You'd think you had been transported to Italy walking into this village.
But Portmeirion in North Wales is a little slice of Mediterranean heaven on our doorstep. Just two hours from Liverpool, the tourist village is situated on a private peninsula nestled between the Dwyryd estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia.
Portmeirion was built by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1973 in the style of an Italian Riviera village. It's no surprise therefore that it is full of colour-washed buildings and fantastical architecture.
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At the heart of Portmeirion is a Central Piazza which features a fountain pool, Gloriette, Gothic Pavilion and a giant chessboard. Surrounding the area is 70 acres of wild woodland with 20 miles of paths, hidden lakes and temples.
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Given the Italian inspiration, there are plenty of food and drink options in Portmeirion. There's an Italian eatery, Caffi Glas, Caffi No 6 that serves homemade classics, Caffi'r Ddraig offering street food, a traditional coffee house Caffi Sgwâr and an Italian gelateria Caffi'r Angel.
There are also two full-service restaurants for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and cocktails are available on the terrace at Hotel Portmeirion which overlooks the estuary.
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While the Welsh village can't promise the warm weather of Italy, a trip to Portmeirion is certainly a unique experience.
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