Why Pembrokshire is on par with world’s wildest holiday hotspots

IT sounded like an exotic location in a distant land on paper.

Paddling in crystal clear waters, exploring miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, sampling the local cuisine and even whale and dolphin spotting.

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But amazingly, to experience all this we didn't even have to board a plane.

Instead, a road trip along the M4 delivered us to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

No passports required. Glorious Pembrokeshire in west Wales is a magnet for walkers, wildlife lovers, foodies and families.

The tourist attractions are many… amazing nature reserves, quaint coastal villages and award-winning beaches.

To see why so many visitors flock here year upon year, we acquainted ourselves with the region on a blustery walk along the Wales Coastal Path.

Wales is the only place in the world to have a path that spans the entire length of its coast.

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We were at one of the most picturesque sections, setting off from Abereiddy, a pretty hamlet with a history in slate mining, and had our eyes peeled for dolphins and porpoises.

Visitors are greeted by candy-coloured cottages in a picture-postcard scene and a blue-flag beach but the hamlet would once have had a community far more geared for miners instead of tourists.

Its former slate quarry is now famous as the Blue Lagoon, formed in the ruins that have been flooded by the sea breaking in.

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The turquoise pool is a popular spot for divers and fossil hunters but we decided to just enjoy the view and keep our feet dry.

Afterwards, it was a treat to check into the gorgeous Wolfscastle Country Hotel which has TLC on tap. The hotel is run by husband and wife Andrew and Mandy Stirling, who have owned it for 40 years.

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After a great value pampering session in the spa and dinner in the restaurant, it wasn't hard to see why the place has enjoyed such longevity.

Located just 15 minutes from Haverfordwest in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside, only nine miles from the coast, it was a great spot for numerous foodie delights.

For a relaxed drink the cosy Wolfe Inn pub is five minutes' walk away and offers a great selection of local ales.

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We also enjoyed a fabulous Sunday lunch at the two-rosette Blas restaurant in Twr y Felin. Blas means "taste" in Welsh and the menu is packed with local ingredients.

Expect to enjoy Pembrokeshire produce such as Welsh lamb and duck alongside fish from the surrounding seas.

Traditional ingredients such as samphire and laver (seaweed) are foraged from the coastline and cheese comes courtesy of cows grazing in nearby St Brides Bay.

Before leaving we just had time to visit the seaside city of St David's with its famous cathedral and rows of independent shops and galleries.

With a population under 2,000, it's the smallest city in the UK but it made a big impression on us, just like the rest of this exotic Welsh county.

We can see why so many return to the region. And we will be happy to join them.