St Ives is renowned for its beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters and soft white sands.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a bustling family beach, St Ives has something to offer. Here are our top 10 beaches in St Ives, Cornwall.
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Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach, situated in the heart of St Ives, is a vibrant and bustling beach that attracts both surfers and families. With its soft golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters, the beach provides the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by stunning views of the rugged coastline, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing in the rolling waves.
Porthmeor Beach offers a range of facilities for its visitors, including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes serving up delicious food and drinks. The beach also features a surf school, making it a great spot for beginners to try their hand at surfing. Additionally, the beach hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, from live music to beach volleyball tournaments.
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Porthminster Beach
Porthminster Beach is a family-friendly destination located in the heart of St Ives. With its soft golden sands and clear blue waters, it’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach also offers stunning views of the bay and is backed by lush green hills. Visitors can enjoy a range of facilities, including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes serving delicious seafood and refreshments.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day with the family or simply soak up the Cornish sun, Porthminster Beach is a must-visit destination.
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Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach is a picturesque and secluded beach located just a short distance from St Ives. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround the beach, as well as stunning views of St Ives Bay. Carbis Bay Beach offers a range of facilities including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes. It is also conveniently located near the Carbis Bay train station, making it easily accessible for visitors.
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Gwithian Beach
Gwithian Beach is an expansive and beautiful beach located just a short drive from St Ives. With its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder this secluded beach is a popular destination for both surfers and families. The beach is surrounded by stunning dunes and offers plenty of space for beach games and sunbathing.
For those looking for more adventure, Gwithian Beach is a great spot for surfing and other water sports. With its consistent surf breaks and large waves, surfers can enjoy some of the best swells in the region. The beach is also dog-friendly, making it the perfect spot for a family day out with your furry friends.
There are plenty of facilities available at Gwithian Beach, including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the nearby dunes and cliffs, which offer stunning views of the coastline. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach or an adrenaline-filled surf session, Gwithian Beach has something for everyone.
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Porthkidney Beach
Porthkidney Beach is one of the most unspoiled and secluded beaches near St Ives. Its pristine soft white sands and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and even picnicking. The beach is located in a tranquil estuary and surrounded by stunning countryside, offering breathtaking views of St Ives Bay. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal path or explore the nearby dunes and wildlife reserve.
Porthkidney Beach also has plenty of facilities including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.
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Godrevy Beach
Situated just a few miles away from St Ives, Godrevy Beach is a tranquil haven that offers stunning views of the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse. The beach is known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The area is also a designated nature reserve, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grey seals and seabirds.
Visitors can explore the rock pools and sand dunes, take a stroll along the coastal paths, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. The beach has a range of facilities including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes, making it a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Godrevy Beach is also popular with surfers, with its consistent waves providing ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. The area is also well-known for its sea kayaking, with guided tours available for those who want to explore the coastline from a different perspective.
Overall, Godrevy Beach is a stunning and peaceful destination that offers a range of activities and facilities for visitors of all ages.
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Hayle Towans Beach
Hayle Towans Beach is a long, sandy beach stretching across three miles of coast. It’s located near the town of Hayle, just a short distance from St Ives. The beach is popular with families due to its calm waters and soft sand. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, and kite surfing. The beach is surrounded by dunes and provides stunning views of St Ives Bay. There are plenty of facilities available, including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes, making it an ideal spot for a day at the beach.
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Mexico Towans Beach
Located just a short distance from St Ives, Mexico Towans Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach also has a range of facilities, including toilets, showers, and beachside cafes. Visitors can take a walk along the South West Coast Path or explore the nearby town of Hayle, which has plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
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Portreath Beach
Portreath Beach is nestled within a dramatic cliff-lined cove, offering shelter from the winds and waves. This picturesque location is popular with families due to its calm waters and safe swimming conditions. The beach is also home to a variety of water sports activities, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
In addition to the water activities, Portreath Beach offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, with scenic coastal walks leading to nearby coves and caves. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby, serving up fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with plenty of facilities and stunning views, Portreath Beach is a must-visit destination in St Ives, Cornwall.
10. St Ives Harbour Beach
St Ives Harbour Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the charming coastal town of St Ives. Located in the heart of the town, this small and sheltered beach offers clear and calm waters that are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. The beach is also an ideal spot for those looking for a relaxing day at the seaside, with plenty of space to sunbathe and enjoy the stunning views of St Ives harbour and the surrounding coastline.
Visitors can take a stroll along the harbour to explore the nearby galleries, shops, and cafes, all while taking in the picturesque views of the harbour and surrounding boats. For those looking for a bit more adventure, boat trips to the nearby Seal Island are also available, where visitors can see seals and other marine life up close.
With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery, St Ives Harbour Beach is the perfect spot for a day trip or a longer stay in this beautiful coastal town. Don’t forget to pack your beach towel and sunscreen for a day of sun, sand, and sea.
In conclusion, St Ives is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in Cornwall. From the soft golden sands of Porthminster Beach to the crystal-clear waters of Carbis Bay Beach, there is no shortage of options for those seeking a relaxing day at the seaside. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a family looking for a fun day out, these top 10 beaches in St Ives offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and head to St Ives for a day of fun in the sun! And don’t forget to check out our other Cornwall beach guides for more inspiration on where to spend your days.
