The English village of Polperro that looks like a Greek island

Tucked into the rugged coastline of Cornwall in southwest England, the tiny fishing village of Polperro offers a surprisingly Mediterranean atmosphere. With turquoise waters and whitewashed houses, it draws comparisons to the Greek island of Santorini.

Deep in the wild and winding coast of Cornwall, in the southwestern tip of England, lies the tiny fishing village of Polperro — a place that seems to have borrowed its soul from the Aegean Sea. With striking turquoise waters and charming whitewashed cottages clinging to the cliffs, Polperro looks far more like a Cycladic island than a typical British seaside town.

For those dreaming of a Mediterranean escape but wanting to skip the long-haul flight to Southern Europe, Polperro offers a compelling alternative. The water's vivid blue-green hue, the rocky coves, and the sun-bleached architecture combine to create a setting that regularly draws comparisons to Santorini — one of Greece's most iconic and photographed destinations.

Cornwall as a whole has long been celebrated as England's answer to the Mediterranean, thanks to its mild climate, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear coves. But Polperro stands out even within the county for its storybook atmosphere. The village is largely car-free, meaning visitors explore its narrow lanes and harbour on foot, adding to its timeless, unhurried feel.

The village's harbour, framed by fishing boats and surrounded by terraced stone houses, is arguably one of the most photogenic spots in the entire British Isles. Local fishermen have worked these waters for centuries, and the village's character remains deeply tied to the sea — a quality it shares with the Greek islands that inspired such comparisons in the first place.