For Britons yearning for a Mediterranean escape but preferring to remain closer to home, a hidden treasure in Cornwall could prove the ideal substitute. Tucked away along the beloved south coast of the UK, Polperro boasts a distinctive combination of character and tranquillity that resembles Greece more than a conventional Cornish fishing settlement.
According to specialists at Park Holidays: “With whitewashed cottages and boats bobbing in the tiny harbour, Polperro feels more like a tucked-away Greek island than a Cornish fishing village.” The settlement is surrounded by towering cliffs and abundant vegetation, creating a magnificent setting for the peaceful atmosphere of its bay. However, what truly distinguishes Polperro is its immaculate shoreline which, during bright days, appears to reflect the hues of the Aegean Sea, transforming it into an “Aegean shade of turquoise”.
It’s this flawless combination of landscape and calm that renders Polperro a coveted destination for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean without taking a flight. As the specialists describe it: “Narrow, winding streets lead to cafés and shops with serious Santorini charm.”
Whilst you may not discover souvlaki or baklava on offer, the village’s selection of fish and chip and ice cream establishments provides a delectable, regional alternative to Greece’s popular tavernas. For those who appreciate both heritage and the natural world, Polperro delivers satisfaction, with its rich nautical legacy evident in its active harbour, where local vessels continue to moor just as they have for generations.
It was a flourishing hub for pilchard fishing and smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries; according to Holiday Cottages: “Polperro pilchards were caught in huge numbers by Polperro Gaffers, large gaff-rigged boats of which there were once 40 operating out of the harbour.
“The fish once caught were processed in the village and this provided work for many women and children. There were three factories by the harbour involved in this and here the pilchards were salted and then cured.”
Trip Advisor reviewers have nothing but praise for Polperro, with one user calling it “stunning”. They added: “This is one of the most beautiful villages we have ever been to. It is magical. Lots of pubs, cafes, tiny shops and places to see.”
Another said: “This is one of our favourite villages in Cornwall. It’s like going back in time.”
Multiple walking routes along the surrounding clifftops also offer breathtaking vistas of the ocean beneath, with the South West Coast Path passing directly through the settlement.
What renders Polperro particularly attractive is its closeness to other Cornish locations. Just a brief journey from beloved spots such as Fowey and Looe, it serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the area.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
