If you venture west from Wales' second city, you come across a laid-back world which seems a million miles away from any form of urban life. The Gower peninsula stretches 15 miles to the west of Swansea, a limestone arm jutting out into the Bristol Channel.

The Gower Peninsula with its spectacular coastline and unspoilt countryside, was designated the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty more than 45 years ago. To the south, the peninsula is fringed by high cliffs, sandy bays, rugged crags and coves, while to the north is the low-lying salty marshland of Llanrhidian and the famous cockle beds at Penclawdd. In between lie tiny villages, bracken-covered heathland, prehistoric remains and the odd castle.

Small enough to be easily navigable, yet big enough to enable you to find a quiet corner away from the crowds - a visit to the Gower can be as hectic or as lazy as you choose for it to be.

The best beaches are to be found on the south coast, which twists and turns its way around the limestone crags all the way to Worms Head, the westernmost point of the Gower. Beaches such as Langland and Caswell Bays are popular with families. It's worth taking a one-mile cliff-top walk from Caswell Bay to the National Trust-owned Pwlldu Bay, a gem of a beach and a secluded spot for some rest and relaxation.

The next main beach is the stunning Three Cliffs Bay, definitely one of the Gower's most spectacular spots. Three triangular crags explain the name. The beach lies at the mouth of a small river, Pennard Pill. The beach can be accessed via Pennard or Parkmill and is well worth a walk.

A little further on lie the delights of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve. As if the three- mile long beach, backed by its high barrier of sand dunes, wasn't enough of a reason to visit Oxwich - there's more. The core of the nature reserve is the flatland of salt and freshwater marshes known as the Oxwich Burrows, backed by woodland leading out to Oxwich Point. More can be learnt about the reserve and pathways from the information centre in the car park.

Port Eynon is the last of the beaches before Worms Head - a handy stop-off point for weary walkers. A five-mile headland walk towards Rhossili takes you past Paviland Cave, where Stone Age bones were found in 1823.

The village of Rhossili is perched high above the vast beach of the same name, which sweeps up to the north towards Bury Holms and Llangennith. From Rhossili you can enjoy the view of Worms Head - 'the Land's End' of the Gower. Remember to check the tides, as this string of rocks is only accessible for about five hours at low tide.

Llangennith and Rhossili are a surfer's heaven and unless you're donning a wetsuit, with a surf or boogie board under your arm, then head for quieter, less exposed sites.

For more information on holidays in Wales log on to www.visitwales.com