"Gwynedd" Top 5 Page for this destination Gwynedd by Elena77

Gwynedd is a principal area in North/ West Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although one of the biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated. People in Northern Wales often consider Gwynedd being "the true Wales" because the Welsh language and culture are still omnipresent and most vivacious here.

Harlech Castle

This part of Wales is renowned for its mighty castles- some of the world's finest- constructed during the troubled medieval period. Standing supreme is the quartet of castles at Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech, landmarks in the development of medieval military architecture, their lofty position recognized by their status as a World Heritage Site. But there are many more castles to explore in Gwynedd, smaller maybe than the quartet mentioned above but certainly not less fascinating: Dolwyddelan Castle, Dolbadarn Castle, Criccieth Castle, and more. Gwynedd's rich and unsteady past also gets tangible at visiting one of the many megalithic sites: standing/ inscribed stones, cairns, burial chambers, passage graves, such as: Bachwen, Bron Y Foel Isaf, Hendre Waelod, Bodowyr, Penbryn Mawr, Graianog, Trefllys, etc. For more info on megalithic sites in Gwynedd and Wales:
http://www.megalithic.co.uk

Tremadog Bay at Criccieth

For an area famous for its mountains, this part of Wales doesn't do badly when it comes to coastline. In fact, it does exceptionally well. Just a stone's throw from Snowdon you'll find the popular North Wales coast, the sheltered Menai Strait and dramatically beautiful Llyn Peninsula. Further South, mountain meets sea along Cardigan Bay, a coastline fringed with long sandy beaches and magnificent estuaries. All in all, there's almost 200 miles of coast here, much of it designated as National Park, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Heritage Coast. There are big beaches and tiny coves, and – for those who want to get away from it all – remote bays and breathtaking cliff scenery. You'll have the choice of bright and breezy seaside resorts like Barmouth and Penmaenmawr and colourful harbours such as Aberdyfi, Abersoch, Pwllheli and Y Felinheli. The coastline is also a magnet for sailing and watersports enthusiasts. Again, there's so much variety, from the sheltered waters of the Menai Strait to the exhilarating, open expanses of the Irish Sea, from calm estuaries to the pounding surf of west-facing beaches.

• Pros:Amazingly beautiful landscape, fascinating heritage, ...
• Cons:Moody weather
• In a nutshell:7 days are not enough!!