Aberffraw was, in historic times, considered to be a place of special significance and for centuries Aberffraw was the principal Llys (Palace) of the Princes of Gwynedd, including Llewelyn the Great. Between the 7th and 13th centuries Aberffraw could be considered as the 'capital' of North Wales. At times much of Wales was ruled from here. The later princes of Gwynedd adopted the title "Prince of Aberffraw" or "Lord of Aberffraw".

Click HERE for more information about the history of Aberffraw.

Aberffraw is situated on the southwest coast of the Isle of Anglesey. It is a small, friendly and usually quiet village with a population of about 600.  (See Map)

Aberffraw on a frosty winter morning .

The village stands above the narrow, sandy estuary of the Afon Ffraw, where it enjoys magnificent, extended views of the North Wales coast.   

On a clear day the panorama stretches from Llanfairfechan to the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula, with many of the mountains of Snowdonia plainly visible.
 

A winter view of the twin peaks of Crib y Ddysgl (left) and Snowdon (right) with Aberffraw Dunes in the foreground.

Aberffraw was once an important port, but the estuary gradually silted up, leaving the present coastline of sand dunes. The dunes range as high as 30 feet and more. The build-up of dunes has created the inland lake of Llyn Coron, which was formed by a blocked river that had previously drained into a larger Aberffraw Bay. (see Great Storm of 1331 )

Historically, Aberffraw was very important. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, it was one of the most significant towns in North Wales, home to the Princes of Gwynedd, including Llewelyn the Great. At times it could justifiably claim to be the capital of all Wales.

For an account of the exciting history of the village click  here  or on the 'Story of Aberffraw'  tab on the side menu

Aberffrraw Beach in winter with the hills of the Lleyn Peninsula in the distance.

Aberfrraw is famous for the  spectacular Dunes, which dominate the eastern side of the village. Click here for more information about this fascinating area.

Click on the photograph below for a section of the panoramic view from Aberffraw with the mountains named. (Heights are in metres.)

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Aberffraw click here. If you are interested in the history of Aberffraw click here or in the history of the many fascinating, historic churches nearby click here to visit 'The Celtic Circle'.