Kynance Cove
Nanjizal
Porthmeor Beach
Constantine Bay
Portheras Cove
Prussia Cove

Top Beaches in Cornwall

It’s likely that sun, sand and sea are high up on your holiday essentials list and although we can’t guarantee the weather, we can ensure you have everything else you need for a memorable Cornwall beach holiday. We have a variety of beachfront properties to choose from, just a stone’s throw from some of Cornwall’s beaches.

Luckily for us, nowhere else in the UK can rival Cornwall for both quality and quantity of beaches. The beautiful golden sand and turquoise waters of Cornwall beaches are some of the finest and cleanest in Europe, regularly playing host to the Blue Flag beach awards – meaning they are highly rated for water quality, safety and environmental management. From family friendly stretches of sand to surfing hotspots, look no further than Cornwall for your idyllic Cornwall beach holiday. Here are some of our favourite beaches:

Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster Beach (St Ives)

Perhaps the most popular of St Ives beaches is Porthmeor, which is nestled directly in front of Tate St Ives and is just a stone’s throw from the town centre. Whether you’re after a relaxing day sunbathing or an adrenaline filled surfing lesson, Porthmeor has it all – and why not round off the day with a trip to the restaurant or café on the Cornwall beachside?

Porthminster Beach is favourite for swimmers, this award-winning Cornwall beach boasts an exotic atmosphere with swaying palm trees and clear, calm waters. Just a short walk from the centre, it has incredible views across to Godrevy Lighthouse – inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s famous novel ‘To the Lighthouse’. For lunch, head down to Porthminster Beach Café – it serves up amazing local food and has won various awards, including the Best Coastal Restaurant award in The Times.

St Ives Holiday Cottages with a Sea View

Carbis Bay Beach

Located in a sheltered cove with golden sands, this Blue Flag beach boasts calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling, while the scenic cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop. Take a relaxing stroll on the beach, build sandcastles with the kids, or enjoy a picnic with breathtaking ocean views. Just a short distance from St. Ives, Carbis Bay offers a peaceful haven for your coastal getaway.

Carbis Bay Holiday Cottages with a Sea View

Porthkidney Beach (Lelant)

This vast, golden beach offers stunning views stretching towards St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. Perfect for families and dog walkers, Porthkidney in Lelant boasts crystal-clear waters and ample space for building sandcastles or relaxing in the sunshine. Remember to check the tide times before you go, as the beach can disappear at high tide!

Mexico Towans (Hayle)

A beautiful stretch of golden sand, perfect for long walks and beachside fun with your furry friend. This dog-friendly beach is accessible year-round, with RNLI lifeguards on patrol during peak season for added peace of mind. After a day of playing in the waves, grab a bite to eat at the dog-friendly cafe, all within easy reach of the car park before heading back to your Hayle holiday home for a peaceful nights sleep.

Portheras Cove (Pendeen)

Hidden between Pendeen and Morvah lies Portheras Cove, a secret paradise for beach lovers. This secluded cove boasts soft white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs framing the scene. The South West Coast Path leads you down to this beach, perfect for a day of escape. Be aware that there are no facilities here, so pack a picnic and wear sturdy shoes for the walk down.

Gwenver Beach (Sennen)

Nestled north of Sennen Cove, Gwenver Beach offers a secluded paradise for your holiday escape. This vast stretch of golden sand, backed by dramatic cliffs, is a haven for surfers with its rolling waves. Explore rock pools teeming with sea life at low tide, or simply soak in the beauty of the turquoise waters and, on a clear day, catch a glimpse of the Isles of Scilly. Gwenver Beach promises a tranquil escape, perfect for those seeking an authentic Cornish adventure.

Nanjizal (Near Land’s End)

Tucked away near Land’s End, Nanjizal Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This secluded cove boasts beautiful white sand and stunning rock formations, including the famous “Song of the Sea” archway. Perfect for a tranquil escape, Nanjizal offers a chance to relax on the beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore the dramatic cliffs. However, be aware that the beach is accessible only by foot via a coastal path.

Marazion Beach

Idyllic Marazion Beach offers a perfect day for families. Paddle in the turquoise waters, build sandcastles or simply relax on the golden sands and soak up the sunshine. Afterwards, grab a refreshing drink and a bite to eat at Jordan’s cafe, offering stunning views across the bay towards St Michael’s Mount before heading back to your Mounts Bay holiday home.

Kynance Cove (Lizard Peninsula)

A stunning beach cove on the Lizard Peninsula, with turquoise waters, white sand, and dramatic serpentine rock formations, Kynance Cove it’s a must-see for any visitor to Cornwall. Explore hidden caves at low tide, or relax on the beach and soak up the incredible scenery. The cove is owned by the National Trust, so there’s a cafe and car parking available nearby.

Harlyn Bay (Padstow)

Nestled on Cornwall’s north coast, Harlyn Bay offers a golden beach perfect for building sandcastles, paddling, and catching beginner waves. Sheltered by Trevose Head, the bay boasts calm waters ideal for summer swims, while rock pools teeming with life keep little explorers entertained for hours. After a day of beach fun, grab a bite from the nearby cafes or take a scenic drive to explore the charming harbour town of Padstow.

Constantine Bay (Padstow)

Constantine Bay boasts some of Cornwall’s best waves, perfect for catching a ride or learning the ropes. This wide, sandy beach is ideal for families too, with rock pools to explore and plenty of space for building sandcastles. After a day in the sun, unwind at one of the many cafes overlooking the bay.

Watergate Bay (Newquay)

Just a short hop from Newquay lies Watergate Bay, a two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs. Renowned for its immense waves, it’s a haven for surfers and kite surfers. But even if you prefer calmer pursuits, the vast beach is perfect for relaxing, building sandcastles, or soaking up the beauty of the rugged coastline.

Fistral Beach (Newquay)

Just a half mile from Newquay, Fistral Beach is Cornwall’s crown jewel for catching waves. This golden expanse boasts consistent swells and epic rides, making it a haven for beginners and pros alike. But Fistral isn’t just for adrenaline junkies. Families can build sandcastles, relax on the shores, and enjoy stunning clifftop views. With top-notch surf schools, cafes, and restaurants lining the beach, Fistral Beach promises an unforgettable Cornish experience.

Port Gaverne Beach (Port Isaac)

Near the charming village of Port Isaac, Port Gaverne Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by your guests. This sheltered cove offers a tranquil escape with clear blue waters perfect for paddling and rock pooling at low tide. While the beach itself is small, stunning cliff walks and the nearby village of Port Isaac, famous for its appearances in Doc Martin, provide endless exploring for all ages.

Hemmick Beach (Near St Austell)

Tucked away on the Roseland Peninsula, Hemmick Beach is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. This secluded cove boasts golden sands and rock pools teeming with life at low tide. With minimal facilities and a short walk from the nearest parking, it offers a true escape for those who love the peace and quiet of the Cornish coast.

Planning your next trip? Location

Arrival Date Number of Nights

Number of Guests