Holiday rentals and lettings in Criccieth

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Criccieth?
• Holiday rentals in Criccieth: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Criccieth: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Criccieth?

• Variety of retreats: From snug stone cottages to spacious holiday homes with private gardens, Criccieth's self-catering rentals suit couples, families and larger groups travelling together.
• Best areas to stay: Pick the seafront for uninterrupted castle and bay views, or settle a little further back for quieter lanes within easy walking distance of the shops and station.
• Highly-rated hosts: Local hosts are known for warm welcomes, well-equipped kitchens and practical tips on exploring the wider Llŷn Peninsula and Snowdonia beyond.
• Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn bring milder crowds and gentler weather, while summer suits families wanting a livelier seafront atmosphere.
• Top activities: Explore the eight-hundred-year-old Criccieth Castle, climb Moel y Gest for coastal views, and try your luck at the town's fishing lakes.

Criccieth's holiday rentals range from cosy seafront apartments to larger self-catering houses. If you'd like to browse by property type, take a look at the holiday cottages in Criccieth or the holiday homes in Criccieth for more specific options. Most rentals come well-equipped, with several practical extras that make everyday life easier:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Private garden or balcony
• Off-road parking
• Well-equipped kitchens
• Pet-friendly options

Together, these extras mean you can settle in quickly - and if you fancy letting someone else do the cooking, bed and breakfasts across Wales are also worth a look.

What are the best areas to stay in Criccieth?

The seafront around the castle is the best base for first-time visitors, putting the beach, shops and station all within easy walking distance. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently mention how easy it is to relax in Criccieth once the bags are unpacked: castle views from the garden, a two-minute walk to the beach, and hosts happy to share their favourite walking routes. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the last year:

Cottage 'Fir Tree Cottage' with garden and parking- 9.6+: Couples love this charming stone cottage, set in the sort of quiet location that's just right for a romantic break.
1. Cottage 'Mor Edrin' with garden and fire - 9.5+: This bungalow has space for five. Guests love its ample garden, pet-friendly touches, and easy access to beach walks.
2. Barn 'Cefn Bryn Mawr' with garden - 9.3+: Guests praise this converted stone barn for its delightful atmosphere. With enough room for six, it's perfect for a group adventure.

Criccieth sits on Cardigan Bay in Gwynedd, North Wales, on the eastern edge of the Llŷn Peninsula, roughly midway between Porthmadog and Pwllheli.

✈️What is the best way to get to Criccieth?

Travelling by car is generally the most convenient way to reach Criccieth, though the Cambrian Coast railway line makes a scenic and relaxing alternative. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• Car: By car, follow the A55 North Wales Expressway towards Bangor, then take the A487 south through Caernarfon and Porthmadog before joining the A497 into Criccieth. The drive takes in dramatic views of Snowdonia's mountains on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other.
• Train: Criccieth railway station sits on the Cambrian Coast Line, with direct services from Pwllheli and connections through Porthmadog to Machynlleth and onwards to Shrewsbury and Birmingham. It's one of the most scenic routes in Wales, running close to the coast for much of the journey.
• Coach: National Express coaches run to Porthmadog and Pwllheli from major English cities, with a short local bus or taxi ride on to Criccieth.

🥗Where to eat in Criccieth?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Dylan's Criccieth is the best-rated restaurant in Criccieth. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend the harbourside chip shop just along from the castle for a classic seaside supper in Criccieth: a simple, unpretentious spot that's become part of the ritual for many returning visitors.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Criccieth is during late spring to early autumn, from May to September, when the weather is mildest and the beach is at its best; July and August are busiest, so those wanting a quieter stay might prefer June or September.

Summer (June to August)

• Best for: Families, beach days and the liveliest atmosphere
• Weather: Warm and mostly dry, with average highs around 18-20°C
• Atmosphere: Busy seafront, packed beach car parks and a lively holiday buzz

Late spring (May to June)

• Best for: Walkers and couples wanting quieter beaches
• Weather: Mild with lengthening daylight and occasional showers
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with hedgerows and gardens at their best

Autumn (September to October)

• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and photographers chasing dramatic skies
• Weather: Cooling, with the first autumn storms rolling in off Cardigan Bay
• Atmosphere: Quiet and easy-going, with the town settling back into local pace

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Local hosts across Criccieth often point guests towards Criccieth Castle at sunset, when the light over Cardigan Bay is at its softest and the ruins are far quieter than during the day.

1. Explore Criccieth Castle
2. Walk to the summit of Moel y Gest
3. Spend an afternoon on Criccieth's beach
4. Cast a line at Bron Eifion Fishing Lakes
5. Trace local history in Llanystumdwy

1. Explore Criccieth Castle

   Perched on a headland above the bay, Criccieth Castle has watched over this stretch of coast for nearly 800 years. Built by Welsh princes and later remodelled under English rule, its twin-towered gatehouse and sweeping views make it one of the most photographed spots in North Wales. Climb to the top of the ruins for panoramas that stretch along Cardigan Bay towards the mountains of Snowdonia.

2. Walk to the summit of Moel y Gest

   Rising to 863 feet just outside town, Moel y Gest is a compact but rewarding climb with trails to suit families, couples and solo walkers alike. The circular routes wind through gorse and bracken before opening onto wide views back over Criccieth, the castle and the curve of the bay. It's a popular early-evening walk for locals, and on a clear day you can pick out landmarks well along the Llŷn Peninsula.

3. Spend an afternoon on Criccieth's beach

   Split by the castle headland into two distinct stretches, Criccieth's beach mixes pebbles near the promenade with softer sand further along, particularly towards Black Rock Sands near Morfa Bychan. It's a relaxed spot for rock-pooling, paddling or simply watching the sunset behind the Llŷn Peninsula.

4. Cast a line at Bron Eifion Fishing Lakes

   For a slower-paced day out, the Bron Eifion Fishing Lakes just outside Criccieth offer well-stocked waters and equipment hire for both beginners and experienced anglers. Open across long hours through the week, the lakes suit an early-morning session before breakfast or a peaceful evening cast as the light fades. It's a popular choice for families wanting to introduce children to fishing in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.

5. Trace local history in Llanystumdwy

   A short stroll or drive from Criccieth, the neighbouring village of Llanystumdwy is best known as the childhood home of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George, whose grave and museum sit beside the River Dwyfor. The riverside walks here are gentle and shaded, making a good contrast to the coastal paths closer to town.