Portmeirion, a uniquely designed Welsh village with Italian-inspired architecture, has been named the best seaside town in Wales by consumer magazine Which? based on reader surveys. The village ranked seventh overall in the UK, while Bamburgh in Northumberland took the top spot and Bognor Regis in West Sussex finished last for the second consecutive year.
History and Design
Portmeirion was the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who aimed to create a development that complemented its stunning coastal location while preserving natural features. Construction occurred in two phases: from 1926 to 1939 and then from 1954 to 1976. By completion, Williams-Ellis was in his 90s, having personally designed most buildings, with only a few relocated from elsewhere, such as the Town Hall originally from the Bristol Colonnade.
The village intentionally evokes a Mediterranean atmosphere, often compared to the Italian town of Portofino. Williams-Ellis denied direct imitation, stating he wanted to 'capture' the Mediterranean feel. The village features Riviera-inspired homes, decorative gardens, Italian-style piazzas, and the central Hotel Portmeirion, established in 1926.
Festival and Visitor Information
To mark its centenary, a festival is being held across the four weekends of July 2026, featuring performances by Squeeze, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Sir Bryn Terfel, and many others. The festival is ticketed, and entry to the town costs £20 per adult and £14 per child, with annual memberships at £40 and £25 respectively. Approximately 200,000 visitors explore the village each year.
Accommodation Options
The four-star Hotel Portmeirion offers 14 elegantly appointed bedrooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a terrace bar, and an outdoor swimming pool on the estuary lawn. Double rooms start from around £328 per night, often including breakfast and dinner. Village accommodation is scattered throughout, with family-friendly and accessible options, each uniquely designed to maintain a Mediterranean ambience and offering views of the Dwyryd Estuary.
Castell Deudraeth, a four-star castle on the estate, provides additional lodging and a brasserie open to non-residents. Self-catering cottages and a motorhome park are also available.
Dining Options
The Castell Deudraeth Brasserie serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner in a relaxed setting with scenic views. The Hotel Portmeirion's restaurant has over 500 excellent TripAdvisor reviews. Caffi Glas offers alfresco dining in an Italian piazza-style setting with a central fountain, serving pizzas, pasta, salads, wines by the glass, and locally sourced Welsh beers.
