For Britons fantasising about a Mediterranean escape but keen to remain closer to home, a hidden treasure in Cornwall could prove the ideal solution. Situated along the beloved south coast of the UK, Polperro offers a distinctive combination of character and tranquillity that evokes Greece rather than a typical Cornish fishing village.

According to specialists 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 surrounded by towering cliffs and abundant greenery, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the peaceful bay. However, what truly distinguishes Polperro is its immaculate beach, which on bright days appears to reflect the hues of the Aegean Sea, adopting an “Aegean shade of turquoise.”

It’s this ideal fusion of landscape and calm that renders Polperro a coveted destination for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean without boarding a plane. As the specialists describe it: “Narrow, winding streets lead to cafés and shops with serious Santorini charm.”

While you’re unlikely to discover souvlaki or baklava on offer, the village’s selection of fish and chip and ice cream establishments provides a delightful local substitute for Greece’s popular tavernas.

For visitors who appreciate both heritage and the outdoors, Polperro delivers on both fronts, with its rich maritime history evident in its thriving harbour, where local vessels continue to dock just as they have done for generations. It served as a bustling hub for pilchard fishing and smuggling during 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.”

A wealth of coastal walking routes along the surrounding clifftops offer breathtaking vistas of the waters below, with the South West Coast Path passing directly through the village itself.

What enhances Polperro’s appeal further is its convenient location relative to other Cornish destinations. Situated just a brief drive from sought-after spots such as Fowey and Looe, it serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the wider area.