The beaches
The Bay of St Ives has more than its fair share of beaches and for fifty miles along the length of Cornish coastline there are magnificent open stretches of silky white and glowing sands. They are clean too, the West Cornwall area can boast probably the cleanest bathing waters in Western Europe. There are award-winning beaches at Porthminster and Porthmeor which measure up to the European Commission guidelines through South West Waters ambitious programme. Each beach has its own charm and appeal; there are busy family beaches to popular watersports venues and wide-open flat sands and tucked away hidden suntraps. Most of the beaches employ fully qualified RNLI Lifeguards during the summer months.
The Town
St Ives is renowned for its cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, art galleries, beaches and stunning scenery. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend away, a relaxing week on the beach, or an energetic mix of surfing, golf, walking or diving there is something here for you.
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Fine golden sand, crystal clear water. Awake to the gulls cry, dress quickly and jog down the cool granite streets for a solitary early morning walk along the beach. A strange ripple, a little nose - a seal pops up in the harbour to say hello and to hold court with the intrigued throng. Dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks in the Bay, a myriad of little undersea worlds of shrimp, crab and anemone, rock pools to explore in timeless fashion. A precious twinkling jewel, sparkling colours, wonderful friendly people.