals call Plantsia home. Clyne Gardens also hosts a popular annual event known as ‘Clyne in Bloom,’ which attracts plant enthusiasts from all over.

If nature-tripping is your thing, then the place to visit is Singleton Park, home of a popular botanical garden, a golf course, acres of parkland and a lake where boating is allowed.

Other parks of interest are Victoria Park, which is very near the seafront, and Cwmdonkin Park, known for its role in Dylan Thomas’ childhood.

Nightlife
Naturally, a place as beautiful as Swansea also has much to offer party animals from all over the world. Scores of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants reign supreme at Wind Street and are open all night. Gamblers also love visiting this part of Wales, thanks to the Aspers Casino complex.

Indeed, if you really look at it, Swansea is the perfect place for a couple’s romantic getaway. The sports facilities and parks offer plenty of opportunities for bonding while the beaches and their magnificent view of the setting sun are the ideal romantic backdrop for a night of love.