The village of Portmeirion is a truly unusual place. It was the brainchild of the famous architect, Sir Clough Williams Ellis, and is designed in a bizarre mishmash of different styles. It was famously the setting of the cult ‘60s TV programme “The Prisoner”, but is most notable for how it resembles a slice of the Italian Riviera, despite being situated on the North Wales coast.
Its architecture is flamboyant and playful, and the Village would be well worth a visit on its own merits, even if it didn’t have such a lovely beach. But that’s what you’ve come for!
At periods of low tide the beach is at its best: a wide swathe of sand that seems to stretch out into the estuary for as far as the eye can see. The sand is very fine and soft, which can make walking a little difficult, so simply lay down a towel and enjoy the sunshine for a while.
Swimming is not recommended, as the currents can be deceptively strong. If you do venture out into the sea, be sure to take care. Why not make a weekend of it, visiting Portmeirion Village one day, and the beach the next? There are some lovely cottages in the Portmeirion area.
Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Christine Matthews.
Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Christine Matthews.
Location
Portmeirion beach is located near to Porthmadog in Portmeirion itself. With a promenade, town centre and public picnic area, there is parking available within walking distance.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Porthmadog
This little walk won’t take you very long at all, coming in at a leisurely two miles in length. What it lacks in duration, however, it more than makes up for in the views department, taking you through a lovely part of the country.
Portmeirion
Sometimes called the Welsh Riviera, the village was designed and built by the famed architect, Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis. The design was reportedly based on the Italian fishing village of Portofino, which Williams-Ellis had visited and fallen in love with, saying “its image remained with me as an almost perfect example of the man-made adornment and use of an exquisite site”.
Cottages around Porthmadog
Base yourself in a holiday cottage in the Porthmadog area and you can easily explore the surrounding area of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. There's plenty to do and see in every direction from beautiful scenery to famous attractions and activities including Port Meirion and the Welsh & Highland steam Railways.
Cottages around Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a place you have to visit during your stay in North Wales. In the beautiful location of the Dwyrd Estuary the Architect Clough Willimas-Ellis created an Italianate Village. This wonderful backdrop was used as the film set for the series "The Prisoner" and is now the site of Festival Number 6 (first week in September each year). Also in the area is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and the location gives easy access to the Llyn Peninsula and the Snowdonia National Park.
Holiday Cottages in the Llyn Peninsula
Explore the most Westerly part of North Wales with its many beaches and green rolling countryside. A cottage in the Llyn (or Lleyn) Peninsula is the perfect way to explore the area - visit Whistling Sands Beach, the spectacular golf course in Nefyn with its picturesque fishing village, a boat trip to Bardsey Island or spend time in one of the local towns such as Abardaron, Abersoch, Pwllehli or Criccieth.