Located on its own private peninsula, overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, sits a "fairytale" village that visitors have said is like "being in the Mediterranean".
Portmeirion, located in Gwynedd, has become a popular tourist attraction over the year, with around 200,000 to 300,000 people visiting every year.
The North Wales village was the brainchild of Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was built between 1925 and 1975.
@adventureamore1 No flights... No problem. For those that can't fly abroad this year whether that be due to the cost of living or health or other reasons...don't forget that amazing places like this do exist in the UK Step into a little slice of Italy—right in the heart of Wales! Portmeirion is a breathtakingly unique village, blending Mediterranean charm with Welsh coastal beauty. Colorful buildings, stunning sea views, and a dreamlike atmosphere make it feel like you've been transported straight to the Amalfi Coast. A must-visit hidden gem! #Portmeirion #Wales #ItalianEscapeInWales #NorthWales ♬ home but soft - Good Neighbours
Lonely Planet said: "His love for Mediterranean architecture – and in particular the Italian village of Portofino – was the inspiration to mould and design his own version.
"Its hotels, cottages and shops are painted in pastel colours, while domes and spires soar from various elevations, giving them a grand scale.
"A large chess board adds to the surreal nature of the place, while the rows of palm trees would look out of place anywhere else."
Portmeirion has received high praise from travel experts in 2025.
It was named among the UK's most charming coastal villages by Lonely Planet back in March.
The North Wales spot was then revealed as one of the most beautiful villages in Britain, according to the Daily Mail, in May.
Portmeirion also featured on a list of the best "picture-perfect" chocolate box villages in the UK (by Snaptrip) earlier this month.
Visitors rave about "fairytale" village in North Wales that's "like being in the Mediterranean"
But it's not just the experts who rave about Portmeirion, but the visitors as well, with it boasting a 4.1 (out of 5) rating on TripAdvisor from 5,504 reviews (at the time of writing).
One person summing up the experience said: "Unique, stunning, unusual, friendly, basically worth a visit."
Others have described Portmeirion as "magical", "another world", and "like being in the Mediterranean".
One person, in a review on TripAdvisor, said: "Portmeirion is a magical place. The grounds are beautiful, the views stunning and the architecture, out of this world."
Another added: "Stunning 'little Italy'. We only found out about this place when we got here yesterday.
"Beautiful gardens and like 'another world'. So pretty and lots to see, with a stunning coastal walk."
While a third visitor commented: "You certainly won’t believe you’re in Wales when visiting here, and like other reviews say, it is like being in the Mediterranean."
@cezandgaz This fairytale Italian inspired village is actually in the UK! #portmeirion #fairytale #italy #mediterranean #northwales #wales ♬ som original - Andressa Rassam
Another couple on TikTok said Portmeirion was like a "fairytale" village inspired by Italy, that you won't believe is in the UK.
What to do in Portmeirion
If you are planning a trip to Portmeirion, there are several features that are a 'must-visit', according to Visit Wales. These include:
- Central Piazza
- The Quayside
- Battery Square
It is also worth checking out the pottery on offer when in Portmeirion, another key feature of the North Wales village.
While you could quite easily spend all day admiring the architecture in the quirky coastal village, there are also some great walks to enjoy.
A guide to safe and responsible hiking
Lonely Planet said: "The coastal path along the River Dwyryd estuary presents some magnificent views looking toward Snowdonia National Park’s (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) misty peaks and the Gwyllt is a 70-acre sub-tropical forest hosting 20 miles of bucolic trails, Japanese ponds, quiet temples and the occasional redwood tree."
If you are looking for somewhere to eat, Snaptrip recommends Castell Deudraeth.
You can also stay at Portmeirion, with various accommodation options available (full details on the website).
Opening times
Portmeirion is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
It is open 9.30am until 6.30pm during the main season, and 9.30am until 5.30pm during the winter.
Shops close at 5.30pm all year round, while the cafes are open 10am until 5pm.
Castell Deudraeth is open for lunch (12pm to 2pm) and dinner (6pm to 9.30pm) every day.
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