A Welsh village that appears to be straight out of the Mediterranean has left visitors amazed — despite being located in North Wales. Portmeirion, a tourist village and holiday resort in Gwynedd, boasts colourful buildings, secret gardens, sandy beaches and even a giant chessboard.
Designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis in the 1920s, the village took nearly 50 years to complete. His vision was to show how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it, and to enhance the natural background through sympathetic development.
Travel enthusiasts Caz and Gaz shared a video on TikTok documenting their visit. “Would you believe me if I told you this isn't an Italian village, but it's actually somewhere in the UK,” one of them said. “It honestly feels like walking through a storybook.”
The village also offers culinary incentives: visitors who book a two- or three-course Sunday dinner receive free entry. The pair praised their meal, saying it “did not disappoint”.
Portmeirion served as the filming location for the 1960s television series The Prisoner. One social media user commented: “My parents came here to celebrate … after getting married, such a beautiful place.” Another added: “The Beach is amazing, but Portmeirion was so busy. Loved it tho.”
