LOCATED on its own private peninsula, overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, is a "fairytale" village with its own "impressive" beach described as like being abroad.
From Durdle Door to Luskentyre Sands, The Independent has come up with a list of 10 UK beaches that look like they’re abroad.
Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "When most of us think of holidays, what immediately springs to mind is flying abroad to find tropical beaches, historic cities or countryside retreats.
"While many Brits look to foreign climes for their taste of sun, sand, sea or city break, they’re missing out on what’s right under their noses.
"The UK is blessed with an enviable number of picturesque destinations, whether you’re looking to explore a new town, take a stroll in a National Park or spend a day by the seaside.
"And, with a desire to explore more sustainable travel options, plenty of travellers are reconsidering their holiday habits and looking within the UK for their next trip."
The 10 UK beaches that look like they’re abroad
The 10 UK beaches that look like they're abroad, according to The Independent , are:
- Durdle Door (Dorset)
- Achmelvich Beach (Scotland)
- Kynance Cove (Cornwall)
- Pentle Bay (Tresco)
- Great Bay (St Martin’s)
- Fistral Beach (Cornwall)
- Barafundle Bay (Wales)
- Holkham Beach (Norfolk)
- Portmeirion Beach (Wales)
- Luskentyre Sands (Outer Hebrides)
"Italian-style" North Wales beach that's like being abroad
Portmeirion, located in Gwynedd, has become a popular tourist attraction, with around 200,000 to 300,000 people visiting each year.
The North Wales village was the brainchild of Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was built between 1925 and 1975.
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 chessboard adds to the surreal nature of the place, while the rows of palm trees would look out of place anywhere else."
If the "charming" Italian-style village itself wasn’t enough of an attraction, Portmeirion is also home to an "impressive" beach, according to The Independent.
The news outlets explained: "It may not have the white sands or turquoise waters you’ll find at some of the other entries on this list, but the scenic backdrop – and its uniqueness within the UK – make this a worthwhile visit.
"Located in northern Wales, the beach here is one that benefits from its setting: the pastel buildings and classical architecture of the village are intertwined with classic British woodland to give the entire location a UK-meets-Italy feel."
Portmeirion has received plenty of praise from travel experts recently.
In 2025, it was among the UK's most charming coastal villages by Lonely Planet and one of the most beautiful villages in Britain by the Daily Mail .
Portmeirion also featured on a list of the best "picture-perfect" chocolate box villages in the UK (by Snaptrip ).
Visitors rave about "fairytale" village in North Wales that's "like being in the Mediterranean"
It's not just the experts who rave about Portmeirion, but visitors as well, with it boasting a 4.1 (out of 5) rating on TripAdvisor from 5,579 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".
This visitor, 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."
A 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.
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.
Have you been to Portmeirion recently? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments below.
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