Why the UK village dubbed ‘Little Greece’ should be your next staycation

Whitewashed houses give this Cornish fishing village a Mediterranean feel (Picture: Deejpilot/Getty Images) Hidden away where the cliffs meet the sea, there’s a place on the south coast of Cornwall that ‘feels like stepping back in time.’ Polperro, a quiet fishing village between Looe and Fowey, is all kinds of charming and full of independent stores and cafes to explore. Polperro is so pretty, in fact, it’s earned itself the nickname ‘Little Greece’. We can see why: it’s all whitewashed houses and clear blue sea. This car-free village, home to roughly 2,000 people, attracts tens of thousands of tourists a year, especially in the summer months. It’s a different vibe in October, with average temperatures reaching 15°C, but many would argue that makes it all the better. It’s perfect for cosy pub days and fish and chips that you won’t find abroad. The village has been dubbed ‘Little Greece'(Picture: Alex Manders/Getty Images) A dark history From bootleg brandy to pilfered tobacco, Polperro was once Cornwall’s most notorious smuggling hotspot. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, wartime taxes imposed by the British government to fund conflicts with America and France turned illegal trade into an economic necessity for local fishermen. Sheltered within a steep cliff ravine, Polperro’s remote geography, maze of blind alleys, and hidden rocky coves provided the perfect cover for evading the law. Things to do Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Because vehicles are banned from the village centre, visitors must leave their cars at the main upper car park in Crumplehorn. This is cash-only with a minimum charge of around £8 for 3 hours, so be sure to take money out before you go. From the car park, it’s a scenic 15-minute stroll downhill to the water. If you’ve got bags, you can hail a local luggage taxi or an electric tuk-tuk. The town has a museum that charts its smuggling past, and a nice dandy beach that’s great for a swim year-round. Hiking enthusiasts are in luck, as the South West Coast Path passes through the village, with scenic routes east toward Talland Bay and Looe, or west toward Lansallos. Polperro is a popular pit stop for a pint before the 630-mile National Trail. Tourists say the village has a ‘nostalgic feeling about it when you walk around through narrow and cobbled streets’ (Picture: David Clapp/Getty Images) Where to eat Polperro’s historic inns have got you covered with local ciders, ales, and classic comfort food. If you only have one meal in Polperro, however, make it The Blue Peter Inn. On the edge of the harbour, this tiny, brilliantly chaotic 18th-century freehouse oozes authentic Cornish character. It feels like stepping into a smugglers’ tavern and has also been recognised as a 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice. Another good choice is The Three Pilchards, also a 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice and the oldest pub in town. It has a nice rooftop beer garden that overlooks the harbour. Charming Polperro (Picture: Bernie Pawlik/Getty Images) Then there’s the Ship Inn, a bright blue building with a sun-trap patio right by the stream. It’s the place to go for live music, a pint of local Tribute pale ale, and a Sunday roast or pizza. Fancy something a bit more elevated? Couch’s Great House is Polperro’s top-rated restaurant, serving modern European and British fine dining. Run by Executive Head Chef Richard McGeown, who trained under Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, it offers a brilliant, seasonal four-course set menu for £79 per person. Polperro is home to only 2,000 people (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61) It’s popular, so booking well in advance is advised. Other fine dining spots include OXOX, and Priscilla’s Restaurant, yet another 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice. Getting to Polperro Getting to Polperro is straightforward whether you’re travelling by car, rail, or air. It’s about a five-hour drive from London, and anywhere from four to six and a half hours by train. The village is a 25-minute local bus or taxi ride from Looe station. Great Western Railway travels from London Paddington, with one-way tickets from £42.50. Prefer to fly? Cornwall’s Newquay Airport is less than an hour’s taxi ride from Polperro, or you could always hire a car at the airport. Our Top Shopping Picks My honest review of the new UKLash Lash Lift Gel Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted, with one-way fares starting from £14.99. Fancy a UK staycation? Metro has you covered Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: The ‘most fantastic’ London spot for those seeking somewhere laptop-friendly Arrow MORE: Eurostar passengers can now fall asleep in London and wake up in Germany Arrow MORE: The little-known European island with a ‘floating forest’ and 22°C October weather The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.