10 Must Visit Beaches in Cornwall

All but surrounded by water, Cornwall’s beaches are unsurpassed. Boasting sheltered Eden-esque coves, wide sweeping beaches of powdery sand lapped by sapphire waters and quaint harbours with walls perfect for refreshing plunges into the sea, there’s nothing quite like a Cornish day at the seaside.

Spoilt for choices, there are plenty of places to pop on your bucket list during your stay. To get you started, here are 10 must visit beaches in Cornwall that will leave you even more enchanted than ever before:

Kynance Cove
Starting with probably the most photographed and painted beach in the country, let alone Cornwall, Kynance Cove takes some beating. A halcyon paradise featuring soaring islands, transparent waters and a maze-like network of beaches that come and go with the tides, it is truly a sight to behold. 

Porthcurno
A white sand beach tucked between towering vegetation-clad cliffs, Porthcurno is unsurprisingly popular. Up there with the Cornish mega stars, raw beauty is in nothing but abundance at this unique beach. Made up of powdered seashells and kissed by turquoise waters, it is simply breathtaking. 

Praa Sands
One glorious mile of dazzlingly white sand, Praa Sands should be on everyone’s list of must visit beaches in Cornwall. Lifeguarded in summer and affording ample space for everyone to spread out, it is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and simply spread-eagling in the sand, dozing in the sunshine. 

Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is massive, which is great if you are looking for a peaceful corner of your own. Home to miles of syrup-coloured sand and a popular spot for surfing, Watergate Bay is also a year-round dog-friendly beach. Definitely one for the tick list, Watergate Bay is also overlooked by some cracking restaurants.

Holywell Bay
Impossibly photogenic, Holywell has long been considered by many to be one of Cornwall’s best beaches. Backed by ribs of busty dunes and giving way to huge swathes of sand, it is as perfect for energetic games of frisbee as peaceful afternoons curled up with a book. At low tide, explore the magical Holywell Cave and spy the wreck of an old Argentinian coaster just offshore.

Harlyn Bay
Another wonderfully spacious beach of soft, sun-kissed sand and shingle, Harlyn Bay is not far from Padstow on Cornwall’s north coast. Dotted with rock pools, hugged by dunes and gently shelving, it is considered one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall and enjoys lifeguard service in summer.

Carne Beach
A delightfully picturesque beach on the Roseland Peninsula, this welcoming stretch of golden sand is sheltered, spacious and dog-friendly year-round. Best enjoyed at low tide when the sea recedes to provide generous tracts of sand, this is the kind of place you can easily pop to for an hour and end up staying the whole day.

Porthmeor Beach
Descending through a rich thicket of trees and popping out on Porthmeor Beach is like falling through a trapdoor to another country. Benefiting from the extraordinary light that has made St Ives so famous, Porthmeor’s white sand and tropical blue waters quite simply beg to be enjoyed.

Gyllyngvase
One of Cornwall’s most popular beaches, Gyllyngvase can be found in Falmouth, less than a 10-minute walk from the historic town centre. Having the advantage of lots of cafes, restaurants and shops within walking distance yet still receiving multiple awards for the cleanliness of its waters, Gyllyngvase is a must visit.

Gwithian Towans
With mile upon mile of sand, shelter from the wind and twinkling blue sea stretching as far as the eye can see, Gwithian Towans is a real gem. Popular amongst bathers, walkers, horse riders and sporting enthusiasts, it offers something for everyone and lends itself perfectly to many happy hours spent shoreside under the radiant Cornish sun.

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