Tiny UK village with stunning beaches and a storybook ancient castle
One tiny village in North Wales has it all - stunning beaches, a historic castle and rich local history. It has been dubbed the "Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia" and it's easy to see why
The age-old holiday conundrum of choosing between a beach break or a cultural exploration might just be solved by a little-known gem in North Wales.
While most destinations require you to choose one or the other, or fork out for an expensive flight, this quaint town offers both - and it's likely you've never even heard of it.
North Wales has seen a surge in staycations recently, with holidaymakers seeking more than just a sandy beach and a sea view.
Visitors are looking for a place where they can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach before delving into the rich local history.
The region boasts a coastline that's a blend of dramatic cliffs, secluded bays, and peaceful promenades; inland, rolling hills and ancient castles punctuate the skyline, with the majestic Snowdonia just a stone's throw away, reports the Express.
From the rugged bays of the Llŷn Peninsula to the mountainous backdrop, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while immersing yourself in tales of princes, wars, and mythical folklore all in one trip.
Criccieth is the ideal town for such an experience. This seaside resort nestles on the shores of Cardigan Bay, offering breathtaking coastal views on one side and mountains on the other.
So stunning is the town, it's been dubbed the 'Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia'.
And if that's not enough to feast your eyes on, the 13th-century fortress, Criccieth Castle, overlooks the main beach at one end of the shoreline.
Constructed by Llywelyn the Great and fortified by Edward I over 800 years ago, it sits nestled between two beaches.
On one side lies the sandy, shallow eastern shore, ideal for families seeking to set up deckchairs and relax beside the water; on the other, a more tranquil, pebbled stretch offering spectacular mountain vistas.
For those craving additional history, a journey to the sacred site of St Cybi's Well might leave you feeling more youthful than ever.
The waters are believed to possess healing qualities, with the well itself thought to potentially be pagan in origin, its holy status possibly predating Christianity.
Ideal for walkers, the Wales Coast Path stretches right around the nation's coastline, and close to Criccieth, the trail proves perfect for picking up a ramble heading either north or south.
A favoured option involves following the path around the bay to Porthmadog's thriving harbour, which can be made simpler by catching the bus for the return journey.
During a visit last year, travel blogger David McClane from Man Vs Globe insisted few beaches in Britain provided quite the scenery of Criccieth.
He added: "Standing on Black Rock's vast sands, I watch as small breakers tumble ashore and listen to gusts of wind whistle through the ridges of the dunes.
"Not many beaches in Britain can boast scenery like this. The rugged mountains of Snowdonia provide a towering backdrop while the ancient woods, farmland, and foothills that stand between me and those distant peaks are streaked with the purple of blooming hydrangeas."
For those considering a getaway, there's an array of local B&Bs, holiday rentals, as well as a few hotels and inns to choose from.