Start our journey with two of Wales' most famous national parks, which are a true paradise for lovers of mountain hiking and spectacular views.

Snowdonia National Park is undoubtedly the crown of Welsh national parks. Established in 1951, it covers an area of more than 2,000 square kilometers and is most famous for the highest peak in Wales - Snowdon (1,085 meters above sea level). The park impresses with a variety of landscapes - from rugged mountain peaks to picturesque valleys and crystal clear lakes. For families with children, a cable car ride to the top of Snowdon is highly recommended, with panoramic views encompassing not only the park, but also the Irish coast on sunny days. The park offers trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so there is something for everyone. Be sure to visit the charming town of Betws-y-Coed, which is a great base for exploring the park.

The Brecon Beacons National Park, located in South Wales, is another gem for mountain and wildlife lovers. While perhaps not as famous as Snowdonia, it offers equally breathtaking views and numerous attractions. The heart of the park is the Brecon Beacons massif with the highest peak, Pen y Fan (886 meters above sea level). Climbing this peak is a must-do for any visitor to the park. The route is relatively easy and accessible even to families with children, and the views from the top are truly impressive. The park is also famous for its magnificent waterfalls - we especially recommend the 'Four Waterfalls Walk' route, which leads to four picturesque cascades.

Comparing the two parks, it's worth noting that Snowdonia offers more varied terrain and higher peaks, which may be attractive to avid climbers. The Brecon Beacons, on the other hand, is slightly gentler and more accessible to families with young children. Both parks offer well-marked trails and hiking infrastructure, but Snowdonia can be a bit more crowded, especially during the summer season.

For lovers of less-traveled trails, consider a visit to Gwydir Forest Park. This is a lesser-known but equally charming forest area located in the heart of Snowdonia. The park offers great biking trails, hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. We especially recommend the route to the picturesque Llyn Elsi Lake, which is perfect for a family walk.

Wales is not just about mountains - its coastline is equally fascinating and full of natural wonders. In this section we take a closer look at the national parks and protected areas that will allow us to discover the beauty of the Welsh coast.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the UK's only national park created primarily for its coastline. It stretches 299 km along the coast of southwest Wales and offers a remarkable combination of cliffs, golden beaches and picturesque coves. For families with children, the park is a true paradise - you'll find numerous safe beaches perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. We particularly recommend Barafundle Bay beach, often called one of the most beautiful in the UK. The park is also famous for its wildlife viewing opportunities - seals, dolphins and even whales can be spotted here. The Pembrokeshire coastal trail is a treat for hikers - the 300 km route offers incredible views at every turn.

The Gower National Landscape, while not technically a national park, certainly deserves attention. Located in South Wales, this peninsula was the first area in the UK to be recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Gower is famous for its beautiful beaches, the most famous of which is Rhossili Bay - a three-mile stretch of golden sand surrounded by green cliffs. For families with children, we recommend Three Cliffs Bay - a picturesque bay with distinctive three rock formations. Gower is also a paradise for surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

When comparing the two areas, it's worth noting that the Pembrokeshire Coast offers more diverse landscapes and a longer coastline, which translates into a greater variety of routes and attractions. Gower, on the other hand, is smaller and more compact, making it ideal for shorter trips or weekend getaways. Both places offer great wildlife viewing opportunities, although the chances of encountering marine mammals are slightly higher in Pembrokeshire.

For those looking for less frequented but equally beautiful places, consider a visit to the National Trust's Sugarloaf and Usk Valley. This area, although located inland, offers stunning views of the Usk Valley and the distinctive Sugar Loaf peak. It's the perfect place for quiet family walks away from the crowds. The route to the top of Sugar Loaf is relatively easy and accessible even to small children, and the views from the top are truly impressive.

All of these places offer excellent opportunities for ecotourism. It's worth remembering the principles of Leave No Trace - taking all trash with you and having minimal impact on the environment. Most parks and protected areas in Wales offer educational programs for children, making them ideal destinations for family vacations full of adventure and learning about nature.

Wales hides many more lesser-known but equally fascinating places that will delight nature lovers. In this final section, we will discover some such hidden treasures.

Pen y Fan, South Wales' highest peak (886 meters above sea level), is located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Although not a separate national park, it deserves special attention. The climb to the summit is a popular destination, but less crowded than Snowdon. The route is relatively easy and accessible to families with children, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys along the way. At the summit there is a distinctive stone with a plaque, at which commemorative photos are traditionally taken. It is advisable to plan your trip in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful views at sunrise or sunset.

For those looking for tranquility and less-traveled trails, an excellent choice would be Waterfall Country, an area in the southern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This place is famous for its numerous waterfalls hidden in lush green forests. We especially recommend the 'Four Waterfalls Walk' route, which leads to four spectacular cascades: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira. The latter is unique because you can walk behind a curtain of falling water. It's an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

Comparing the two places, Pen y Fan offers more open, mountainous landscapes and panoramic views, while Waterfall Country is all about dense forests and hidden waterfalls. Pen y Fan may be more physically demanding, but offers the satisfaction of climbing South Wales' highest peak. Waterfall Country, on the other hand, is more accessible to families with young children and offers more shade on hot days.

Finally, it is worth mentioning Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve - a lesser-known but extremely charming nature reserve located on the north coast of Wales. This place is famous for its beautiful Aber Falls, accessed by an easy two-mile path. The reserve offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, including rare species of birds and butterflies. This is the perfect place for a quiet family picnic surrounded by wildlife.

To conclude our tour of Wales' most beautiful national parks and protected areas, it's worth highlighting the incredible variety of landscapes and experiences this relatively small country has to offer. From the majestic mountains of Snowdonia to the wild coast of Pembrokeshire to the hidden waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons, Wales has something to offer every nature lover.

When planning a trip, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. The weather in Wales can be capricious, so always be prepared for changing conditions. It's a good idea to stock up on appropriate footwear and rainwear. Most parks offer free parking, but they can fill up quickly in high season - it's a good idea to arrive early. Also remember the rules of responsible tourism - respect nature, don't litter and follow local regulations.

Whether you go to the top of Snowdon, admire the cliffs of Pembrokeshire or explore the hidden waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons, Wales is sure to delight you with its natural beauty and diversity. This is the perfect place for a family vacation that will not only allow you to relax, but also to learn something new about the nature and history of this fascinating country. Discover Wales - a land where nature still rules and every turn of the path can lead to an unforgettable adventure!