About Porthmadog

Porthmadog is a beautiful little port town on Gwynedd’s Llŷn Peninsula, close to Snowdonia National Park, Gwydir Forest Park, and the heritage Ffestiniog Railway.It is also close to some of Wales’ most magnificent castles, including Conway and Caernarfon. Porthmadog’s long, gently arching beaches are perfect for a seaside holiday, but the area is also an important stop on the migration route of Oystercatchers, redshanks, curlews and sandwich terns, among other sea birds. Many of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Porthmadog have great views of this incredible stretch of coastline.

The town was built on slate mining, and there are many relics of maritime trade to discover. It’s also known for its beautiful gardens, and seaside holiday atmosphere, which runs to several excellent pubs and restaurants, and a nice collection of craft shops. Many of the best hotels and B&Bs are within walking distance of all these treats.

Further afield is Snowdonia National Park, with its long, serene lakes, steep waterfalls, and forest of heather and low scrub — plus the odd castle and steam railway to put the scale of things into perspective. Walk, hike, climb, cycle, sail, canoe, kayak; watch ospreys, peregrines and buzzards; seek out the rare and protected Snowdon lily, the local salmon-like Gwyniad and red squirrels. As well as being a source of water and slate, this was the natural fortress for the rulers of the region and there is some fantastic history to uncover too. Then there’s the Llŷn Peninsula: a rolling, green beauty to rival its neighbour, with long stretches of sandy beach, smaller, delightful coves and some fantastically dramatic cliffs, headlands and peaks.

With its outdoors appeals as well as seaside vibe, Porthmadog is a good year round destination. For this reason recommend you get organised and book your room in the best places to stay in Porthmadog with plenty of time to spare, to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Porthmadog

For the View

In a spectacular spot, with the beach as an extension of the front garden, the Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth was built to prove a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. Just behind the Hotel Portmeirion part of the complex is a wooded hill, and the Castell Deudraeth part of the complex sits above it. Between them, the properties have 55 rooms and suites, with plenty of variety when it comes to size, shape and atmosphere. They have two restaurants, and share the Castell’s luxurious, all-organic spa. Quirky and memorable for all the right reasons, with idyllic views.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

Porthmadog is within striking distance of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester Airport, and Birmingham Airport, as well as London’s airports. Liverpool and Manchester are about two hours away by road, and Birmingham Airport is about two and a half hours away.
If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Porthmadog has a relatively mild maritime climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream. Wales in spring is beautiful. If you enjoy a stroll, be it around a castle grounds, up a mountain or along a rocky peninsula, then the mild, dry weather of spring is a good time for it. Plus there are lambs and birdsong. Summer in Wales is also appealing, what with the golden beaches looking almost as good as the Med under the summer sun. Autumn is great for walkers, with the colours adding to Wales’s dramatic views and welcoming pub lunches to come in for. Plus the castles are at their most moody and dramatic looking too. In winter you might need to walk more briskly, or up higher mountains, to keep you warm, but there’s always a welcoming fire burning somewhere and plenty of colourful Christmassy events to keep you in good cheer.