Tenby: The Welsh Riviera Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Step into Tenby and you feel it instantly—this is no ordinary seaside town. Perched on Wales’ Pembrokeshire coast, Tenby is a patchwork of pastel-painted houses, cobbled lanes, and sweeping golden beaches that would look at home in the Mediterranean. It’s no wonder it has been crowned one of the world’s top coastal escapes. What makes Tenby irresistible isn’t just its postcard beauty but the way it balances history, relaxation, and romance in one small harbor town.

Where to Stay: A Boutique Retreat

For a home base, check into The Billycan, a stylish boutique stay right in Tenby’s old town. Housed in a converted British Legion building, its rooms strike the balance between cozy and chic, with just enough modern polish to make you feel pampered while keeping the Welsh charm intact. Step outside and you’re in the thick of it—narrow streets lined with galleries, shops, and centuries-old pubs, and just a short stroll to the harbor.

If your idea of travel leans toward rolling lawns and countryside quiet, Elm Grove Country House offers an equally lovely but slightly more removed alternative. Nestled on green grounds just outside Tenby, it’s a 19th-century B&B that feels like a genteel country escape while still keeping you close to town.

Brunch and Light Eats: Sun, Sea, and a Coffee in Hand

Tenby is a town made for slow mornings. For a classic seaside breakfast or brunch, The Dennis Café is the place. Tucked down near Castle Hill, it overlooks the water and serves hearty plates, pancakes, and fresh coffee with unbeatable views of the slipway.

If you’d rather keep your toes in the sand, head to Salty’s Beach Bar & Restaurant right on South Beach. This is where you’ll find lighter plates, cocktails, and an easy, Mediterranean-holiday energy that makes you want to linger into the afternoon. For something quieter and cozy, The Fuchsia Caffe in the town center is perfect for coffee, cake, and small plates in a space that feels like a locals-only find.

After brunch, stretch your legs along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of Britain’s most scenic trails. Tenby’s section of the path leads you along rugged cliffs and into Saundersfoot, with panoramic sea views the entire way. Or take the short boat ride to Caldey Island, a monastic retreat where time slows to the rhythm of seabirds and chapel bells.

A Romantic Evening to Remember

When night falls, Tenby comes alive in a softer, more intimate way. Book a table at Plantagenet House, the town’s most romantic dining room, set inside a 10th-century building with flickering candles, stone walls, and an atmosphere that feels plucked from another century. The menu is refined but rooted in local flavors, the kind of dinner you’ll talk about long after.

Another option is The Stables Restaurant, tucked behind the town walls in what was once an old coaching inn. It’s warm, atmospheric, and perfect for a couple’s evening. And if you’ve chosen to stay at The Billycan, its in-house restaurant is a solid choice for hearty, locally inspired dishes without having to stray far from your room.

After dinner, wander hand-in-hand through the old town, then down to the harbor. With the pastel houses reflected in the water and the waves lapping gently against the stone wall, it’s the kind of scene that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a painting. If the tide is right, walk the sands of Castle Beach under the moonlight and let the romance of the Welsh Riviera seal the memory.

The Passport Life Takeaway

Tenby is proof that you don’t need to chase far-flung islands to find magic by the sea. It offers history without being heavy, beaches without the bustle, and just enough whimsy—whether it’s a boat ride to Caldey Island or a festival tucked into its lanes—to keep you surprised. For travelers chasing beauty, charm, and romance in equal measure, Tenby deserves a stamp on your Passport Life itinerary.