The villages of Eryri are as varied as the landscape they sit within. Some grew around Victorian tourism; others around slate, copper, or the railway. All have a distinct character worth knowing before you visit.
Betws-y-Coed
The outdoor gear capital of Eryri. Swallow Falls, Fairy Glen, Pont y Pair, and the Conwy Valley Railway all converge here.
Beddgelert
Arguably the most beautiful village in Wales. Stone bridges, mountain backdrop, the Aberglaslyn Pass, and the Sygun Copper Mine.
Llanberis
The functional capital of Snowdon tourism. Snowdon Mountain Railway, National Slate Museum, Pete's Eats, and Llyn Padarn.
Capel Curig
The walkers' village. Plas y Brenin, the Bryn Tyrch Inn, and the famous Llynnau Mymbyr view of the Snowdon Horseshoe.
Dolgellau
The market town of southern Eryri. Stone buildings, the Mawddach Trail, and Cadair Idris on the doorstep.
Harlech
The castle town above the coastal plain. UNESCO World Heritage castle and the finest restaurant views in the national park.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
The slate capital. UNESCO-listed industrial landscape, Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Zip World, and the Ffestiniog Railway.
Bala
The Welsh cultural stronghold at the head of Llyn Tegid. Watersports, the Bala Lake Railway, and a strongly Welsh-speaking community.
Conwy
Medieval walled town on the Conwy Estuary. Complete walls, UNESCO castle, the smallest house in Britain.
Nant Gwynant
The valley to Snowdon's southern flanks. Llyn Gwynant campsite, the Watkin Path, the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel.
Bethesda
The quarry town at the mouth of the Ogwen valley. Gateway to Tryfan, the Glyderau, and the Carneddau plateau.
Barmouth
Victorian seaside resort at the Mawddach Estuary mouth. Sandy beach, the famous railway bridge, the Mawddach Trail.
Aberdyfi
The elegant estuary town. Georgian quayside, sailing culture, the Trefeddian Hotel, and the Bells of Aberdovey legend.
Portmeirion
Clough Williams-Ellis's Italianate fantasy on its private peninsula. Extraordinary architecture, woodland gardens, estuary views.
Caernarfon
The most historically significant town in north Wales. UNESCO castle, complete medieval walls, thriving Welsh-language community.