It’s been placed ahead of some big European destinations but you don’t even need to go far to enjoy a vibrant holidayThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Inspired by the multicoloured facades of Portofino in Italy, Portmeirion is more than just a pretty picture or two(Image: Portia Jones)
It turns out you don’t need to splash out on an expensive European holiday if you’re looking for a more vibrant place to spend some time. A small coastal village in north Wales has just outranked some of Europe’s best-known locations in a new global study of the world’s most colourful places.
The research used scientific analysis to measure colour saturation and vibrancy, placing the famous village (which, if you have gone anywhere near TikTok, you’ll likely already have heard of), Portmeirion in Gwynedd, at number 13 worldwide.
That puts it ahead of destinations in Portugal, Spain and even Italy, which is the country that inspired its design. Built to resemble a Mediterranean village, Portmeirion was the vision of architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who wanted to bring a splash of colour from Italy to Wales. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
And decades later it appears he’s succeeded. He constructed it between 1925 and 1975 and his daughter Susan established Portmeirion pottery in 1960, creating souvenirs for the village shop.
The village is quite something(Image: Portia Jones)
The study to measure the most colourful places was commissioned by UK travel insurer Staysure and used image processing software to create a “ChromaTravel Index” ranking 26 destinations by colour impact, rather than opinion.
Alongside Scotland’s Tobermory and England’s Brighton, Portmeirion is one of just three UK destinations to make the top 25.
Karen Haller, a colour psychology expert involved in the project, says vibrant places like Portmeirion can lift mood and increase emotional connection.
Visit to Portmeirion, Wales (Image: Manchester Family/MEN)
“There’s something about stepping into a place full of colour that instantly lifts you. It changes how you feel, how you move through the space, and even how you connect with others,” she explained.
“That’s why colour-filled destinations are becoming more popular. We’re drawn to them not just because they look good, but because they leave us feeling better.
“Happier. More open. More alive. It’s something I do myself, seeking out places where colour isn’t just seen, it’s felt. And those are the experiences that stay with you.”
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So if you want to walk down winding lanes and see some bold pinks, blues and yellows and feel the European atmosphere without even having to leave Wales then it’s definitely one for the bucket list.
You can even stay there overnight. Our travel writer Portia Jones wrote about her experience at the Portmeirion Hotel, noting: “Strolling around, it feels like each building has its own personality; some are playful, with bright facades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm.
“This is honestly like nowhere you’ve ever seen before, it’s weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls.”
Describing the feel of the room, she added: “We stayed in one of the swish ‘Village rooms’ above the central piazza, giving you a gorgeous panorama of the village as the sun sets and the last guests leave.
We stayed in one of the ‘Village rooms’ above the central piazza(Image: Portia Jones )
“Stepping out onto the balcony, you can look over the picturesque piazza and the village and get some gorgeous photos without hordes of visitors in your shot. Perfect if you love taking photos like me.” You can read more about Portia’s visit here.
But it’s not just been popular for travellers and holidaymakers – the village has become a firm favourite with photographers and film crews, and is best known for its role in the 1960s classic, The Prisoner.
It has also appeared in Doctor Who as it was used as a location for exterior sequences in the 1976 story ‘The Masque of Mandragora’ as well as being featured in a number of other various films and programmes.
Visit to Portmeirion, Wales (Image: Manchester Family/MEN)
These include Kipps (1941), Danger Man (1959), The Green Helmet (1961), Citizen Smith (1980), Brideshead Revisited (1981), Treasure Hunt (1984), The Tripods (1985), Top Gear (1987), The Laughing Prisoner (1987), Under Suspicion (1992), and the Welsh children’s series Llan-ar-gollen.
In the list of the world’s most colourful destinations, Portmeirion has held its own and come above strong contenders like Chefchaouen in Morocco and Bo-Kaap in South Africa, as well as some well known spots in Italy and Spain.
But one thing you might not have known is that when designing Portmeirion, Clough drew on heavily on inspiration from the colours of Portofino, which didn’t make the list and is also a beautiful destination and is located on the Italian Riviera (see below), which is totally breath-taking.
Portofino – in the province of Genoa (Image: Tatiana Brzozowska – Getty)
But as well as its distinctive architecture, the village is also home to self-catering cottages, a spa, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, and even a traditional Italian-style gelateria.
And in a recent survey by consumer group Which? it was also named the third best coastal destination in the UK and the poll which gathered responses from over 3,800 people gave Portmeirion an overall score of 79%. You can read more about that here.
And as the recent findings come at a time when many families are looking for affordable summer options without sacrificing the wow factor, it might be music to your ears that if you’re planning to stay in or around Portmeirion, you can go knowing that you’re getting value for money in a world class spot – and at a fraction of the cost of an overseas trip.