The village was inspired by the Mediterranean way of life (Image: Richard Walker via Getty Images)
If you’re dreaming of an Italian escape, it turns out you needn’t venture further than Wales, as this remarkable private village resort delivers that authentic ‘la dolce vita’ experience without the costly fare.
Deliberately designed to evoke a sense of paradise along the Welsh coastline, Portmeirion provides the perfect retreat with a wealth of dining, drinking, shopping and breathtaking natural scenery to soak up.
Every carefully considered detail within the village is crafted to conjure the feeling of a Mediterranean haven, and it has remained a firm favourite with tourists since its establishment in the 1920s.
Visitors can spend as little or as much time as they wish, simply popping in for a leisurely day strolling through its beautifully constructed streets, or making a proper break of it with a stay of several days.
Indeed, many enthusiastic travellers opt for an annual pass, allowing them to visit as frequently as they please throughout the year, weather permitting.
The village was built in two phases over 50 years (Image: jacquesvandinteren via Getty Images)
When did it all begin?
The stunning Portmeirion sprang from the imagination of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, whose vision was to create a development that would complement and enhance an already spectacular location, preserving its natural character.
His creation was built across two distinct phases, the first between 1926 and 1939, and the second between 1954 and 1976. By its completion, Clough had reached his 90s, having personally designed and constructed the majority of structures, with only a handful relocated from elsewhere.
Amongst these transplanted features was the Town Hall, which originated from the Bristol Colonnade. His designs deliberately embraced Italian architectural influences, which many observers believed drew inspiration from Portofino.
Whilst he refuted such suggestions, insisting he merely sought to ‘capture’ Mediterranean character, he undeniably succeeded in this ambition.
Though remarkably condensed, the village showcases an impressive variety of styles and treasures worth discovering, from Riviera-inspired dwellings to decorative gardens and Italian-style piazzas scattered throughout.
Central to this is the magnificent Hotel Portmeirion alongside village accommodation, providing private lodgings for approximately 200,000 annual visitors who explore the settlement.
Portmeirion offers a seaside experience unlike anywhere else in the UK (Image: Getty Images)
A recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: « As if straight out of cinque terre Italy! Buildings of unusual shapes sizes and colour everywhere you looked. Magnificent it really made you feel as if you’d stepped into another world. »
Where to stay
The Hotel Portmeirion opened under Clough’s stewardship in 1926 as the village centrepiece, serving as the foundation for his broader vision of the entire settlement. Within its walls exists a complete world of its own, featuring 14 elegant bedrooms alongside a fine-dining restaurant and an impressive terrace and bar space.
The four-star hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool situated on the estuary lawn. Rates for a double room for one night start at approximately £328 and can incorporate breakfast and dinner packages.
The village rooms are scattered throughout Portmeirion and cater for all types of guests, with family rooms on offer and ground-floor alternatives for accessibility requirements. Each village room is individually crafted to be distinctive whilst maintaining that Mediterranean atmosphere, and all provide picturesque vistas across the Dwyryd Estuary and beyond.
With magnificence in mind, the village also houses its own castle, Castell Deudraeth, which serves as a four-star residence that Clough described as « the largest and most imposing single building on the Portmeirion estate ».
Those opting not to stay but still wanting to sample the splendour and elegance of the castle can choose to dine at its own brasserie. Self-catering cottages are also available to hire in the village, alongside a motorhome park for caravans and campers.
It sits along the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales (Image: ChrisHepburn via Getty Images)
Eating Out
Offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the Castell Deudraeth Brasserie provides excellent food in a relaxed setting with stunning surroundings. A diner shared on TripAdvisor: « A lovely traditional conservatory-style restaurant, with prompt, friendly and efficient service, a good choice on the menu, reasonable prices and very tasty food.
« We enjoyed lamb shank, plaice, and pork T-bone main courses after fine starters, with good wine choice. The Castell is an impressive Victorian-built place, with an impressive fireplace and surround in the lounge area. »
The Hotel Portmeirion’s restaurant also features prominently on visitors’ must-visit lists, boasting over 500 glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Caffi Glas is another popular destination for diners, who are frequently won over by its charming outdoor seating area, thoughtfully designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian piazza, complete with a central fountain.
Its al fresco dining proves a hit with those seeking a holiday atmosphere, with its homemade pizzas, pasta and salads proving particularly popular. All this is complemented by a selection of fine wines by the glass and locally-brewed, traditional Welsh beers — a fitting touch given its Welsh surroundings.
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