Porthtowan,
Cornwall
TR4 8AW
Porthtowan
Surfers’ paradise
Porthtowan is one of those perfect beaches in Cornwall – sandy, safe and stunning.
At low tide here there’s a mile and a half of sandy shore, ideal for sandcastle building, and exposed rock pools to explore which makes it a perfect for families with young children. Porthtowan, which translates from the Cornish “Porth Tewyn” as cove of sand, has Blue Flag status and is in a fabulous location, part of an area designated as a Mining World Heritage Site.
The beach is backed by sand dunes and then spectacular cliffs. There are lifeguards in season and the beach has become something of a surfers’ paradise with excellent waves all year round and good facilities for visitors – ample parking (some of it free), shops, cafes and restaurants. An impressive location where big waves and dramatic sunsets have to be seen to be believed.
We love...
Walking from Porthtowan towards Agnes Head across one of Cornwall’s largest remaining heathlands.
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Take some binoculars and you might catch sight of dolphins and seals, even the odd basking shark in the clean waters off Porthtowan. Plenty of wildlife shoreside too – you can walk to Chapel Porth at low tide where much of the coast is in the care of the National Trust.