A quaint town in Wales has been charming visitors for nearly a century with its striking resemblance to an Italian village.
Whether you approach by sea or road, you might think you've landed in Italy's Cinque Terre instead of Gwynedd when you arrive in Portmeirion.
Nestled into the hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay, Portmeirion, with its pastel-coloured villas, mirrors a small Italian village on Lake Maggiore's edge. There's plenty to see here in this enchanting place, whether climbing up Llechollwyn for stunning views towards the town or exploring the Gothic Pavilion, Bristol Colonnade and Hercules Hall in the centre.
After a leisurely stroll along the waterfront with a cone of chips many chose to take a walk through the Gwyllt, a ten-hectare Edwardian wild garden filled with Himalayan flowering trees and exotic plants. Castell Deudraeth, once home to a Victorian MP, is open for lunch and stays.
The town has been enchanting visitors from across the world for close to 100 years (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Portmeirion is the masterpiece of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who built it between 1925 and 1975 as a tribute to the Italian Mediterranean. The creator of the town always denied that it was modelled on the seaside village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, despite the resemblance being clear to see. He has instead insisted it was designed to channel the general feeling of the sun dappled region.
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Sir Clough acquired the unique site near his own family home, Plas Brondanw in 1925 for around £20,000. He began work almost immediately, spending the next 50 years tinkering and adding to his masterpiece. The architect had a dream to build a beautiful escape from the busy factories that dominated the British landscape of the early 1900s; a place where people could relax and explore somewhere new without having to leave the country.
In constructing the enchanting town he brought together different types of architectural styles including classical, Gothic, Romanesque and Egyptian, to make the unique and colourful village that stands out so vividly from the Welsh countryside which surrounds it. When spring arrives, the many hedges and flower beds across the town come alive with colour, further enlivening the cheerful place.
Famous people from all over the world have visited the town, drawn by its unusual beauty. In 1956 American architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to marvel at the project, before film stars Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman grace the place with a touch of Hollywood sparkle.
The Beatles were known to love Portmeirion and sought it out as a retreat from the mania which surrounded them. The band's manager Brian Epstein was a regular visitor and even celebrated his 50th birthday there in 1993 with Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
The town is approaching its 100 year anniversary (Getty Images/iStockphoto)All of the famous faces who have visited over the years have been drawn in by the way the town manages to mix the architectural styles of the Italian Riviera and the wild beauty of Snowdonia National Park. Visitors can enjoy an Italian-style gelato at Angel Ices or a traditional Welsh afternoon tea at The Hotel Portmeirion.
Architecture critic Lewis Mumford once wrote about the town's unique charm. He said: "In a sense, Portmeirion is a gay, deliberately irresponsible reaction against the dull sterilities of so much that passes as modern architecture today."
Those who want to take in the riotously cheerful town for themselves have several options when it comes to places to stay. The town's official website suggests Portmeirion Hotel and the stunning Castle Deudraeth. The hotel is perfect for kids with its newly built pirate ship and heated pool.
If you're planning to drive, it's a good idea to book a car parking ticket in advance as it can get busy during the summer months.
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