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.
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.
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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