Wales' most unusual village gets into the festive spirit

Named one of the UK's most beautiful places, Portmeirion is joining the Christmas countdown, as Portia Jones reports

- Portia Jones

INSPIRED by Portofino’s multicoloured facades, Portmeirion is a uniquely-constructed tourist village which offers a slice of Italy near the bracing Gwynedd coast and makes for an unusual festive day out.

Named one of the UK’s most beautiful places by Time Out, the pretty village is one of Wales’ most popular attractions and is hosting a Christmas market this holiday season for one weekend only in December.

Portmeirion isn’t quite like the other villages in Wales.

There are no permanent residents as it’s designed for tourists who pay an entrance fee to wander around its colourful Italianate buildings.

This whimsical village was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis.

His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Welsh coast resulted in a charming tourist destination which has a Mediterranean feel.

While many think of the village as the indulgent whimsy of an eccentric architect, Williams-Ellis recognised the value of tourism to the Welsh economy.

He had a clear vision for managed tourism and sustainability, clearly hugely ahead of the curve.

Williams-Ellis acquired the wilderness site in 1925 and dedicated his life to developing this rundown peninsula into a popular coastal attraction.

He drew heavily from the coloured facades of Portofino, resulting in dreamlike pastel-coloured buildings, ornamental gardens, and piazzas with fancy fountains and a giant chess set.