Venice may be one of the most romantic and picturesque destinations on the planet, but overtourism has inspired a tourist tax and sent travellers seeking quieter escapes. Those in the UK need not look far: a charming village in Wales offers a slice of Italy closer to home.
Portmeirion: A Mediterranean Dream in Wales
Portmeirion, located on the coast of North Wales in Gwynedd, is a unique folly tourist village designed to resemble a Mediterranean village. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. With cobbled streets, brightly coloured buildings, and quaint narrow alleyways, visitors might feel they have stepped into a quieter version of Venice.
Built between 1925 and 1975 by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was created to capture the atmosphere of a Mediterranean village within the Welsh countryside. While some believe the design was inspired by the Italian fishing village of Portofino, Williams-Ellis claimed he aimed to pay tribute to the Mediterranean atmosphere without a specific location in mind.
Social Media Sensation
In recent years, Portmeirion has gained attention on social media, with TikTokers calling it a hidden gem. Content creator Tabby (@thejohnsontravels) described the village as 'Little Italy but in Wales,' showcasing virtually empty streets in stark contrast to Venice's crowded canals. The video sparked disbelief among viewers, with comments like 'I feel like I'm living in the wrong Wales because where the hell is this?' and 'Why have I never heard of this place before?'
Another TikToker, @saltinourhair, recorded their visit and wrote: 'This isn't Italy or France... It's Portmeirion in Wales, UK.' They urged followers to add it to their bucket lists. One commenter declared it 'the sweetest town in Wales,' while another praised the cottages, food, and harp player. Other content creators have called the village 'breathtakingly unique' and 'magical'.
History and TV Fame
Portmeirion is famously known as the setting of the 1960s TV show The Prisoner, which used the village as a backdrop for its storyline about a man imprisoned in a beautiful yet bizarre village.
Entry Fees and Accommodation
Unlike most picturesque UK villages, Portmeirion charges an entry fee. During its main season (March to November), adult tickets cost £20. An annual pass is available for £40 per adult and £25 for children. Visitors can stay overnight in various cottages, hotels, and accommodations. The Portmeirion Hotel, a four-star property overlooking the sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary in Snowdonia, originally opened in April 1926 and retains many Victorian features, including an intricate Italian fireplace and a grand mirror room.
The hotel offers 14 bedrooms, fine dining restaurants, a bar, a terrace, and an open-air swimming pool. Rooms for August 2026 start from £240 per night, though prices may vary. Guests can also visit Castell Deudraeth Brasserie, a gothic-style castle described as 'the largest and most imposing single building on the Portmeirion estate'.
More Venice Alternatives
- The 'Venice of England' is an enchanting village capturing the South Coast's beauty.
- Why the 'Venice of France' is the best city you've never heard of.
- 'Venice of the Netherlands' has no cars and 5 miles of winding canals.
- The Canary Islands has a lesser-visited gem known as 'Little Venice'.
This article was first published in March 2025 and has been updated.
