St Ives, a picturesque harbour town nestled in the far west of Cornwall, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re looking for a bustling family-friendly beach, a tranquil cove to escape the crowds or a beach that offers water sports and adventure, St Ives beaches have it all and to suit every taste.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 7 best beaches near St Ives, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
Best St Ives Beaches
7 Best Beaches Near St Ives
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach, located just a short walk from St Ives’ town centre, is a stunning Blue Flag sandy beach that stretches along St Ives Bay. With its excellent surf school, this beach is popular among surfers and bodyboarders and is one of my favourite beaches in St Ives.
The nearby Tate St Ives Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offer unique cultural experiences, making St Ives Porthmeor Beach an excellent destination for a full day of seaside fun and art exploration.
Porthminster Beach
Porthminster Beach, situated just a 10-minute walk from St Ives’ town centre, is a beautiful beach with golden sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for families.
The nearby Porthminster Café, known for its delicious seafood, offers refreshments and fantastic sea views, making this beach an ideal spot for a relaxed day by the sea.
This beach is one of the top golden beaches in the area and a favourite beach for enjoying the seaside.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay, located about a 10-minute drive from St Ives harbour, is a beautiful sheltered Blue Flag beach. With its calm waters, this beach is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
The nearby Carbis Bay village offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and a train station, making it an excellent destination for a full day of seaside enjoyment.
Gwithian Beach
Gwithian Beach, situated about a 20-minute drive from St Ives harbour, is a stunning sandy beach backed by sand dunes and a nature reserve.
This beach is popular among surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers for its excellent waves and wind conditions.
The nearby Godrevy Café offers refreshments and fantastic sea views, making this beach an ideal spot for a day of adventure and relaxation.
Porthgwidden Beach
Porthgwidden Beach, located in walking distance from St Ives’ town centre, is a small, sheltered sandy cove beach that offers a sense of seclusion and tranquillity.
The nearby Porthgwidden Beach Café offers refreshments and stunning sea views, making this beach an excellent destination for a peaceful day by the sea.
Lelant Beach (Porth Kidney Sands)
Lelant Beach, also known as Porthkidney Beach, is situated about a 15-minute drive from St Ives Bay. This beautiful, secluded sandy beach offers a sense of tranquillity and is great for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
With low tide, open spaces and sand dunes, Lelant Beach is also a popular spot for dog walkers, as dogs are allowed on the beach year-round.
Accessible via a short walk from Lelant Saltings train station or a footpath through the sand dunes, this is one of the most beautiful beaches and is an ideal destination for a peaceful day by the sea. Please note that there are no facilities at this beach, so come prepared with all your beach essentials.
Hayle Towans Beach
Hayle Towans Beach, located about a 20-minute drive from St Ives, is a stunning sandy beach backed by sand dunes and a nature reserve.
The nearby town of Hayle offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and a train station, making it an excellent destination for a full day of seaside fun.
Final Thoughts
The beaches near St Ives offer a diverse range of seaside experiences, from bustling family-friendly shores to serene hidden coves. With its picturesque scenery, vibrant arts scene, and ample attractions, St Ives is the perfect base for exploring the best beaches in Cornwall.
So, pack your beach essentials and prepare to discover the 7 best beaches near St Ives for an unforgettable coastal adventure!
The southern area of Cornwall is a great place for top beaches. If you’re after a great choice similar to St Ives, you’ll find great beaches near Penzance or Newquay.
FAQs
What is the most popular beach in St Ives?
Harbour beach is usually the most popular of the beaches in St Ives and is a perfect little spot for a day by the sea. If you’re looking for a long sandy beach, that’s great for surfing, the beach at Porthmeor is a very good choice.
What is the nearest beach to St Ives town?
The nearest beach to St Ives town is the brilliant Portmeor. You’re also got Porthwigdden Beach, Bamaluz Beach and St Ives Harbour Beach. Just outside of St Ives, you alos have the very popular Porthminster Beach, which offers plenty of sand and sea to enjoy.
What is the quietest beach in St Ives?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Bamaluz Beach is one of the best places to chill out and enjoy a more peacful beach trip. Unlike the more popular beaches such as St Ives Harbour Beach, Bamaluz is a hideen spot that’s away from the busy centre of town.
Is St Ives very busy?
During peak Summer season, the Cornwish town, St Ives, does get very busy with toursists and holiday makers looking to enjoy the great beaches and pretty coastal walks.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at Lifes Beaches. He’s lived near a beach his whole life and loves exploring other great places to enjoy the sun and the sea. He’s a keen surfer and enjoys finding hidden beach spots to catch the best waves.
