We love everything about St Ives. The character of it winding streets, the quality of its independent shopping, the choice of its restaurants, and its cultural roots. But no-one can deny that its the beaches and sea views that make it one of the loveliest holiday destinations in the UK.

There are five main beaches in St Ives — Harbour Beach, Porthmeor, Porthminster, Porthgwidden and Bamaluz — and each has a very different feel.

So which is best? It really depends on what you’re looking for.

St Ives Harbour Beach

Best for: beautiful views, calm water and being right in the heart of St Ives

This sweep of sand sits right in the harbour, and is overlooked by some fabulous restaurants and shops on Wharf Street. On a sunny day, with the water looking clear and calm, it’s one of those quintessential St Ives views. It’s also a lovely spot for a paddle or a swim when conditions are suitable, particularly for families who want calmer water.  And, of course, this is the beach where you can have an ice cream in your hand within seconds of leaving the sand.

Good to know

Lifeguards: No
Dogs: Not permitted between 10am and 6pm, 1 July to 31 August
Facilities: Cafés, shops and restaurants right around the harbour
Access: Very central and easy to reach from the town

Our pick: Water sports hire and lessons right alongside the beach

Porthmeor Beach

Best for: surfing, sunsets and a classic St Ives beach day

Porthmeor is probably the beach most people picture when they think of St Ives. It’s the biggest, right beside Tate St Ives, with a wide stretch of sand looking straight out towards the Atlantic. It’s also the main surfing beach, so this is the one to head for if you fancy getting in the water or simply watching the surfers from the sand. It can be busy in summer, but there’s enough room to spread out, and we love it for a walk, a coffee or a few hours on the sand. And if you’re still there at the end of the day, Porthmeor is hard to beat for sunset.

Good to know

Lifeguards: Seasonal, May to September
Dogs: Not permitted between 10am and 6pm, 15 May to 30 September
Facilities: Café, toilets and the railway station right beside the beach
Access: Easy access, with a sand chair available to hire

Our pick: The best all-rounder and probably the one we’d choose if we could only visit one beach

Porthminster Beach

Best for: families, swimming and calmer water

On the other side of town, Porthminster feels a world away from Porthmeor. It’s more sheltered, with calmer water and lovely views across the bay, making it a popular choice for families and anyone looking for an easier swim. It’s also very convenient. Porthminster is just below the railway station and a short walk from the town centre, with a café overlooking the beach when you fancy a break from the sand. For us, this is the beach for a slower sort of day. Swim, sunbathe, grab lunch and stay until you’re ready to wander back into town.

Good to know

Lifeguards: Seasonal, May to September
Dogs: Not permitted between 10am and 6pm, 15 May to 30 September
Facilities: Café, toilets and the railway station right beside the beach
Access: Easy access, with a sand chair available to hire

Our pick: Probably the easiest beach in St Ives for families

Porthgwidden Beach

Best for: a sheltered cove and a quieter feel

Porthgwidden is a much smaller beach, tucked between Porthmeor and the harbour. It’s sheltered by the surrounding rocks and has a lovely, tucked-away feel, despite being just a few minutes from the centre of St Ives. On a sunny day, the water can be beautifully clear, and it’s a great little spot for a swim. There’s a café too, so you don’t have to go far when you inevitably get hungry. Because it’s small, it can get busy in summer, but outside the busiest times it’s one of our favourite places to sit for a while.

Good to know

Lifeguards: No
Dogs: Not permitted between 10am and 6pm in July and August
Facilities: Café, toilets and beach huts
Access: Easy access from the adjacent car park

Our pick: The quietest beach in St Ives

Bamaluz Beach

Best for: a quieter spot away from the crowds

Bamaluz is definitely the lesser known of St Ives’ beaches (that’s visitors and not locals). Tucked between Porthgwidden and the harbour, it’s much smaller than the other beaches and has a more secluded feel. The amount of sand available depends on the tide but it is a beautiful little spot and a bit of a local secret. So, if you want to sit and watch the sea or enjoy a secluded swim or paddle board, this is the spot. It’s also the one to know about if you’re bringing the dog, as Bamaluz is currently dog-friendly all year round. Just keep an eye on the tide, as there may not be much beach left when it comes in.

Good to know

Lifeguards: No
Dogs: Allowed all year round
Access: Steps down to the beach

Our pick: A local favourite and dog-friendly beach days

Which beach in St Ives is best?

It depends on all sorts of factors. Is it a full-on family beach day you’re after, an evening walk, a day of water sports, or just solitary relaxation? For us, we’d suggest:

For surfing: Porthmeor

For families: Porthminster

For swimming: Porthminster or Porthgwidden, depending on conditions

For a smaller, more hidden beach: Porthgwidden

For a quieter spot: Bamaluz

For sundowners: Porthmeor

But ask us again on a different day and we might give you a completely different answer. That’s the beauty of St Ives!

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