It’s a world-famous seaside village famed for its Italian-inspired architecture 鈥 and it has now been lauded as one of the very best best coastal destinations in the UK.
The enchanting village of Portmeirion is celebrated for its vibrant buildings. Modelled after Portofino’s vivid structures, Portmeirion offers visitors an Italian feel on the invigorating Welsh coastline where you can stay in luxury in a hotels. Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, caf茅s, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria.
And in a new survey by consumer watchdog Which? it has been named the third “best coastal destination” in all of the UK. The survey asked more than 3,800 people in the UK what their favourite spots are and why 鈥 and Portmerion came out with an overall destination score of 79%.
Scoring five stars for its scenery and seafront, one visitor said: 鈥淭he place is superb in every way. It鈥檚 a beautiful setting with wonderful food and accommodation 鈥 perfect for a special occasion.鈥
Visitors to the village can spend their time exploring popular spots like Clifftop and Chantry Row that both offer jaw-dropping views out over the estuary. The village also features two main paths leading into Y Gwyllt woodlands for those who want to get out and explore some more nature than just the beautiful pastel buildings in the village.
Portmeirion rises like a painted mirage, with pastel-coloured buildings and whimsical towers that seem plucked from a fairytale built among clusters of lush and green trees which frame the view while the estuary beyond glitters under the changing light of the Welsh sky.
Wales, famous worldwide for its coastal beauty, also had two other spots that made the list’s top 10: St David鈥檚 and Tenby, both in Pembrokeshire. St David’s is the UK鈥檚 smallest city but, despite being little, it鈥檚 got plenty to offer visitors. One visitor praised St David鈥檚 for its 鈥渆xcellent facilities, lovely seafront, nice walks and excellent hotels.鈥
St Davids also has a gorgeous cathedral to explore – it’s one of the oldest in the UK and survived the plunder of the Norsemen in the Dark Ages.
Tenby also made the list with an overall score of 78 percent. This stunning village is known in Welsh as Dinbych-y-Pysgod, meaning 鈥淟ittle Fortress of Fish鈥.
It鈥檚 nestled on the Pembrokeshire coast and is surrounded by medieval stone walls built to protect it during the Norman period. Like Portmeirion, Tenby also has some very cute pastel coloured buildings, as well as a charming harbour and a beautiful beach. Visitors can spend their time exploring its winding cobbled streets full of hisotry and charm before heading to Cast;e Beahc for a dip if the weather allows 鈥 you can read more on Tenby here.
Only two places in the UK came higher in the list than Portmeirion: Bamburgh in Northumberland and Beer in Devon.