The village and the beach overlook the Dwyryd Estuary (Image: Getty Images)
Tucked away along the dramatic North Wales coastline lies a secluded beach, overshadowed by the enchanting village of Portmeirion, famed for its unique Italianate architecture, breathtaking landscape, and cultural significance.
Since its construction in 1925, Portmeirion has been a source of fascination for those who wander through its realm, captivating them with its vibrant, Mediterranean-esque buildings and whimsical cobblestone pathways that transport visitors straight into a fairytale world.
In fact, Portmeirion is so pretty it would be easy to forget they are in Wales, perhaps mistaking it for a slice of the Amalfi Coast.
Created by visionary architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was envisioned as more than just a place to visit, but a living piece of art and first-class holiday destination.
Accessible exclusively from the village, this stretch of seaside is a hidden gem that offers bucket loads of natural beauty and panoramic views stretching far into the horizon.
The Italianate village was built in 1925 by visionary architect Sir Clough William-Ellis (Image: Getty Images)
Williams-Ellis conceived Portmeirion originally designed the village as a holiday destination complete with the grand Hotel Portmeirion that offers panoramic views across the Dwyryd Estuary.
When the tide is out, a captivating seaside expanse is uncovered, serving up concealed caves and crevices, though tourists are recommended to keep to dry land at high tides
This secluded stretch of waterfront is only accessible via paid entry to the village. But the captivating natural beauty and the unique village landscape is certainly worth the price of a ticket.
Visit Wales describes the Riviera-style homes, the ornate garden and the bell tower as “a beautiful pocket of madness like no other”—and justifiably so, reports the Mirror.
The beach on the Dwyryd Estuary is overlooked by Portmeirion Village (Image: Getty Images)
The Rough Guide to Wales describes it as ‘a gorgeous visual poem’, with its uniquely designed buildings housing a collection of self-catering cottages, shops, a spa, cafes, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria.
A day out in the village can be spent exploring the collection of individually styled buildings that house shops, a spa, cafes and restaurants and even an authentic Italian-style gelateria. Some of the Mediterranean style buildings are also used as self-catering cottages, offering the chance for a very unique staycation.
The village also boasts two hotels – the original Grade II listed Hotel Portmeirion and the Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian castellated folly transformed into a modern hotel in 2001. Visitors can indulge in a fine dining experience at the award-winning Art Deco restaurant.
The Round House featured in the iconic 1960s TV series, The Prisoner (Image: Getty Images)
Portmeirion also served as the setting for the 1960’s cult classic series, The Prisoner. In the show, actor Patrick McGoohan not only played Number Six, the lead role in The Prisoner, but was also the creator and driving force behind the 17 episode series.
The Round House, the cottage where Number Six resided in the TV show, is now a shop selling nostalgic memorabilia.
For those who love nature, there’s a subtropical forest known as The Gwyllt (Wildwood in Welsh) which houses some of Britain’s largest trees, hidden gardens, a derelict castle and rare flowers.
It’s the perfect place to explore the 70 acres of exotic woodlands with 19 miles of pathways that weave through forests, hidden spaces and coastal coves.
The houses look like something out of a fairytale (Image: Getty Images)
Many visitors are so enamoured by the splendour of Portmeirion, they have taken to leaving five star reviews on Tripadvisor.
One visitor said: “The village feels like something from a magical storybook. The vibrant colours of the green and painted buildings. It is breathtaking every time I walk in.”
A second who visited in January, added: “What an amazing place to visit! Even at the beginning of January it was beautiful to walk through the wood down to the coastline with some spectacular scenery.”
A third simply said: ” This place is a natural magical land with a treasure around every corner and so worth the entrance fee.”
The Village is typically open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm, excluding Christmas Day. Visit the Portmeirion website for up-to-date prices and opening hours.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
