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Cornwall is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK – and arguably in Europe. With turquoise waters, soft golden sand, dramatic granite cliffs and picturesque seaside towns, it’s no surprise Cornwall remains one of Britain’s most beloved holiday destinations.
Whether you’re planning a family beach break, a surfing holiday, a romantic getaway or a coastal walking weekend, Cornwall offers an incredible variety of beaches to explore with a top selection of Cornwall sea view cottages to choose from. From wild Atlantic-facing bays to sheltered coves and long sweeping sands, this guide covers the top 10 beaches in Cornwall, why they stand out, and which are best for swimming, surfing, families, sunsets and more.
1. Kynance Cove (The Lizard)
Best for: Scenery, photography, couples, swimming (at low tide)
Why it’s one of Cornwall’s best:
Kynance Cove is often described as the most beautiful beach in Cornwall – and it’s easy to see why. With white sand, bright turquoise water, and dramatic dark-red serpentine rock formations rising from the bay, it looks more like a Mediterranean lagoon than a British beach.
At low tide, the cove opens into a maze of caves, islands, pools and sandbars, making it an unforgettable place to explore. It can get busy in peak summer, but the beauty is unmatched.
Tips:
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Visit early for quieter conditions
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Best experienced at LOW tide
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Café and toilets available via a clifftop walk
2. Porthcurno Beach (Near Land’s End)
Best for: Families, crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, swimming
Porthcurno regularly appears in lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches – and it deserves its reputation. Backed by high granite cliffs and featuring fine, pale sand and unbelievably clear water, Porthcurno is breathtaking in calm conditions.
Adding to its magic is the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliffs above the bay. The view from the theatre alone would make this beach famous.
Why people love it:
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Sheltered bay ideal for swimming
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Caribbean-like water on sunny days
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Iconic viewpoint from the Minack
3. Fistral Beach (Newquay)
Best for: Surfing, energy, nightlife, beach bars
Fistral is Cornwall’s surfing capital, home to consistent waves, international competitions, surf schools, board hire and buzzing nightlife. It’s everything you’d expect from a world-famous surf beach.
But Fistral in Newquay isn’t just for surfers. Families love the long sandy beach, lifeguards and facilities. There are great places to eat and drink, including beach bars overlooking perfect sunset views.
Highlights:
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Best beginner-to-pro surfing beach in the UK
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Lively atmosphere with restaurants and bars
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Huge sandy beach perfect for big groups
4. Perranporth Beach
Best for: Long walks, sand dunes, dog-friendly days, sunsets
Perranporth is one of the largest beaches in Cornwall, stretching for nearly three miles at low tide. It’s incredible for long walks, exploring the dunes, sandcastle building and even horse riding.
What makes Perranporth unique is The Watering Hole, a well-known pub and events venue set right on the sand – the UK’s only true “beach bar”.
Why it ranks so highly:
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Excellent surf
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Great for dogs year-round
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Huge flat sand at low tide
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Perfect for families
5. Carbis Bay Beach (St Ives)
Best for: Families, calm water, swimming, paddle-boarding
Carbis Bay is one of Cornwall’s only true sheltered, calm-water beaches, thanks to the protective headlands and is regularly awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness and abundant facilities. The sand is soft and pale; the sea is bright turquoise; and the beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, SUP and beginner water-sports.
Carbis Bay gained global attention when it hosted the G7 Summit, further proving its world-class appeal.
Why families love it:
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Very calm water
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Blue Flag water quality
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Easy access + good facilities
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Close to St Ives
6. Watergate Bay (Near Newquay)
Best for: Foodies, surfing, huge sandy beach
Watergate Bay is vast, open and dramatic, ideal for Cornwall beach holidays – popular with surfers, kite surfers, dog walkers and beach lovers who appreciate space. This hidden gem in Cornwall is backed by high cliffs and home to excellent restaurants, including beachside eateries with spectacular views.
What makes it special:
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Huge sandy bay (2 miles)
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Trendy, upscale vibe
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Surf schools + kite-surf lessons
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Great cafés overlooking the ocean
7. Porthmeor Beach (St Ives)
Best for: Art lovers, swimmers, surfers
Porthmeor in St Ives is not just beautiful – it’s culturally iconic. Located directly beside Tate St Ives, this Blue Flag beach blends surf culture with art and architecture. With its clean surf, sheltered corners and golden soft sand, it’s a favourite for families and couples alike.
Why it’s top-tier:
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Lifeguards in summer
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A great blend of surf + calm swimming areas
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Tate St Ives directly behind the beach
8. Porthminster Beach (St Ives)
Best for: Calm swimming, scenic dining, families
Just a 10-minute walk from St Ives Harbour, Porthminster is more sheltered than Porthmeor and has a more tropical, palm-lined feel. The water is calm, protected and often crystal clear.
Visiting the award-winning Porthminster Beach Café is a great way to spend some time in St Ives and is one of the best beachfront restaurants in Cornwall, making it ideal for food lovers.
Top features:
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Gentle waves + safe for children
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Great eating options
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Wide, sandy and immaculately maintained
9. Polzeath Beach (North Cornwall)
Best for: Surfing beginners, families, safe waves
Polzeath is widely regarded as one of the best beginner surf beaches in Cornwall. It has long, slow, rolling waves, plenty of surf schools, and a shallow gradient that makes falling off a board far less intimidating.
The village has a relaxed, sporty vibe with cafes and shops geared towards active beachgoers.
Why it’s in the top 10:
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Excellent for learning to surf
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Spacious and family-friendly
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Good parking, facilities and village amenities
10. Sennen Cove (Near Land's End)
Best for: Surfing, sunsets, natural beauty
Right at the edge of Cornwall near Land’s End, Sennen Cove feels wild, open and stunning. With its long sandy stretch, turquoise water and reliable Atlantic waves, it’s beloved by surfers, artists and photographers.
On clear evenings, Sennen Cove has some of the best sunsets in the UK.
Reasons it’s a must-visit:
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Beautiful long beach
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Great surf + lifeguards
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Café views and coastal walks
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Incredible sunsets
Which Cornwall Beach Is Best for You?
Best for families:
- Carbis Bay
- Porthminster
- Perranporth
Best for surfing:
- Fistral
- Polzeath
- Sennen Cove
- Watergate Bay
Best for couples:
- Kynance Cove
- Porthcurno
- Porthmeor
Best for dramatic scenery:
- Kynance Cove
- Valley of the Rocks (near Lynton, across the border)
- Hartland Quay (Devon/Cornwall border)
Best hidden bays:
- Nanjizal Bay in Penzance (not in top 10 list but worth noting!)
- Pedn Vounder also in Penzance
Where to Stay: Cottages by the Sea in Cornwall
If you’re planning a beach holiday, staying near the coast makes all the difference.
Explore handpicked properties here:
You’ll find:
- Sea view cottages
- Beachfront apartments
- Dog-friendly stays
- Family-sized homes
- Romantic coastal boltholes
Perfect for turning a day on these beaches into an unforgettable seaside escape.
Final Thoughts
Cornwall’s beaches are some of the finest in the UK – wild, beautiful, varied and endlessly photogenic. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, scenic walks or simply a quiet place to unwind beside the ocean, there is a beach in Cornwall that’s perfect for you. For a memorable stay we recommend you check out our handpicked list of the 20 best cottages in Cornwall, all of which are located next to the beach.
This top 10 list highlights the absolute best, but Cornwall has dozens more waiting to be explored.