Portmeirion is a small, specifically designed tourist village located in the North of Wales. Unlike other villages in Wales, this unique outlier draws you in with its undeniable Mediterranean charm. The elaborate architecture and bright colours are in stark contrast to the grey hue of the quaint towns that are typically dotted around North Wales. Portmeirion has been drawing larger crowds year on year as more people learn of this unique tourist town.
If you are anything like us, then snapping an Instagram pic in Portmeirion will be at the top of your list of priorities. One thing you may learn early on is that crowds are prevalent here and kids run wild (especially if it’s sunny)! This brings us nicely to our first insider top tip: arrive as soon as it opens, or wait until after 3 pm as it is significantly quieter during these times.
Once you arrive, head straight to the locations described below. These spots are the top 5 locations to snap the perfect Instagram picture that encapsulated the charm and aesthetic of Portmerion.
The purple and orange arch
The bold colours of this arch create the perfect backdrop to any Instagram post – whether you are wanting a full body shot or something up close and personal!
We personally recommend a low-angle full-body shot framed by the arch.
This arch is found next to the “prisoner” souvenir shop and leads down to the central square where you will find the giant chessboard.
Infront of the pond
This little pond is surrounded by stunning greenery that will brighten up any picture. This spot is slightly more secluded and therefore is easier to get the perfect snap without the pressure of onlookers. There is also a lot less foot traffic, so you won’t find yourself constantly having to move to keep the walkway clear.
We recommend this spot for trying out some of your more “posey” poses!
This spot is located between the “central piazza” and the town hall.
In the shrubs and bushes
This location is slightly more obscure. It can be found on the cobbled path the leads from the purple and orange archway down behind the chessboard. Simply step into the grassy area off the side of the path. In the background, there are a couple of colourful houses and a tower. This location combines the luscious greenery with the stunning architecture which is subtly seen in the background.
We recommend getting down on your knees in order to capture this shot as it requires a low-angle shot to fit everything in!
By the paddling pool
The paddling pool in the central area of Portmeirion is an area that can be very crowded on a sunny day, therefore we recommend avoiding it until later in the day (or first thing in the morning). Unfortunately by waiting until later you may have harsh shadows on your face.
We recommend trying to get a shot from the balcony that overlooks the paddling pool. This can be difficult on a busy day. We were unable to get that shot so got up close and personal with the foliage instead!
It is a truly stunning spot and definitely worth trying to snap a picture here!
On the balcony overlooking the paddling pool
The balcony is not only a great viewpoint within Portmeirion village, but it also makes the perfect backdrop for a photo. One of the best things about this balcony is that the lighting is perfect in the afternoon as there won’t be any shadows cast over your face. However, it can be busy on the balcony and around it, which can make it difficult to capture the perfect photo!
We recommend leaning out over the balustrade or perhaps a photo from below looking up to the balcony.
Other locations in Portmeirion Village
There is a range of other amazing locations to take photos in Portmeirion. Unfortunately, most of these locations need there to be next to no crowds to capture the image you desire. These locations include:
- On the giant chess board.
- In front of the town hall.
- On the steps that climb up from the estuary.
- In the wooded area (particularly in the pagodas).
- … and many other hidden gems!
Portmeirion village is undeniably one of the most “Instagrammable” places in the UK. Its unique Mediterranean charm lures hundreds of people there each day. This post was designed so you can streamline your day so you can get the best photos at the best locations before the crowds inevitably get too much!
If you have any questions regarding Portmeirion, don’t hesitate to ask, you can always find us in the comments section.
For more Portmeirion village content, check out the posts linked below.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTMEIRION?
IS PORTMEIRION WORTH VISITING?
Furthermore, for more posts about the UK, or Wales in general, click here.
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