This genteel slow-moving seaside town (population 1800) sits above a sweep of sand-and-stone beach about 5 miles west of Porthmadog. It's main claim to fame is ruined Criccieth Castle perched up on the clifftop and offering views stretching along the southern coast and across Tremadog Bay to Harlech. Constructed by Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great in 1239, it was overrun in 1283 by Edward I's forces and recaptured for the Welsh in 1404 by Owain Glyndŵr, who promptly burnt it. Today there is a small but informative exhibition centre at the ticket office.
