Sandy Beaches in St Ives
4 sandy beaches in St Ives - golden sands, white shell beaches, and broad sweeps of sand for building castles and soaking up the sun.
Cornwall has more sandy beaches per mile of coastline than almost anywhere in Britain. The north coast tends toward broad, open sandy bays backed by dunes, while the south coast hides smaller sandy coves between headlands. Sand colour varies from golden to white depending on the local geology - the shell sand beaches around St Ives and Hayle are particularly fine. At low tide, many of these beaches extend significantly, giving you acres of space even in peak summer.
Porthgwidden Beach
st ives
Small sheltered beach in St Ives between the harbour and Island headland. Calm water, beach hut hire, and a café with bay views. Safe for families.
Porthmeor Beach
st ives
Atlantic-facing surf beach in St Ives with consistent swell, surf hire and lessons. Below Tate St Ives, lifeguarded in season. Best town surf break.
Porthminster Beach
st ives
South-facing calm water beach in St Ives sheltered from Atlantic swell. Award-winning beachfront café, safe swimming for families, lifeguarded.
St Ives Harbour Beach
st ives
Town beach in St Ives harbour with views of fishing boats and yachts, sheltered by Smeaton's Pier. Clear water, all amenities, vibrant Cornish setting.
Places to Stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many sandy beaches are there in St Ives?
- We list 4 sandy beaches in St Ives, out of 107 total beaches. Each beach page includes directions, a map, facilities information, and nearby accommodation.
- Which are the best sandy beaches in St Ives?
- All 4 beaches on this page match the "sandy" criteria. 3 of them have lifeguard cover during summer. 4 have parking nearby. Browse the full list below - each beach page has detailed information, photos, and a map.
- Where can I stay near sandy beaches in St Ives?
- Each beach page shows holiday cottages and properties within walking distance. You can also browse all places to stay in St Ives to find the right base for your beach holiday.
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