Cornwall Beaches that feel like the Caribbean

Right now everyone is craving is a bit of sand and sun but with overseas travel still being affected by restrictions and the prospect of quarantine hanging over the aviation industry, we turned to Cornwall for a little bit of paradise. Famed for having over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall boasts some incredible beaches which, with their white sand and crystal clear water, could easily be mistaken for being in the Caribbean. Here is our round up of the top 8 beaches in Cornwall.

Kynance Cove

Located on the west side of the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed and painted beaches in Cornwall. With its turquoise waters and serpentine cave formations it is easy to see why. At low tide you can explore the caves but caution should be exercised as you can get cut off. There are no lifeguards on the beach and, although the water is relatively calm in the Summer, it is an exposed area of coast so care should be taken. Above the beach is a cafe where you can enjoy a cream tea, local crab sandwich or traditional Cornish pasty. The beach is owned and cared for the National Trust and car parking is in their car park which is a 10-15 minute steep walk to the beach. A seasonal dog ban is in operation at this beach from 1st July to 31st August.

Porthcurno Beach

You cannot fail to be impressed but the raw beauty of this beach with white sand made from seashells ground down over thousands of years and crystal clear water all sheltered by impressive granite cliffs. Located in South West Cornwall, just 3 miles from Lands End, you can see why this was chosen as a location for Poldark. There is a large car park above the beach with a path that gently slopes down, there is seasonal life guard cover and a dog ban is in place 1st July to 31st August. You’ll find a cafe opposite the car park which sells light bites and the classic Cornish cream tea.

Gyllyngvase Beach

Known locally as Gylly Beach, this blue flag beach is located just 10 minutes from Falmouth town centre and is back by lush green gardens. Its sheltered position and clear, calm water make it great for swimming and there are plenty of rock pools to be discovered at low tide. There is lifeguard cover during the Summer and the car park is just 100 yards away making it easily accessible. An award winning beach cafe serves hot and cold food and neighbouring bakery serving artisan bread and freshly made cakes. A dog ban is in place 15th May – 30th September.

Porthmeor Beach

Probably the most popular beach in St Ives, this family friendly beach has the prestigious blue flag award. As it is flanked by headland and enjoys the Atlantic swell, this beach is popular with surfers and there is a surf school on the beach along with a cafe which serves local produce including seafood dishes and a great selection of tapas. There is seasonal lifeguard cover and a dog ban is in operation from Easter until October. Parking here can be tricky, there is a large car park at the top of the town but probably the best way to access it is very the stunning branch line that operates between St Erth and St Ives.

Gwithian Beach

Located in Hayle, there are miles of white sand in every direction at this beach. Its sheltered position with good swell makes it a popular spot with surfers, kite surfers and wind surfers. You can book surf lessons and hire equipment from Sunset Surf Cafe and Bar which is right on the beach and offers a great choice of fresh local produce.  The beach is accessed from a car park through the sand dunes and has seasonal lifeguard cover. There is a dog ban in place from 1st July – 31st August.

Sennen Cove

Also known as Whitesands Bay, this beach certainly lives up to its name. Situated just a few miles from Land’s End, the most westerly point of England, this beach offers miles of sand and stunning scenery. It is great for surfing and has an award winning surf school on the beach. You’ll also find a beach complex which serves takeaway downstairs and has a surf beach bar on the upper levels serving pizzas, pastas and burgers. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the Summer months and there is a dog ban in place 15th May – 30th September. The main car park is located right next to the beach.

Porthtowan Beach

Situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this blue flag beach is on the North Coast of Cornwall just outside St Agnes. It is a less well known beach with picture postcard views. Overlooking the surf of the beach is Blue, a beach bar serving simple, freshly prepared dishes. There is level access from the beachside car park, seasonal lifeguard cover and a dog ban in place 15th May – 30th September.

Pendower Beach

On the Roseland Peninsula, Pendower is one of the best beaches on the Cornish Riviera. Owned by the National Trust, this mile long stretch of sand backed by rolling green hills is blissfully unspoilt. It is a site of specific scientific interest due to the numerous rock pools and low soft cliffs. There is a large car park 100m from the beach with easy access. There are hotels at each end of the beach which are open to the public for a drink and bite to eat. This is a dog friendly beach all year round but there is no lifeguard cover.

For holiday inspiration, visit our Cornwall Holiday Parks page.