Until the local government reorganisation of 1974, Bodfari was in the historic county of Flintshire.

The village lies on the A541 road at the point where the road passes through a gap in the Clwydian Hills, the gap being part of the valley of the River Wheeler (Welsh: Afon Chwiler).

The Offa's Dyke National Trail passes through the village, and for walkers completing the trail south to north, Bodfari is usually the final overnight stop on the 177-mile (285 km) route.

The Clwydian Way long-distance path also passes the village.

[2] Bodfari was the home of Deifer the Recluse, who was visited by Saint Winefrid (Welsh: Gwenfrewy) according to Robert of Shrewsbury.