For Brits dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway but looking to stay closer to home, a hidden gem in Cornwall might just be the perfect alternative. Nestled along the popular south coast of the UK, Polperro has a unique blend of charm and quietude that feels more like Greece than a traditional Cornish fishing village.
According to experts at Park Holidays: “With whitewashed cottages and boats bobbing in the tiny harbour, Polperro feels more like a tucked-away Greek island than a Cornish fishing village.” The village is framed by high cliffs and plenty of greenery, a stunning backdrop to the tranquillity of its bay. But what really sets Polperro apart is its pristine beach, which, on sunny days, seems to mirror the colours of the Aegean Sea, turning an “Aegean shade of turquoise.”
It’s this perfect blend of scenery and serenity that makes Polperro a sought-after spot for those wanting a slice of the Mediterranean without the flight. As the experts put it: “Narrow, winding streets lead to cafés and shops with serious Santorini charm.”
While you might not find souvlaki or baklava on the menu, the village’s array of fish and chip and ice cream shops is a delicious, local alternative to Greece’s sought-after tavernas.
For those who enjoy both history and nature, Polperro doesn’t disappoint, with its deep maritime heritage reflected in its bustling harbour, where local boats still anchor just as they have for centuries.
It was thriving centre for pilchard fishing and smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to Holiday Cottages Polperro, “pilchards were caught in huge numbers by Polperro Gaffers, large gaff-rigged boats of which there were once 40 operating out of the harbour.”
“The fish once caught were processed in the village and this provided work for many women and children. There were three factories by the harbour involved in this and here the pilchards were salted and then cured.”
Numerous hiking trails in the surrounding cliffs also provide jaw-dropping views of the sea below, including the South West Coast Path runs right through the village.
What makes Polperro even more appealing is its proximity to other parts of Cornwall. Only a short drive from popular destinations like Fowey and Looe, it is a perfect base for exploring the region.