It may not have the heat of Italy, but this tiny village sitting on the British coast is built to almost exactly reflect it – and it even has the same climate
Now that autumn has arrived and the season of chilly weather, gusts and downpours is upon us, many will fantasise about a getaway to an exotic location.
A Greek isle, the Spanish coastline or perhaps the Italian Riviera.
Whilst those yearning for a trip to the latter may find it’s not as challenging as they might imagine, with one tiny village nestled on the British shoreline designed to almost perfectly mirror it, albeit without the Aperol spritz and the pasta.
If you’ve been contemplating a UK break that feels far more exotic than it truly is, you’re in good company, but North Wales might just have the answer, at a fraction of the cost.
Its striking coastline, verdant hills, and a culture as vibrant as its surroundings, have emerged as a favourite for those seeking both adventure and relaxation – and its terrain isn’t a world away from the Cinque Terre – even if the climate may not always cooperate, reports the Express.
Nestled on the estuary of the River Dwyryd lies the charming Welsh treasure of Portmeirion. The brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, constructed between 1925 and 1975 in the manner of an Italian village, its dwellings are adorned with vibrant hues, concealed passageways and flourishing gardens.
Given such a distinctive setting, it’s hardly surprising that the village captured the imagination of the film and television world.
Portmeirion boasts the remarkable distinction of being the actual “Village” in the iconic 1960s television series The Prisoner, featuring Patrick McGoohan. The programme chronicles the former spy imprisoned in the enigmatic village as he battles to keep his secrets safe.
Following a jaunt to the village, an enthusiast took to TripAdvisor to leave a glowing five-star review, saying: “Being a fan of the TV programme ‘The Prisoner’, I had always wanted to visit ‘the village’ and it didn’t disappoint! We had a stroll along the seaside walkway & came back through the woods. The village shop is dedicated to the TV programme & the prices inside were very reasonable – my wife & I loved it.”
Portmeirion isn’t just for fans of ‘The Prisoner’; its charm is universal, offering a myriad of unique experiences at every turn that make it an ideal spot for those who relish the sensation of being somewhere truly special.
And it’s not only enthusiasts of the show singing Portmeirion’s praises; Which? consumer experts have crowned the village as the top seaside spot in Wales.
Their endorsement reads: “The best seaside destination in Wales, Portmeirion in Gwynedd, is also one of the UK’s most unusual holiday villages.”
They praised the village, awarding top marks for both tourist attractions and the seafront, noting: “Visitors loved the architecture and its setting above a wide, sandy estuary – giving it five out of five stars for tourist attractions and for its seafront.”
Echoing this sentiment, another visitor shared their experience online: “What an amazing place! Fabulous, friendly staff, especially Dafyyd at the gate. Such a happy soul.
“We visited on a gorgeous, sunny day and had a lovely time wandering around looking at the beautiful buildings, soaking in the amazing views and eating our picnic.”