Sand dunes to play in and level access from the car park make this a good choice for families with young children. You will find a cafe and shop here plus toilets and lifeguards in summer. Its a very popular spot for surfers and can get busy during August.
This is a nice secluded spot where you're usually in with a good chance of catching a few waves.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Loe Bar is a sandbank that formed in the 12th or 13th Century. Strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming here, but it is a popular spot for sea fishing and kite flying, while Loe Pool is a haven for bird watchers. The area is great for walking; particularly the circular walk from Porthleven around Loe Pool.
A wide swathe of sand that draws families here every summer, Praa Sands beach faces south and is said to benefit from the longest sunshine hours of any place in the country. Praa Sands is one of the few south coast bays to enjoy great, consistent waves and as such is a magnet for surfers.
This pretty harbour dates back to the late 1800s and the old net store and pilchard cellar can still be seen there today. It is still a working harbour, now under National Trust ownership. The sea walls protect it from the winds that can whip across from Mount's Bay, making it quite a sheltered spot. Mullion head is a breeding ground for many seabirds.
Lack of facilities makes this lovely, sandy beach a good choice if you are after some peace and quiet. Park in Mullion and walk down from the village.
Just along the coast from the popular beach at Praa Sands, Rinsey is a sand and boulder cove reached down a steep cliff path. The climb is worth it for the stunning views of old mine workings perched on the clifftops. The crags at Trewavas Head are popular with rock climbers.
Park at the National Trust car park and the sandy beach is a short walk away. A shop serving snacks and ice cream is open during the summer months and toilets are available. A popular surfing beach.
Dollar Cove on the Lizard takes its name from the coins that have occasionally been found here from the wreck of a 17th Century ship. Also known as Jangye-ryn. Mostly pebbly, with odd patches of sand.
A lack of facilities make Prussia Cove a tranquil spot even at the height of summer, so if you can live without a beach cafe and loos, this is the one for you. The cove was home to one of Cornwall's most famous smugglers. In the 18th Century, John Carter, known as 'The King of Prussia', used the caves here to stash his smuggled goods. Parking is limited so it's best to get there early during summer. A great spot for snorkelling, the water is crystal clear here. Dogs are allowed year round.
'With miles of stunning Beaches near Porthleven we have listed 20 of the very best beaches Porthleven has to offer. Exclusively reviewed by people who have been there.'
16 August 2026
Sand dunes to play in and level access from the car park make this a good choice for families with young children. You will find a cafe and shop here plus toilets and lifeguards in summer. Its a very popular spot for surfers and can get busy during August.
9 April 2026
This is a nice secluded spot where you're usually in with a good chance of catching a few waves.
14 July 2025
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Loe Bar is a sandbank that formed in the 12th or 13th Century. Strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming here, but it is a popular spot for sea fishing and kite flying, while Loe Pool is a haven for bird watchers. The area is great for walking; particularly the circular walk from Porthleven around Loe Pool.
7 March 2023
A wide swathe of sand that draws families here every summer, Praa Sands beach faces south and is said to benefit from the longest sunshine hours of any place in the country. Praa Sands is one of the few south coast bays to enjoy great, consistent waves and as such is a magnet for surfers.
21 September 2022
This pretty harbour dates back to the late 1800s and the old net store and pilchard cellar can still be seen there today. It is still a working harbour, now under National Trust ownership. The sea walls protect it from the winds that can whip across from Mount's Bay, making it quite a sheltered spot. Mullion head is a breeding ground for many seabirds.
9 April 2022
Lack of facilities makes this lovely, sandy beach a good choice if you are after some peace and quiet. Park in Mullion and walk down from the village.
4 June 2018
Just along the coast from the popular beach at Praa Sands, Rinsey is a sand and boulder cove reached down a steep cliff path. The climb is worth it for the stunning views of old mine workings perched on the clifftops. The crags at Trewavas Head are popular with rock climbers.
19 December 2016
Park at the National Trust car park and the sandy beach is a short walk away. A shop serving snacks and ice cream is open during the summer months and toilets are available. A popular surfing beach.
6 July 2011
Dollar Cove on the Lizard takes its name from the coins that have occasionally been found here from the wreck of a 17th Century ship. Also known as Jangye-ryn. Mostly pebbly, with odd patches of sand.
9 June 2011
A lack of facilities make Prussia Cove a tranquil spot even at the height of summer, so if you can live without a beach cafe and loos, this is the one for you. The cove was home to one of Cornwall's most famous smugglers. In the 18th Century, John Carter, known as 'The King of Prussia', used the caves here to stash his smuggled goods. Parking is limited so it's best to get there early during summer. A great spot for snorkelling, the water is crystal clear here. Dogs are allowed year round.