Beaches

‘One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World’

and one of only two Bays in the UK to receive such a title, other Bays in this prestigious club include

Diego Suraz Bay in Madagascar and Puerto Galera Bay in the Phillipines

Carbis Bay Beach | Sea Shells is less than a five minute walk downhill to the magnificent Carbis Bay beach with a mile of golden sands and an ocean of sparkling turquoise sea - the views are breathtaking. A good, safe family holiday beach with lifeguard cover from May to September. There is a shop/cafe, toilets and lots of beach huts (well worth renting!). Just above the beach is Carbis Bay Hotel - a great place to go for lunch away from the Seagulls! Watch out for the dolphins - they can often be seen on their regular crossing of this bay.

Porth Kidney Sands| At low tide you can walk around the rocky edges of Hawkes Point at the east of Carbis Bay beach to another mile and half of golden sand at Porth Kidney Sands, an RSPB Bird Sanctuary. Beware though, if the tide comes back in you will have to walk up through the glorious sand dunes and onto the magnificent South West Coastal Path, taking in the gorgeous scenery whilst walking back.

Porthmeor Beach | (Cornish translation : Big Cove, ‘porth’ meaning cove and ‘meor’ meaning big’)

This gorgeous ‘blue flag’ beach is popular with families and surfers alike. Filled with glorious golden sand offering waves that are suitable for beginners during smaller surf although when the swell is big and the waves come crashing in on the beach the surfers descend from the surrounding areas. Water sports are the order of the day at this almost tropical flavoured location, but you can easily just lie back on the crisp, golden sand and soak up the atmosphere. There are restaurant facilities with lifeguards and surf schools operating during peak season.

Guest Comments

“The angels certainly smiled on us when we came to this place. The apartment is perfect! We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Carbis Bay is beautiful and ideally situated for travel by road or rail to lots of places around. Thank you also for your wonderful, unique welcome” C & J, North Wales

The Harbour Beach is a real suntrap!

Porthminster Beach | This is a very popular family beach, and everyone that visits will understand why Porthminster Beach made it into the Top 10 of Britain’s Favourite View 2007. Nominated by Rolf Harris this large, sheltered ‘blue flag’ beach with views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse has excellent facilities and the back drop of palm trees and sub-tropical shrubs provides a Mediterranean atmosphere. Located immediately below St Ives Railway Station this beach is just a two minute, and very scenic, train journey from Carbis Bay Station. Lunch or dinner comes highly recommended (by chefs such as Rick Stein) at the Porthminster Beach Cafe.

Porthgwidden Beach| This is the smallest beach in St Ives, and is popular with families as it is very sheltered and a bit of a sun trap. Known locally as ‘The Island Beach’ Porthgwidden beach is East facing with lovely soft golden sand. ‘The Island’ is a paradise for bird watchers as it is a stopping off point for migratory birds, which can include unusual and rare species. Seals, dolphins and porpoises can also be seen from here.

The Towans | Head eastwards towards Hayle and you will find The Towans, four miles of golden sandy beaches, stretching from the River Hayle to the lighthouse at Godrevy Point. Behind the Towans are large banks of sand dunes - Hayle Towans, Mexico Towans, Upton Towans and Gwithian Towans. Gwithian Towans is a good all purpose beach, with great surf and lifeguards on duty during summer months. Parking is available amongst the dunes. Surfing lessons available most of the year with Sunset Surf (located in the Cafe opposite the car park). Lifeguard cover and lessons are also available at Godrevy with Gwithian Academy of Surf (G.A.S.).