Whatever reason you come to Cornwall for a holiday, it’s pretty much impossible not to spend some time on the beach. With so many of Cornwall’s important towns and landmarks being located on the coast, you’re never far away from sun and sand. Probably the most famous Cornish seaside town of them all, St Ives, is no exception. In fact, with three beaches to choose from, as well as the popular harbour area, visitors to this idyllic seaside settlement are spoiled for choice.
Let’s take a look at the beaches surrounding St Ives, and what each one has to offer.
Porthmeor
As a Blue Flag beach with soft golden sand, Porthmeor is popular with sunbathers and water enthusiasts alike. The local surf school makes it easy for you to get out and learn to enjoy the waves properly, and plenty of facilities right on the sand makes Porthmeor the kind of beach you can easily spend an entire day on without having to leave. Trip Advisor has awarded Porthmeor a certificate of excellence, and overall its reviewers have given it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, with it being ranked the number one thing to do in St Ives. Reviewers particularly loved the crystal clear waters and the delicious food on offer at the nearby restaurant and cafes.
Porthminster
If you came to St Ives by train you will already have seen Porthminster, a half mile stretch of glowing sand surrounded by a luscious crescent of tree-lined hills and craggy rocks. Porthminster is the perfect family beach, complete with plenty of facilities and calm waters, meaning that all the essentials are close by. You can hire a beach hut, play a little golf on the putting green, or walk around the cliffs to Carbis Bay if you feel like it. Trip Advisor users really liked the pure, clean sand and the near tropical looking waters.
Porthgwidden
Small and secluded, Porthgwidden is a great place for parents to take active children who love to be on their feet and kept busy. If you stay within the buoys you can swim safely, and a variety of rock pools clustered on either side of the beach are sure to keep kids occupied. Like the other beaches in St Ives, Porthgwidden boasts a cafe and other useful facilities such as beach huts and toilets. Reviewers on Trip Advisor particularly loved how sheltered from the weather this cove was.
St Ives Harbour
The working harbour is the perfect location for a blissfully relaxing day of watching the world go by. Sit on the warm sand and watch the boats drift gently back and forth as the fishermen go about their daily business. You have the main facilities, shops, cafes, and restaurants of St Ives just a few strides away, so you’ll never be far from a drink, some chips, or an ice cream.
And should you manage to get bored at the amazing beaches on offer in St Ives, Cornwall has more than 200 other ones that are sure to take your fancy!
