There are way more than 21 beautiful beaches in Cornwall…in fact there are over 300! From wild and secluded to buzzing and atmospheric, these are some of our faves.

Photo: Fistral Beach 

Surfing beaches

Fistral Beach, Newquay
Legendary in the surf world, Fistral is Newquay’s crown jewel. With consistently good waves throughout the year, and a renowned surf school on the beach, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced board riders.

Watergate Bay, near Newquay
Two miles of golden sand backed by high cliffs, this all-rounder just happens to be an excellent surfing spot too. When the tide’s out, it feels like your own private stretch of wilderness.

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
White sand, turquoise water and fantastic views. Porthmeor is more exposed than its St Ives counterparts which produces better waves. The St Ives Surf School offers lessons and equipment.

Holywell Bay, near Newquay
Wild dunes, waves, and the iconic Gull Rock view. Holywell Bay is not only a beautiful place to spend the day sunbathing or picnicking, it’s a brilliant spot for anyone who loves the thrill of water sports.

Photo: Porthminster Beach 

Family beaches

Gyllyngvase (Gylly) Beach, Falmouth
With its clear waters and buzzing beachfront café, Gylly is the go-to for a laid-back beach day in Falmouth. Easy to get to from the town centre, it’s a dream for paddleboarders, swimmers, and sunseekers alike.

Porthminster Beach, St Ives
Soft sand, gentle waters, and St Ives just a short stroll away—this lovely beach is as family-friendly as they come, with a fab beach cafe resting right on the sand.

Crantock Beach, near Newquay
Quiet, clean, and utterly charming. A little more off the beaten path but so worth the wander. Ideal for families and those in search of some peace and quiet.

Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
Vast, lively and absolutely stunning. Popular with surfers and families alike, Perranporth’s three-mile-long beach also has a bar right on the sand—yes, really!

Readymoney Cove, Fowey
Tucked below wooded cliffs on the edge of Fowey, Readymoney is a peaceful, picture-perfect cove with calm waters and a distinctly romantic feel. Great for families, swimmers, and book-in-hand beach loungers.

Photo: Sennen Beach 

All-rounder beaches

Praa Sands, near Helston
Long, wide and perfect for families, with space to spread out and plenty of beach to explore. It’s also got great facilities at Stone’s Reef including a Bar & Kitchen, Activity Boat Shed and Ice Cream Slipway.

Sennen Cove, near Land’s End
Where rugged meets beautiful. A favourite with surfers and romantics alike, this is the kind of beach that makes you feel properly on holiday.

Porthcurno Beach, near Land’s End
Turquoise water, white sand, and the Minack Theatre carved into the cliffs above. This beach rivals the best in the world.

Marazion Beach, near Penzance
With sweeping views of St Michael’s Mount, this one’s postcard-perfect and packed with history. Great for families and casual explorers.

Photo: Lantic Bay 

Scenic beaches

Carbis Bay Beach, near St Ives
Smooth, sheltered and just steps from luxury. One of the calmest beaches in the area, and oh-so-pretty to boot.

Kynance Cove, The Lizard Peninsula
Dramatic doesn’t even begin to cover it. Topaz blue sea, serpentine cliffs, and a sheltered bay – this beach is the epitome of the beauty of the Cornish coast.

Lantic Bay, near Fowey
Another stunner – this hidden gem you’ll have to earn, but it’s worth the trek. Tucked away and uncrowded, it’s perfect for a quiet escape.

Porthkidney Sands, near Lelant
Wide and wonderful, with views across to St Ives. Dog-friendly and peaceful, it’s a lesser-known beauty that’s big on space.

Photo: Gwithian Beach

Big beaches

Gwithian Beach, near Hayle
An LC team favourite with dunes, surf and sunsets galore. If you’re chasing golden hour magic, this is the spot.

Hayle Towans, Hayle
Big skies, soft sands, and a lovely stretch that’s ideal for long beach walks, dog walks and kite flying.

Porth Beach, Newquay
A sheltered bay near Newquay, it’s family-friendly and wonderfully relaxed. Great for paddling and building sandcastles.

Widemouth Bay, Bude
Wide, wild and made for wave-chasers. A proper north coast stunner with rock pools to keep the kids entertained for hours.

 

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal

Let's stay in touch...

Sign up to the Luxury Coastal newsletter to find out about our latest properties, competitions and holiday inspiration.