Its steep winding streets, traditional Welsh architecture and magnificent natural setting make it a memorable holiday destination and the perfect base for exploring Snowdonia, the heartland of Welsh language and culture.

The castle is seated upon a rugged promontory overlooking the sea. Framed by the Rhinog mountains, the Castle's unrivalled setting has made it one of the best loved castles in Wales.
Today , the Castle is open to the public throughout the year and is the setting for a wide range of cultural events from concerts to displays by the Harlech Medieval Society.
The song "Men of Harlech" originated here. For lyrics, information and a midi file click here .

Harlech has a variety of eating places, and plenty of places to stay. (See "Services".) It also has shops supplying all basic needs. The town and its surrounding area have long been a source of inspiration for artists and writers. The poet Robert Graves was a frequent visitor and recorded his memories of childhood holidays in Harlech before the First World War. Harlech's Theatre Ardudwy hosts an impressive programme of films, exhibitions, concerts and plays both by local and international artists and companies throughout the year. In the autumn Harlech plays host to a bi-annual Art Festival, exhibiting work by artists from around the world with a strong Welsh presence. Try to listen to the Harlech Silver Band and the Ardudwy Male Voice Choir. The quality of both are rightly praised throughout the land.

From country house hotels to traditional Welsh hill farms, Harlech offers an ideal base to explore and enjoy the surrounding countryside. The long golden sweep of Harlech Beach offers safe, sheltered bathing, perfect for a family holiday. Access is by a short public footpath from Beach Road car park.

To the north, the Nature Conservancy Reserve of Morfa Harlech looks over the Dwyryd Estuary to the Italianate village of Portmeirion. To the south lies Llandanwg Beach, with its Celtic Church in the dunes, and the Artro Estuary, the home of Llanbedr and Pensarn Yacht Club.   Visit their web site   

On the southern shores of the estuary lies Mochras, known locally as Shell Island because of the variety of crustacean life washed up on its shores.

Harlech's impressive backdrop is the Rhinog mountain range, some of the most rugged and remote terrain to be found in Wales. Two main valleys penetrate the range: one, Cwm Bychan, with its tranquil lake, leads to the Roman Steps, a Roman paved pack-horse way; from the second, Cwm Nantcol, rise the peaks of Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach. The area affords a multitude of walks from stiff climbs for the experienced mountaineer to more gentle rambles and woodland trails.

Keen golfers can enjoy the spectacular setting of Harlech's Royal St. David's 18-hole link golf course.    Visit their web site     And the angler will find an abundance of river, stream and lake fishing. Venture below ground and explore the old slate caverns in the hills around Harlech and see how the miners lived and worked. Or simply watch the magnificient sunsets across Tremadog Bay to the Lleyn Peninsula whilst sampling local produce in Harlech's fine restaurants and cafes.