Criccieth actually has two lovely beaches, but we are going to talk about the one known as Criccieth’s “main beach”. This is the easternmost beach here, separated from the other (Marine Beach) by the imposing medieval castle that overlooks the area from its prominent headland. This is one of the main reasons to visit the beach – how many other areas can boast a castle to look at while you’re soaking up the rays?
The beach itself is a mixture of sandy and pebbly, and is nicely sheltered from the wind, making it a rather secluded getaway spot. The views out to the sea are wonderful, particularly at times of low tide, when the area is most popular with walkers – you can see out for miles.
There is an RNLI station here, which makes for an interesting visit, and if you are lucky you might even see them launching their lifeboat for practice exercises. Walk along the beach to the east as far as you can, and you will be able to see Graig Ddu (the “Black Rock”). This large chunk of rock marks the boundary between Criccieth Beach and the next one along, the Black Rock Sands by the village of Morfa Bychan.
Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Alan Fryer.
Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by David Metcalf.
Location
Found in Criccieth itself, Criccieth beach is easy to find. There is parking available near to the central promenade.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Porthmadog
This little walk won’t take you very long at all, coming in at a leisurely two miles in length. What it lacks in duration, however, it more than makes up for in the views department, taking you through a lovely part of the country.
Abersoch to Pwllheli
This walk makes up a total distance of around 8 miles, and apart from the occasional trial of walking over soft sand, is not particularly challenging at all. There is a bit of a climb, but nothing that should give you any cause for concern.
Benllech Beach
Benllech Beach is a beautiful, long stretch of golden sands, located on the eastern coast of the lovely Isle of Anglesey. It is a popular destination among both tourists and locals alike – in a poll conducted by the Welsh newspaper The Daily Post, Benllech was voted as the fourth best beach in all of North Wales.
Cottages around Porthmadog
Base yourself in a holiday cottage in the Porthmadog area and you can easily explore the surrounding area of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. There's plenty to do and see in every direction from beautiful scenery to famous attractions and activities including Port Meirion and the Welsh & Highland steam Railways.
Cottages around Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a place you have to visit during your stay in North Wales. In the beautiful location of the Dwyrd Estuary the Architect Clough Willimas-Ellis created an Italianate Village. This wonderful backdrop was used as the film set for the series "The Prisoner" and is now the site of Festival Number 6 (first week in September each year). Also in the area is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and the location gives easy access to the Llyn Peninsula and the Snowdonia National Park.
Coastal Resorts
A popular area for holiday makers this has something for everyone - beaches, scenery and plenty of things to do.