Louie Amos takes us on a trip to the secret Welsh town, Portmeirion, that wouldn’t look out of place in the Italian Riviera.

It can’t be said immediately that there are established links between Wales and Italy regarding their villages. However, particular Welsh and Italian villages, especially those in the most rural areas of these two countries, have a high degree of peace.

One village that can be used as an example is the Italianated village of Portmeirion, the setting for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Meticulously designed by a Welsh-born architect, it transports its visitors from modern-day Wales to the Italian Riviera in the 1960s. Although the weather is still chilly, its warm welcome makes visitors forget the weather as they stroll around it in wonder.

This adventure begins from the car park, where a short meander leads me back to the decade of The Prisoner. I am greeted with a view overlooking the Afon Dwyryd estuary to the left, where a lookout post enabled me to view it. The sand on show outnumbers the patches of water on this estuary, but the view itself is still picturesque. I then bid farewell to the Welsh atmosphere and say hello to
Portmeirion village.

Portmeiron – Like a traditional Italian Village

I am submerged in the richness of wandering through the central plaza of a traditional Italian village. On the left, the Caffi’r Sgwâr makes itself known, with benches outside and surrounding an antique fountain. A statue of a biblical figure stands above the café and welcomes Portmeirion’s visitors.

The path proceeds to the right, passing a Pantheon to the right, and a giant chess board becomes visible on the left-hand side. I immediately feel like I have shrunk to the size of a tiny figurine just by looking at its gigantic size. Having admired this chess board from the available viewing platform, I proceed along the path, which twists towards a gelato parlour and a gift shop. Opposite this gift shop is a spot where I can view the houses on the other side of the piazza before exploring this gift shop further.

After leaving the gift shop, I head to another car park for Portmeirion, which marks the start of two available trails. One trail takes visitors around the coast, whereas the other is in the nearby woodland. Being a fan of gorgeous coastal views, I decide to take the trail path alongside the Afon Dwyryd estuary.

A Stroll Along Portmeirion’s Coast and Views of the Lighthouse

The trail guides me along the woodland, where discretely hidden Japanese gardens are in a tranquil setting. It’s clear here that this trail has taken me from Europe to Asia in minutes. I tread onto one of the floating platforms to feel how sturdy it is, and thankfully, it doesn’t begin to submerge due to my weight. I turn around on the spot and take in the peace before leaving the floating platform to continue along the coastal trail.

Soon enough, after passing various beautiful seasonal plants and flowers, I emerge from the woodland to the view overlooking the estuary. Portmeirion’s Lighthouse stands baldly overlooking the estuary, just like the visitors passing it. The lighthouse is hollow on the inside, so those interested can see what’s left of its inside. The beach is easily accessible for those wanting to head down to it and take in the aroma of the salty sea.

The coastal path continues alongside the heavily drained Afon Dwyryd, and eventually, I approach an observatory tower that began functioning in 1937. I then pass a statue of Lord Horatio Nelson as I admire the observatory tower and feel like a tiny model figurine just by looking at it. I then proceed along the final remains of this coastal path until I reach the Hotel Portmeirion, where an exciting partaking of afternoon tea awaits.

Afternoon Tea in Portmeirion’s Hotel

My entrance to the hotel leads me through a seating area to the bar itself, where I prepare to feast on Portmeirion’s version of afternoon tea. For a total of £36, I am launched into a haven of petite pastries, scones, and sandwiches, which I delightfully sample while overlooking the coast through a window. I lap these down while introducing myself to Lapsang Souchong for the first time. Thanks to China’s Fujian Provence, I am inspired to have this variety of tea again when experiencing my next afternoon tea.

The pastries are petite yet bursting with the pride they show for Wales itself. A Bara Brith is included with the selection of pastries, and when tasted, it bursts into life with the fruity flavour it provides. The scones are not too heavy and are made more divine to eat, thanks to the jam and clotted cream pots.