Portmeirion- The Welsh Riviera

Stepping into the pastel-coloured village of Portmeirion, filled with ornate statues and brightly coloured flowers felt like I was stepping into an Italian inspired village at Disney World. Portmeirion Village was designed by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925-1975 and is said to be modelled on the famous Italian town of Portofino. He acquired the land in 1925, opened the Hotel Portmeirion in 1926, and then continued developing the grounds for the next fifty years.

One of the most popular tourist spots in North Wales, Portmeirion is also a great spot for weddings and other special celebrations.

Unlike most villages that you can freely wander into, Portmeirion is now owned by a charitable trust and you need a ticket to enter (Adult £18.00), but it’s worth it to wander around a charming Italian village while in the UK.

Once inside, simply exploring this unique village is one of the best things to do at Portmeirion. The pastel pink, orange, and yellow buildings and bright turquoise doors, and the ornate stonework and architecture and colourful gardens all are part of what make visiting Portmeirion so unique.

The village makes for a great day tour or overnight stay, depending on your time.

For guests wishing to stay, Portmeirion has two hotels, The Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth, as well as a number of self-catering cottages. Both hotels also have dining options for all to enjoy.

While exploring the village, you’ll come across a variety of shops and cafes where you can shop for some famous Portmeirion pottery, check out the art gallery, and then grab an authentic homemade gelato at ‘Angel Ices.

Enjoy your gelato by the fountain in the Central Piazza, surrounded by a rainbow of colour, or play a game of chess on the life-sized chess board found here.

Once you’re done relaxing, Portmeirion Village is set amongst 70 acres of forest, with 19 miles of pathways & walking trails.

There is actually a subtropical forest here, known as The Gwyllt, which means ‘wildwood’ in Welsh. The Gwyllt features some of Britain’s largest trees, rare flowers, and secret gardens.

Hidden along the pathways are the Japanese Garden, with its pagoda and lily-covered lake, and secret sites like the Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, and Shelter Valley.

Along the waterfront, you’ll find the lighthouse and the old stone boat, which is an homage to the Amis Reunis, the original boat that Clough used as a houseboat when he first bought the property. You can also take a walk along the white sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary.

If you have time, indulge in a spa treatment at the Mermaid Spa in the village.

Portmeirion is open year-round and is most easily reached by car.

It’s the perfect addition to a North Wales road trip, particularly if you’re already in the area to visit Snowdonia.

If you don’t have a car, another great way to visit Portmeirion is on a tour like I did. This tour from Llandudno included castles, Snowdonia National Park, and Portmeirion.

Whether you decide to spend a few hours or a few days, I definitely recommend adding a stop at the charming village of Portmeirion and indulging in the Welsh Riviera!