Cornwall is blessed with over 300 beaches along its 400-mile long coastline, so deciding which area to head for on a visit to the Duchy is never easy. Whether you’re looking for rocks to scramble over, calm waters to swim in or waves to surf, we’ve listed four of our favourite beaches to get you started.
1. Rocks and ravines — Kynance Cove
The term ‘Cornish gem’ may be overused, but here we feel it is rightly justified. Once a fashionable coastal hangout in the early Victorian era, Kynance is still as popular today and is probably up there as one of the most stunning beaches in Cornwall — arrive on a sunny summer’s day and you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for your phone. The series of coves, caves and rocks are perfect for scrambling and exploring, whilst the golden sands and crystal clear waters will tempt in even the most reluctant sea bather. Despite the steep walk to the beach, it gets very busy during peak season so arrive early!
Check out some of cottages near Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula.
2. Surfer’s paradise — Fistral
If you’re looking to ride some waves, Fistral beach in Newquay is no doubt the place to go. All the major surf competitions are based here, so its surfing tradition runs deep. If you don’t feel like taking to the waves with the pros, there are a pick of surf schools helping learners get to grips with the sport.
And to give you the perfect base for all that surfing, we have a range of accommodation close to this coastal paradise.
3. A sense of adventure — Lantic Bay
The beauty of Lantic Bay is that it’s not as accessible as other beaches in Cornwall (many visitors arrive by boat, which only adds to the sense of isolation) which means it stays relatively quiet year-round. It’s worth the 20-minute trek though — on a fine day, its crescent of fine white sand and turquoise sea backed by lush green cliffs is straight out of a Caribbean brochure. The water shelves quite steeply so it’s great for swimming, though currents can be strong so take care with children.
Fancy your own adventure in south Cornwall? Have a look at our holiday cottages in Fowey.
4. Six beaches? — St Ives
OK, we’re cheating…this isn’t one beach, but a collection of SIX beaches — all with a personality and vibe of their own. Surf on the exposed Porthmeor beach, chill on the sheltered Porthgwidden beach or grab an ice cream at the Harbour beach (although be sure to guard it against the infamous seagulls!).
Why not stay in St Ives and you can go to ALL of them?
Honourable mentions
Of course this is just a taste of the amazing beaches we have here in Cornwall, so here are a few other beaches worth mentioning:
- Lusty Glaze (pictured above), Newquay
- Holywell Bay
- Port Gaverne
- Mawgan Porth
