We’re blessed here in Cornwall with some of the best beaches in Europe, many with fine golden sands, turquoise waters, blue flag status and lifeguarded in summer season. With so many world-class surfing beaches and safe family friendly beaches to choose from on the North Coast, we list our 12 personal favourites along with luxury places to stay in Cornwall perfect for each location.
The Towans, Gwithian
Starting off with our personal favourite stretch of coastline in Cornwall, Gwithian Towans beach is a beautiful large beach that forms part of three miles of beach called The Towans – Cornish for ‘dune’.
From Godrevy beach at the eastern tip of St Ives Bay past Gwithian beach to Hayle Sands, you’ve got fantastic golden sand, rockpools, dramatic cliffs and rolling dunes. Loved by surfers, families (safe with RNLI patrolling all along this stretch of beach in the summer months), walkers (especially those with dogs) and wildlife enthusiasts. Being 3 miles long, you can always find a quiet spot, even on a sunny bank holiday in summer.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations at Gwithian Towans
Gwithian Lookout (3 bedrooms – sleeps 5) – luxury apartment overlooking Gwithian
6 The Dunes (sleeps 4) – stunning eco home with hot tub
Three Mile Beach – a collection of 19 luxury beach houses nestled in the dunes of Gwithian Towans
Constantine Bay
This area of Cornwall boasts some beautiful beaches including Constantine Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Porthcothan Bay, Booby’s Bay, Harlyn Bay, Mother Ivy’s Bay. If you wondering like us what is the difference between a beach and a bay – a bay is a coastal indentation where the land curves inwards, creating a sheltered area with a beach.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations near Constantine Bay
Penrich (sleeps 6) – nestled moments away from the pristine shoreline of Constantine Bay
The Dunes (sleeps 10) – luxury 5 bedroom holiday home
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach in West Cornwall has beautiful golden sand and clear turquoise waters. Porthcurno is often considered one of the best beaches in Cornwall, UK and Europe.
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Turquoise Waters & Fine White Sand: Porthcurno is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and powdery white sand, giving it an almost tropical feel, especially on sunny days.
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Dramatic Cliffs: The beach is framed by dramatic granite cliffs, creating a sheltered cove that enhances its scenic appeal and makes it feel secluded and intimate.
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Minack Theatre: Overlooking the beach is the world-famous Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the ocean while enjoying a performance.
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Historical Significance: Porthcurno played a vital role in global communications history as the landing site of undersea telegraph cables, now celebrated at the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.
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Less Commercialised: Compared to other popular Cornish beaches, Porthcurno remains relatively unspoiled and peaceful, especially outside peak seasons.
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Natural Wildlife Haven: It’s a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with occasional sightings of seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
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Sheltered Cove: The surrounding cliffs help protect the bay from strong winds, making the waters calmer and safer for swimming and paddling.
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Golden Sands Stretch at Low Tide: At low tide, the beach reveals more sandy space, perfect for beach games, rock pooling, and picnics.
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Grab your camera: The contrast of sea, sand, cliffs, and sky makes Porthcurno one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall—perfect for Instagram-worthy shots or personal memories.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations in Porthcurno
Escape – Scandi beach house in Porthcurno, dog friendly (sleeps 5)
Vessacks (Sleeps 8) – panoramic sea views
holidaycottages.co.uk – lots of choice
Polzeath Beach
A favourite of the young elite (including royal visitors), Polzeath is polished, sociable, and perfect for luxury beach escapes. Think boutique rentals and laid-back glamour.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations close to Polzeath
Sykes Holiday Cottages – lots of choice
Holidaycottages.co.uk – lots of choice
Porthcothan Bay
Understated and beautiful, Porthcothan Bay suits travellers wanting a quieter yet luxurious Cornwall experience.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations close to Porthcothan House
Porthcothan House (sleeps 11) – large luxury holiday home on the coast
Holidaycottages.co.uk – lots of choice
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall is a stunning tidal beach famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.
Kynance Cove is very popular for several reasons:
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Turquoise waters and white sand beaches create an almost tropical appearance.
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The dramatic serpentine rock formations and sea stacks make it a visually striking and photogenic location.
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At low tide, the cove reveals hidden caves and rock pools, adding to its charm and exploration opportunities.
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Kynance Cove is famous for its rare serpentine rock, a greenish, polished rock unique to the Lizard area, attracting geology enthusiasts.
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Managed by the National Trust, the cove is well-preserved and clean, offering a peaceful natural environment.
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The surrounding coastal walks, especially along the South West Coast Path, provide breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
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Although it’s a bit of a walk from the car park, Kynance Cove is relatively accessible compared to more remote beaches in Cornwall.
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There is a well-maintained beach café that adds to the visitor experience without spoiling the natural feel.
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The cove’s picture-perfect scenery has made it a favorite on Instagram, travel blogs, and YouTube, boosting its popularity worldwide.
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Kynance Cove has inspired artists, writers, and poets over the centuries, adding a romantic allure to its natural beauty.
Here’s how to time your visit to Kynance Cove for the best experience:
🌊 Best Time of Day
- Low Tide: This is when the beach is at its largest, and you can explore sea caves, arches, and rock pools. Check tide times in advance (they change daily).
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Fewer crowds, softer lighting for photography, and a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Early visits often mean easier parking.
📅 Best Time of Year to visit Kynance Cove
- Spring (April – June): Wildflowers along the coast, fewer tourists than peak summer, and often good weather.
- Late Summer to Early Autumn (September – early October): The sea remains relatively warm, crowds thin out, and sunsets can be spectacular.
- Avoid July & August if possible: These are the busiest months due to school holidays and peak tourism.
✅ Extra Tips
- Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM in peak season to avoid parking issues.
- Use tide timetables specific to Kynance Cove (search for Lizard tides) to plan safely.
- Avoid visiting during or just after stormy weather, as access paths can become slippery or hazardous.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations near Kynance Cove
Villas 1 to 6 (sleeps 6) – 6 luxury villas with sea views
Shearwater (sleeps 4) – hot tub and sea view
Sykes Holiday Cottages – lots of choice
Holiday Cottages – lots of choice
Carbis Bay
Owned by the Carbis Bay Estate, this beach embodies full-service luxury: exclusive lodges, fine dining, and a spa just steps from the sand. Car parking is very limited at Carbis Bay but there is a large car park 10 minutes walk away.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations in Carbis Bay
Lamorna Holiday Home (sleeps 8)
holidaycottages.co.uk – lots of choice
Luxury Coastal – lots of choice for luxury apartments, holiday homes & cottages
Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon is perfect for families seeking a tasteful escape — safe swimming, elegant dunes, and nearby luxury lodging.
🛎️ Luxury Accommodation Recommendations in Treyarnon Bay
Holidaycottages.co.uk – lots of choice
Pedn Vounder
Pedn Vounder gets our vote for one of the most scenic beaches in Cornwall, set among the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. It’s off the beaten track and perfect for those craving for exclusivity and natural beauty, Pedn Vounder is a beautiful spot near Porthcurno and Minack Theatre. To reach Pedn Vounder Beach from Saint Gluvias, you can drive to Treen, park in the car park, and then walk along the coastal path. Alternatively, you can walk from Porthcurno Beach along the South West Coast Path. The path from Porthcurno involves a climb and a rocky, steep descent to the beach. At low tide you can walk across from Porthcurno beach to Pedn Vounder – however be careful as the tide comes in you may face being cut off and climbing up a steep cliff.
🛎️ Luxury Accommodation Recommendations near Pedn Vounder
Luxury Coastal – holiday homes, cottages & apartments
Beachcomber luxury apartment overlooking coast (sleeps 4)
Daymer Bay
Less touristy, more tasteful, Daymer Bay attracts paddleboarders, peace-lovers and golfers. It’s the quiet luxury alternative to nearby Polzeath.
🛎️ Luxury Accommodation Recommendations near Daymer Bay
Greystones luxury holiday home (sleeps 10)
Porthmeor Beach
St Ives has a number of award-winning beautiful beaches with some of the best in Europe. Carbis Bay has already been listed above which is further away from the town of St Ives whilst Porthminster beach and Porthmeor beach are in town.
🛎️ Luxury accommodation recommendations near Porthmeor
Porthmeor Beach House (sleeps 9)
Coast at Peninsula Apartments (sleeps 4)
Lusty Glaze
This private beach near Newquay is an exclusive setting for luxury weddings, beach dinners, or private events. Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, is known for its unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and vibrant culture. Here are some reasons why Lusty Glaze is popular…
🏖️ Secluded Natural Beauty – Nestled within a cove and surrounded by towering 200-foot cliffs, Lusty Glaze offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The beach’s golden sands and clear waters provide a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration. Accessed via 133 steep steps, the journey down adds to its exclusive charm .
🌊 Adventure and Water Sports – The Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre caters to thrill-seekers with activities like surfing, jet skiing, coasteering, and abseiling. This makes it a hotspot for both beginners and seasoned adventurers looking to engage with the sea and cliffs .
🎶 Live Music and Events – The beach transforms into a lively venue during the summer months, hosting events such as the “Lusty Sundowner Sessions” on Wednesday evenings. These free live music nights feature local musicians and create a festive atmosphere against the backdrop of the setting sun .
🍽️ Dining with a View – Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including pizzas, cakes, and hot chocolates, all served with stunning sea views. The beach’s bar and restaurant offer a relaxed dining experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities .
🐾 Family and Dog-Friendly – Lusty Glaze is a family-friendly destination, featuring calm waters suitable for children and rock pools teeming with marine life. Dogs are welcome year-round, allowing the whole family, including furry members, to enjoy the beach together .
🏆 Recognised Excellence – In 2017, The Sunday Times named Lusty Glaze as the “Beach of the Year,” highlighting its exceptional qualities and appeal .
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a picturesque spot to enjoy live music and good food, Lusty Glaze Beach offers a unique and memorable coastal experience.
🛎️ Luxury Accommodation Recommendations near Lusty Glaze
15 Lusty Glaze luxury holiday home (Sleeps 8)
Saltwater, One lusty glaze luxury apartment (Sleeps 6)
Luxury hotels close to Lusty Glaze
✨ Luxury places to stay in Cornwall
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